Affinity Groups

A Safe(r) Space for PresbyQueerians

LEADER: Chaplain Tim Haworth, (PCUSA’s Advocacy Committee for Q+ Equity)

LOCATION: Room L020

This group is designed to provide a space where people who identify as part of the Queer spectrum will feel safe and even a little courageous. It will give you the opportunity to meet other queer Presbyterians and see that you are not alone. Those who join us can bring questions, share stories, make helpful connections, and be as open as you want to be in a judgement free zone.

This group is only for those who identify as part of the Queer spectrum (including but not limited to LGBTQIA+, non-binary, two spirit, pansexual, genderfluid, etc.). This includes anyone who is “out”, “in”, or questioning. We love and appreciate our straight friends and allies, but this space is designed to be an opportunity for queer folks to focus on their needs.

Dreaming Wide Awake: Conversations with Women in Leadership

LEADER: Kelsey Law (she/her), Vice Moderator of Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA)
Mienda Uriarte, Deputy Executive Director, Interim United Agency, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Cheri Harper, Program Director, Presbyterian Women, Presbyterian Church (USA)

LOCATION: Room L028

What does it look like to support the mission of the church through the lens of gender identity? How can we grow within our church communities? How do we engage in community?

Join Dreaming Wide Awake, an affinity group hosted by Presbyterian Women in the PC(USA), where we’ll join in conversation and explore what it means to lead, serve, and shape the future of the church as young women of faith. This space is for all who are curious about how women and young women have been and continue to be powerful leaders in the life and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Through storytelling, conversation, and creativity, we’ll connect spaces of mission engagement, advocacy and justice to the fresh, bold energy of youth leadership today.

All Are Invited: Youth, Young Adult and Adults of all gender identities are welcome, with a focus on uplifting young women and girls who feel called to leadership in faith communities. This group is an invitation to discover a space & platform where your voice is amplified, your gifts are inspiring, & your story helps shape movements within the PC(USA).

Gather at the Well – A Space for Black girls and women to connect, reflect and lead with purpose!

LEADER: Destini Hodges (she/her), Mngr, Young Adult Volunteer Pgrm & Natarsha Sanders (she/her), Assoc. for Leadership Dev for People of Color

LOCATION: Room L027

What does it mean to thrive as Black girls and women of faith within the church? How do we honor the wisdom of our ancestors while building new pathways of leadership, joy, and justice? How can we show up fully in our bril- liance, our questions, and our creativity as leaders in the life of the church?

Rooted in the power of shared story and collective care, this space affirms the lived experiences of Black women and girls while inviting honest dialogue, spiritual formation, and vision casting. Together, we will explore what it means to be Black, woman, and called at the intersection of faith and liberation.

In this sacred space, we will celebrate our leadership, confront challenges, and dream boldly about what the future of the church can be when shaped by the voices and gifts of Black women and girls. Through storytelling, creativity, & com- munity, we will cultivate a place of rest, resistance, & renewal. This space is for you! Whether you’re discerning a call to leadership, searching for community, or simply longing for a space where you are seen and heard, you are welcome here.

Raíces y Alas: Un Espacio de Afinidad para Hispanohablantes en la Iglesia

LEADER: Lisett Cruz (ella) y James Martin (él)

LOCATION: Room L030

¿Qué significa florecer como personas hispanohablantes de fe dentro de la iglesia? ¿Cómo honramos la sabiduría de nuestras raíces culturales y espirituales mientras construimos nuevos caminos hacia el liderazgo, la esperanza y la justicia? ¿Cómo podemos presentarnos plenamente—con nuestras preguntas, dones y creatividad—como líderes en la vida de la iglesia?

Raíces y Alas es un espacio de afinidad creado para personas hispanohablantes que desean conectarse, reflexionar y liderar con propósito. Arraigado en el poder de la historia compartida y el cuidado colectivo, este espacio afirma las experiencias vividas de nuestras comunidades mientras invita al diálogo sincero, la formación espiritual y la construcción de visiones transformadoras.

En este espacio sagrado, celebraremos nuestro liderazgo, enfrentaremos los desafíos, y soñaremos con valentía sobre lo que puede ser la iglesia cuando está moldeada por las voces, dones y culturas de personas hispanohablantes. A través de la narración, la creatividad y la comunidad, cultivaremos un lugar de descanso, resistencia y renovación.

Este espacio es para ti. Ya sea que estés discerniendo un llamado al liderazgo, buscando comunidad, o simplemente an- helando un lugar donde ser plenamente visto/a y escuchado/a, eres bienvenido/a aquí.

Roots and Wings: An Affinity Space for Spanish Speakers in the Church

LEADER: Lisett Cruz (she/her) & James Martin (he/him)

LOCATION: Room L030

What does it mean to thrive as Spanish-speaking people of faith within the church? How do we honor the wisdom of our cultural and spiritual roots while building new pathways toward leadership, hope, and justice? How can we show up fully—with our questions, gifts, and creativity—as leaders in the life of the church?

Roots and Wings is an affinity space created for Spanish speakers seeking to connect, reflect, and lead with purpose. Rooted in the power of shared story and collective care, this space affirms the lived experiences of our communities while inviting honest dialogue, spiritual formation, and transformative visioning.

In this sacred space, we will celebrate our leadership, confront challenges, and boldly dream about what the church can become when shaped by the voices, gifts, and cultures of Spanish-speaking people. Through storytelling, creativity, and community, we will cultivate a place of rest, resistance, and renewal.

This space is for you. Whether you’re discerning a call to leadership, searching for community, or simply longing for a space where you are fully seen and heard, you are welcome here.

Rooted in Heritage, Growing in Faith – African Immigrants in the PC(USA)

LEADER: Lisett Cruz (she/her) & James Martin (he/him)

LOCATION: Room L030

What does it mean to thrive as Spanish-speaking people of faith within the church? How do we honor the wisdom of our cultural and spiritual roots while building new pathways toward leadership, hope, and justice? How can we show up fully—with our questions, gifts, and creativity—as leaders in the life of the church?

Roots and Wings is an affinity space created for Spanish speakers seeking to connect, reflect, and lead with purpose. Rooted in the power of shared story and collective care, this space affirms the lived experiences of our communities while inviting honest dialogue, spiritual formation, and transformative visioning.

In this sacred space, we will celebrate our leadership, confront challenges, and boldly dream about what the church can become when shaped by the voices, gifts, and cultures of Spanish-speaking people. Through storytelling, creativity, and community, we will cultivate a place of rest, resistance, and renewal.

This space is for you. Whether you’re discerning a call to leadership, searching for community, or simply longing for a space where you are fully seen and heard, you are welcome here.

The Hip-Hop Collective: A safe space for the Black man

LEADER: Steffan Johnson (He/him), Mission Specialist of the Young Adult Volunteer Program

LOCATION: Room L017

Sacred “against” secular music. Theologically, what are you hearing? How can our music prepare us for tomorrow? Is our music healing us –or harming us?

Join The Hip-Hop Collective: A safe space for a Black man, an affinity group. In this group, there will be a con- versation about the music of black culture and its history. In this conversation, we will share what it means to be Black men in America, how we can help each other daily, and storytelling, so that our voice will be heard amongst brothers. This space is for any Black men looking for great conversation, to share wisdom, or simply to listen. And of course, there will be [clean] rap music.

Those identifying as Black men of any age are welcome. Whether you’re a longtime fan, an artist, or simply someone who finds meaning in the music and movement—you belong here. We honor the full spectrum of Black male identity and invite open, respectful conversation across generations.