Secular Student Alliance National Conference

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Join us for the 2025 summer leadership conference!
University of Cincinnati | July 17-19, 2025

The Secular Student Alliance National Conference is the largest gathering of secular students in the country. It brings together students and the wider secular community for an unforgettable weekend of inspiring speakers, grassroots organizing, leadership training, and a proudly secular perspective.

Registration now closed - see you in Cincinnati!

For questions regarding registration, travel, housing, or other logistical details, please contact us at organizers@secularstudentalliance.org. We look forward to welcoming students from across the country in just a few short weeks.

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2025 Conference Speakers and Presenters

Conference speakers and presenters will be updated regularly.

Sasha Sagan (she/her) is the author of the internationally critically acclaimed book For Small Creatures Such As We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World. Her essays and interviews on death, history, and ritual through a secular lens have appeared in The Cut, O, the Oprah Magazine, Parents, and beyond. On her podcast, Strange Customs, Sasha explores the idiosyncrasies and history of human culture with celebrities and scholars alike. She regularly speaks in the U.S. and abroad about the ways science can inform our traditions and expand our sense of wonder.
Sasha Sagan (she/her) is the author of the internationally critically acclaimed book For Small Creatures Such As We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World. Her essays and interviews on death, history, and ritual through a secular lens have appeared in The Cut, O, the Oprah Magazine, Parents, and beyond. On her podcast, Strange Customs, Sasha explores the idiosyncrasies and history of human culture with celebrities and scholars alike. She regularly speaks in the U.S. and abroad about the ways science can inform our traditions and expand our sense of wonder.

Sasha Sagan

Fish Stark is an organizer, educator, social entrepreneur, and lifelong humanist. Fish has spent his career turning big ideas into bold action in service of belonging, flourishing, and social justice for all people. Prior to joining the AHA as Executive Director, Fish was the Head of Program + Curriculum at Legends, an educational technology startup, where he created products that helped children build positive mental health.
Fish Stark (he/him) is an organizer, educator, social entrepreneur, and lifelong humanist. Fish has spent his career turning big ideas into bold action in service of belonging, flourishing, and social justice for all people. Prior to joining the AHA as Executive Director, Fish was the Head of Program + Curriculum at Legends, an educational technology startup, where he created products that helped children build positive mental health.

Fish Stark

Forrest Valkai (he/him) is a biologist and science communicator known for his infectious enthusiasm and boundless love for life. Renowned for his engaging presence on YouTube and TikTok, his dynamic presentations at conferences and conventions, and hosting shows like SkepTalk and The Atheist Experience, Forrest brings together captivating science lessons, thought-provoking discussions on skepticism, and heartfelt advocacy for social progress.
Forrest Valkai (he/him) is a biologist and science communicator known for his infectious enthusiasm and boundless love for life. Renowned for his engaging presence on YouTube and TikTok, his dynamic presentations at conferences and conventions, and hosting shows like SkepTalk and The Atheist Experience, Forrest brings together captivating science lessons, thought-provoking discussions on skepticism, and heartfelt advocacy for social progress.

Forrest Valkai

Arden Hart (she/her) is a trans rights activist and reptile enthusiast first and foremost. She grew up in a staunchly conservative town and her family was involved in a non-denominational charismatic church for much of her early life. Despite that upbringing—or perhaps because of it—she became aware of her trans identity from an early age. That was one of the most consequential forces that knocked over the first domino in her deconversion and laid the path to where she is today, a brazen atheist, skeptic, humanist, and defender of trans rights.
Arden Hart (she/her) is a trans rights activist and reptile enthusiast first and foremost. She grew up in a staunchly conservative town and her family was involved in a non-denominational charismatic church for much of her early life. Despite that upbringing—or perhaps because of it—she became aware of her trans identity from an early age. That was one of the most consequential forces that knocked over the first domino in her deconversion and laid the path to where she is today, a brazen atheist, skeptic, humanist, and defender of trans rights.

Arden Hart

Evan Clark (he/him) is an award-winning atheist community organizer with over 15 years experience tinkering with secular communities. He is currently the Executive Director of Atheists United in Los Angeles, CA, the Southern California State Director for American Atheists, and a Board Member for the American Humanist Association.
Evan Clark (he/him) is an award-winning atheist community organizer with over 15 years experience tinkering with secular communities. He is currently the Executive Director of Atheists United in Los Angeles, CA, the Southern California State Director for American Atheists, and a Board Member for the American Humanist Association.

