Fisher Feminist Alliance Engages in National Leadership Conference in D.C.

The Fisher Feminist Alliance (FFA) took its mission of advocacy and education beyond the St. John Fisher University campus this semester with a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the National Young Feminist Leadership Conference, hosted by the Feminist Majority Foundation.

For FFA President Kiara Green ’27, the trip was a milestone in the organization’s growth and commitment to fostering inclusion, awareness, and real-world impact.

Educating and Empowering Through Intersectional Feminism

“The mission of FFA is to educate others on intersectional feminism and create a safe, inclusive environment where all can learn, grow, and discover their place in the movement,” Green explained. “This year, we also want to emphasize that feminism isn’t exclusive to women and to combat some common misconceptions through education.”

Green’s personal journey with feminism began in the classroom. After attending an FFA event with friends, she became involved as an event coordinator and eventually stepped into the president role. “It just felt natural to step up,” she said.

FFA encourages students of all genders to engage in advocacy through events, social media posts, and resources that address bias and foster understanding. This semester, the group has hosted several events, highlighted community initiatives, and celebrated strong women often overlooked by society through its Feminist Fridays series.

National Leadership Conference in D.C.

 This year, FFA members also attended the National Young Feminist Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., building on last year’s inaugural experience. Members participated in workshops and panels on gender equity, intersectional policy, and leadership, and met with congressional staff to discuss issues affecting students and the broader community.

“Attending the conference was incredibly informative,” Green said. “We learned more about global feminism, advocacy campaigns, and the many ways people connect with movements worldwide. It was also inspiring to meet other student leaders and see how campus advocacy can translate to national impact.”

Intersectional Collaboration on Campus

FFA emphasizes collaboration as part of its intersectional mission. “Feminism impacts people differently, especially women of color,” Green explained. “Working with other clubs helps us show support and ensure that every voice is seen and heard. These stories serve a crucial purpose in the feminist movement.”

The organization also engages students through social media, highlighting feminist role models and sharing resources. “Feminist Fridays are a way to educate our peers on past and present leaders who have made an impact,” Green said.

Looking Ahead

With the D.C. experience complete, Green hopes the knowledge and connections gained will inspire members to continue building on what they’ve learned.
“Our goal in attending the conference was to expand our understanding of advocacy and see how our work at Fisher connects to larger national conversations,” she said. “It gave us the chance to learn directly from activists and leaders who are creating real change.”

Green shared that FFA hopes to make the trip an annual initiative, allowing future members to experience the same inspiration and empowerment. However, continued participation depends on securing consistent funding and support.

“Last year, we were only able to bring a few members because of budget limitations,” Green explained. “We’re hopeful that with additional funding and collaboration, more students will have the opportunity to take part in future conferences.”

As FFA looks ahead, the organization remains committed to expanding its advocacy, strengthening its presence on campus, and ensuring that Fisher students continue to have opportunities to engage with national movements for gender equity.