2026 FL NOW State Conference: Feminists Fight Fascism

Meet & Greet Reception at Hotel with Feminist Candidates and Community Leaders

Esther Sanni, President of the St. Petersburg Branch of the NAACP was our first speaker of the night

Julie Kent, FL NOW President announced activist awards.

Morning Speaker: Keynote Speaker:  David Jolly

• At the Table, Not on the Menu: What does it mean for feminists to not just be represented, but to actively shape the decisions that impact our lives? In this panel, feminist candidates shared their experiences navigating politics, challenging the status quo, and working to turn community needs into real policy change. Panelists: Rene Flowers / Moderator, Kyandra Darling, Caprice Edmond, and Jennifer Webb
• The Future of Feminism in Florida and Beyond: This panel explores the urgent issues shaping our present and future as we collectively build a strong, intersectional feminist movement in Florida and beyond. Together, panelists shared how feminism must respond to rising censorship, sex stigma, white supremacy, attacks on bodily autonomy, and the ongoing erosion of democratic rights. Panelists: Luna Plaza / Moderator, Jamie Clinton, Cortes Marià Lewis, Miss Mei, and Kim Villanueva

Workshops:

• Religious Freedom as a Feminist Value –  Led by Laura Rodriguez, Florida Organizer for Jews for a Secular Democracy and State Policy Advocate for the National Council of Jewish Women
• From Book Bans to Bodily Bans – Led by Laura Rodriguez, Florida Organizer for Jews for a Secular Democracy and State Policy Advocate for the National Council of Jewish Women
• Mutual Aid and Partnering with Others – Led by Stephie Paviscak, Lee County NOW 
• Equal Rights: The Amendment is Still Missing –Led by Toni Van Pelt, West Pinellas NOW
• DIY Zine Making – Led by Kaitlyn Kirk, Florida NOW Communications Director
• Tap and Talk & Local Organizing Led by Mary McMullen
• Talking with Feminists About the Nordic Model: What Real Safety Looks Like – Led by Alex Andrews, Orlando NOW Secretary
• Breaking Out of Our Silos: Building Connection Accross Difference  – Led by Julie Kent, FL NOW President
• Introducing VAT for GOTV Actions – Led by Debbie Deland, FL NOW Vice President
• Reviewing the THREE 2026 Florida Constitutional Amendments – Led by Heidi Davis, LWV
• Black Maternal Health: Birth Justice & Health Equity Workshop – Led by Cortés Marià Lewis, Southern Birth Justice Network
• Civic & Election Participation Education – Led by Karen Mullins, National NOW Board Member 

Silent Auction

Saturday evening: Banned Books Bingo!

Bylaws changes, Resolutions, Officer Reports and other FL NOW Business

Kim Villanueva, NOW President, Closing Comments

Julie Kent, FL NOW President, Closing Remarks