Empowerment Through Lived Experience
Join us to explore solutions and engage with community leaders.
This years conference will take place in sunny Colorado Springs!!
​
The conference will be free of charge, all are welcome!
​
We will have 4 amazing speakers leading half day work shops.
​
July 25th-Michael Giovanis and Kristen Lovell will ground us in advocacy and activism.
​
July 26th- Maria Foscarinis and Liz Murray will inspire us with their tales of triumph and give us actionable steps to take home!
​
The conference will be located at Hyatt Place Colorado Springs-Downtown.
​
Workshops are from 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm each day.
Due to federal cuts lunch will not be provided.
Our Summit Experience
Join Us
Rooted in Reality hosts an annual summit focused on empowering voices impacted by homelessness.
Our Mission
We prioritize the leadership and knowledge of individuals with lived experiences through workshops, panels, and networking. Together, we aim to foster community, advocacy, and lasting empowerment.
Conference Registration
Please complete the form to RSVP. We will send an email with all the details!
Meet Our Speakers
Our expert speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the summit.
Kristen Lovell
Activist and Filmmaker
A trans activist and filmmaker, Kristen experienced homelessness as a teen and has since co-directed the award-winning HBO documentary The Stroll, focusing on trans sex workers’ stories.
Session: “Narrating Our Own Stories: Media, Representation & Power”
A workshop on reclaiming narrative control, creative agency, and representation in film and media.
.jpg)
Michael Giovanis
Policy Expert
Michael leverages his lived experience (noted via advocacy work, including statewide Hill Days with the National Alliance to End Homelessness) to guide nonprofits and government toward centering people with direct experience.
Session: “From Street to Strategy: Building Effective Advocacy with Lived Experience”
A deep dive into how to plan and implement advocacy campaigns that are led by and truly elevate people with lived experience.
Maria Foscarinis
Retired
BFounder of the National Homelessness Law Center and architect of the landmark McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Maria has spent over three decades shaping U.S. housing policy.
Session: “Law as Leverage: Turning Policy into Possibility”
Explores how legal frameworks and policy advocacy can be harnessed by those with lived experience to create equitable change.
Liz Murray
Author
Once homeless at age 15, Liz transformed her life—earning degrees from Harvard, becoming a bestselling author (Breaking Night), TEDx speaker, and leading voices in youth mentoring.
Session: “Transformation Through Education: Turning Lived Experience Into Leadership”
Liz shares how education and storytelling can empower personal and community transformation