"Intersecting Paths: My Journey Alongside My Birth Mother" delves into the unique and evolving relationship between an adult adoptee and her birth mother within an open, transracial adoption journey. A narrative woven with moments of deep connection, personal and comparative growth, and the navigation of complex challenges. Through a candid exploration of life’s pivotal moments, Maddi will share insights into how divergent paths have intersected with love, understanding, and mutual support, shaping both individual and shared experiences. The discussion will extend beyond personal stories to address larger themes of identity, cultural navigation, and the nuances of open adoption dynamics. Attendees are encouraged to engage, share their questions, and foster a rich dialogue. This session aims to illuminate the profound bonds and lessons learned through an adoptee’s perspective, offering hope, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the adoption experience.

About Maddi
At just 20 years old, Maddi Ashley brings a decade of public speaking to the table, having started sharing her adoption journey at just age 11.

Maddi's commitment to community and global outreach is evident in her notable achievements. She is a proud alumnus of the prestigious Youth Ambassadors program, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State aimed at empowering young leaders. Further showcasing her dedication to education and cross-cultural communication, Maddi has earned her CELTA—a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages—from the esteemed Cambridge University.

Her advocacy work and insightful perspectives on race and identity were notably recognized in Michele Norris's "Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity." Maddi's contributions to this work illustrate her deep engagement with and thoughtful analysis of the complex tapestry of American identity and the nuanced conversations that shape our understanding of ourselves and others.

Beyond her academic and advocacy endeavors, Maddi has also contributed her talents and time as a youth counselor for Tempo Music Camp. This non-profit organization holds a special place in her heart, offering a nurturing and creative space for girls, trans, and non-binary youth aged 12-18 to explore and grow through music.

When not teaching, or mentoring, Maddi indulges in her passions for playing music, crafting beautiful pieces of jewelry, and enjoying time in nature. With her multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication to making a difference, Maddi Ashley is set to provide a compelling and insightful presentation on "Intersecting Paths: My Journey Alongside My Birth Mother," drawing from her deeply personal experience.