Evan Clark

Sarah Henry (she/her) is a Former Democratic Nominee for Florida House District 38. Non-Profit Professional, SSA Alumni, and Advocate for Workers.
Sarah Henry (she/her) is a Former Democratic Nominee for Florida House District 38. Non-Profit Professional, SSA Alumni, and Advocate for Workers.

Sarah Henry

​Debbie Goddard (she/her) has experience in secular and skeptic organizing, queer activism, and racial justice work. As the Vice President for Programs at American Atheists, she helps develop campaigns for activists and affiliates, manages national programs, and coordinates the national convention. She also has served on the board of Humanists International since 2020.
​Debbie Goddard (she/her) has experience in secular and skeptic organizing, queer activism, and racial justice work. As the Vice President for Programs at American Atheists, she helps develop campaigns for activists and affiliates, manages national programs, and coordinates the national convention. She also has served on the board of Humanists International since 2020.

Debbie Goddard

Mickey Dollens (he/him) is the Regional Government Affairs Manager at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, where he fights to uphold church-state separation and protect religious freedom for all. Dollens has a diverse background as a state representative, author, teacher, NCAA Division I football player, and Team USA bobsledder, he brings a unique and dynamic perspective to advocacy.
Mickey Dollens (he/him) is the Regional Government Affairs Manager at the Freedom From Religion Foundation, where he fights to uphold church-state separation and protect religious freedom for all. Dollens has a diverse background as a state representative, author, teacher, NCAA Division I football player, and Team USA bobsledder, he brings a unique and dynamic perspective to advocacy.

Mickey Dollens

Aftab Pureval is the 70th Mayor of Cincinnati. He was raised in Southwest, Ohio, the son of first-generation Americans. He is making history as Cincinnati’s first Asian- American Mayor. He has made equitable economic growth a top priority of his administration, as well as a comprehensive reform and improvement of public safety, affordable housing, and environmental action. Since taking office, Mayor Aftab has guided Cincinnati through a significant economic recovery, while advancing the City’s key strategic priorities for equitable growth. Early accomplishments include establishing the City’s first-ever annual commitment to an affordable housing trust fund, leading on a comprehensive zoning reform to bring more housing options to neighborhoods, and implementing a new policy to send unarmed mental health professionals to some nonviolent 911 calls. Under his leadership, the City’s budget was balanced after multiple years of structural deficits, and the City committed for the first time to carbon neutrality by 2050. Mayor Aftab graduated from The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he represented victims of domestic violence who could not afford an attorney. He resides near the University of Cincinnati with his wife, Whitney, and their sons, Bodhi and Rami.
Aftab Pureval is the 70th Mayor of Cincinnati. He was raised in Southwest, Ohio, the son of first-generation Americans. He is making history as Cincinnati’s first Asian- American Mayor. He has made equitable economic growth a top priority of his administration, as well as a comprehensive reform and improvement of public safety, affordable housing, and environmental action. Since taking office, Mayor Aftab has guided Cincinnati through a significant economic recovery, while advancing the City’s key strategic priorities for equitable growth. Early accomplishments include establishing the City’s first-ever annual commitment to an affordable housing trust fund, leading on a comprehensive zoning reform to bring more housing options to neighborhoods, and implementing a new policy to send unarmed mental health professionals to some nonviolent 911 calls. Under his leadership, the City’s budget was balanced after multiple years of structural deficits, and the City committed for the first time to carbon neutrality by 2050. Mayor Aftab graduated from The Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where he represented victims of domestic violence who could not afford an attorney. He resides near the University of Cincinnati with his wife, Whitney, and their sons, Bodhi and Rami.
Jake Via (he/him), a former National Trainer for Playworks, has spent years helping educators and leaders harness the science of play to create inclusive, engaging environments for kids and adults alike. Now, as the Organizing Director for the American Humanist Association, he applies those same principles to mobilize communities, foster connection, and advocate for humanist values.
Jake Via (he/him), a former National Trainer for Playworks, has spent years helping educators and leaders harness the science of play to create inclusive, engaging environments for kids and adults alike. Now, as the Organizing Director for the American Humanist Association, he applies those same principles to mobilize communities, foster connection, and advocate for humanist values.
Alicia Johnson (she/her) is the National Organizer and Student Network Manager at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Alicia got her start as a student organizer advocating for sexual health and rights and now has over a decade of experience advancing health equity and social justice at organizations including Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts, Common Cause New York and American Heart Association of NYC.
Alicia Johnson (she/her) is the National Organizer and Student Network Manager at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Alicia got her start as a student organizer advocating for sexual health and rights and now has over a decade of experience advancing health equity and social justice at organizations including Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts, Common Cause New York and American Heart Association of NYC.
Willie Cartwright (he/him) is an educator, speaker, entrepreneur, author, and advocate. I have a B.S. degree in Finance, an MBA, and an MA in Religious Studies. After spending 40 years as a Christian, Willie walked away from organized religion in 2015. Over the last ten years, he has written and published a book and several articles about NONES, leaving Christianity, and the effects of secularism on society. Willie taught religious studies classes at Georgia State University for two years.
Willie Cartwright (he/him) is an educator, speaker, entrepreneur, author, and advocate. I have a B.S. degree in Finance, an MBA, and an MA in Religious Studies. After spending 40 years as a Christian, Willie walked away from organized religion in 2015. Over the last ten years, he has written and published a book and several articles about NONES, leaving Christianity, and the effects of secularism on society. Willie taught religious studies classes at Georgia State University for two years.

Mayor Aftab Pureval

Jake Via

Alicia Johnson

Willie Cartwright

Joe Farkas (he/him) provides chaplaincy services to a hospital, rehabilitation center, and Health Services provider. In addition, he serves as a combat medic in the U.S. Army National Guard where he was activated to protests in Milwaukee and Kenosha. Joe is interested in serving as the first Humanist Chaplain in the U.S. Military.
Joe Farkas (he/him) provides chaplaincy services to a hospital, rehabilitation center, and Health Services provider. In addition, he serves as a combat medic in the U.S. Army National Guard where he was activated to protests in Milwaukee and Kenosha. Joe is interested in serving as the first Humanist Chaplain in the U.S. Military.

Joseph Farkas

Andy Beyer (he/him) is a Youth Organizing Fellow with Americans United for Separation of Church and State and a recent UC Berkeley graduate in political science. Based in the Bay Area, he’s passionate about constitutional law, LGBTQ rights, and religious exemptions. This fall, he’ll begin his J.D. at Yale Law School, aiming for a career in appellate litigation and public interest law.
Andy Beyer (he/him) is a Youth Organizing Fellow with Americans United for Separation of Church and State and a recent UC Berkeley graduate in political science. Based in the Bay Area, he’s passionate about constitutional law, LGBTQ rights, and religious exemptions. This fall, he’ll begin his J.D. at Yale Law School, aiming for a career in appellate litigation and public interest law.

Andy Beyer

Paul Golin (he/him) is executive director of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, the community-organizing umbrella of a movement that combines a humanistic philosophy of life with Judaism as the cultural and historic experience of the Jewish people. He also serves as lead staff for SHJ’s pluralistic social justice initiative, Jews for a Secular Democracy, mobilizing Jewish voices to defend the separation of religion and government.
Paul Golin (he/him) is executive director of the Society for Humanistic Judaism, the community-organizing umbrella of a movement that combines a humanistic philosophy of life with Judaism as the cultural and historic experience of the Jewish people. He also serves as lead staff for SHJ’s pluralistic social justice initiative, Jews for a Secular Democracy, mobilizing Jewish voices to defend the separation of religion and government.

Paul Golin

SSA alum Jasmine Banks (she/her) brings over a decade of experience in progressive advocacy and organizing. As a leader with vision of Generation Common Good, she works to build a future where everyone belongs and has the power to create long-term change in their communities. Jasmine has also served as a keynote speaker, therapist, CMO, and small business owner.
SSA alum Jasmine Banks (she/her) brings over a decade of experience in progressive advocacy and organizing. As a leader with vision of Generation Common Good, she works to build a future where everyone belongs and has the power to create long-term change in their communities. Jasmine has also served as a keynote speaker, therapist, CMO, and small business owner.

Jasmine Banks

Josh CruverKibi (he/him), MA, BSL has been the president of the non-profit, PA Non-believers for eight years, has a master’s degree in psychology, is a certified SMART Recovery facilitator, and is currently a graduate student of clinical mental health at Shippensburg University. He has 15 years of mental health and counseling experience and has written and spoken extensively on topics of belief, philosophies, motivations, and the psychological differences between atheists, humanists, secularists, and theists.
Josh CruverKibi (he/him), MA, BSL has been the president of the non-profit, PA Non-believers for eight years, has a master’s degree in psychology, is a certified SMART Recovery facilitator, and is currently a graduate student of clinical mental health at Shippensburg University. He has 15 years of mental health and counseling experience and has written and spoken extensively on topics of belief, philosophies, motivations, and the psychological differences between atheists, humanists, secularists, and theists.

Josh CruverKibi

Nick Girard (he/him) is an author living in Wilmington, Delaware and has a bold plan to unite the world through his book titled, In The Beginning. His book centers around this question, why should we worship a God that allows the suffering of innocent life?
Nick Girard (he/him) is an author living in Wilmington, Delaware and has a bold plan to unite the world through his book titled, In The Beginning. His book centers around this question, why should we worship a God that allows the suffering of innocent life?

Nick Girard

David Condo joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1999 and worked in various investigative and leadership roles during assignments in Baltimore, Maryland; Washington DC; Phoenix, Arizona; Anchorage, Alaska; and Cincinnati, Ohio. David’s first experience with the secular community was attending the Godless Americans March on Washington in 2002, and before retiring from the FBI in 2024, he started an internal group for FBI employees named Freethinking Feds. In January 2025, this and other internal groups were shut down as a result of presidential executive orders. David is currently the Committee Chair for Freethinkers Supporting Safe Streets, an initiative of The Freethought Society.
David Condo joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1999 and worked in various investigative and leadership roles during assignments in Baltimore, Maryland; Washington DC; Phoenix, Arizona; Anchorage, Alaska; and Cincinnati, Ohio. David’s first experience with the secular community was attending the Godless Americans March on Washington in 2002, and before retiring from the FBI in 2024, he started an internal group for FBI employees named Freethinking Feds. In January 2025, this and other internal groups were shut down as a result of presidential executive orders. David is currently the Committee Chair for Freethinkers Supporting Safe Streets, an initiative of The Freethought Society.

David Condo

Bart Campolo (he/him) was the first Humanist Chaplain at the the University of Southern California from 2014-2017.
Bart Campolo (he/him) was the first Humanist Chaplain at the the University of Southern California from 2014-2017.

Bart Campolo

Devon Graham (she/her) was raised just outside of Pittsburgh as an evangelical Christian. She sadly still maintains a slight Yinzer accent. With a Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Maryland, she is currently an assistant professor at a medical school researching the development and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. When she’s not playing with her mice and begging for grant funding, she is busy raising her two children to be functioning, freethinking members of society.
Devon Graham (she/her) was raised just outside of Pittsburgh as an evangelical Christian. She sadly still maintains a slight Yinzer accent. With a Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Maryland, she is currently an assistant professor at a medical school researching the development and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. When she’s not playing with her mice and begging for grant funding, she is busy raising her two children to be functioning, freethinking members of society.

Devon Graham

Kyria Santa is the President of the Secular Student Alliance at Emory University, where she is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health. A passionate learner and community builder, Kyria earned her B.S. in Health Sciences from Furman University on the pre-med track before continuing her academic journey at Emory. A recent deconvert from Christianity, Kyria became an atheist in early 2023—a shift that has brought profound personal growth, reflection, and healing. She brings this lived experience to her leadership, fostering inclusive spaces for secular students to explore identity, meaning, and connection. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Kyria is an emerging writer.
Kyria Santa is the President of the Secular Student Alliance at Emory University, where she is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at the Rollins School of Public Health. A passionate learner and community builder, Kyria earned her B.S. in Health Sciences from Furman University on the pre-med track before continuing her academic journey at Emory. A recent deconvert from Christianity, Kyria became an atheist in early 2023—a shift that has brought profound personal growth, reflection, and healing. She brings this lived experience to her leadership, fostering inclusive spaces for secular students to explore identity, meaning, and connection. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Kyria is an emerging writer.

Kyria Santa

Sean Rivera (he/him) has spent 5 years working with local City Council in his area and was the statewide field director for a voter registration project. Sean spent most of his undergraduate years organizing protests & rallies and volunteering for campaigns as the president of his university SSA.
Sean Rivera (he/him) has spent 5 years working with local City Council in his area and was the statewide field director for a voter registration project. Sean spent most of his undergraduate years organizing protests & rallies and volunteering for campaigns as the president of his university SSA.

Sean Rivera

Killian Bowen (he/him) is President of SSA at Louisville University in Kentucky.
Killian Bowen (he/him) is President of SSA at Louisville University in Kentucky.

Killian Bowen

Jen Scott (she/her) is a native Ohioan from Forest Park, Ohio. She attended Northwestern University earning a degree in Chemistry. In 2015, she began another path in life, that of a community organizer and grassroots activist. She now serves the Director of Advocacy working with the state and local advocacy teams to make real change. Jen was recently recognized for her LGBTQ+ advocacy by the City of Cincinnati and received the Rafiki award in 2024 presented by Cincinnati Black Pride. In her spare time, she expresses her love of science by running Science on Tap Cincinnati, a science education program.
Jen Scott (she/her) is a native Ohioan from Forest Park, Ohio. She attended Northwestern University earning a degree in Chemistry. In 2015, she began another path in life, that of a community organizer and grassroots activist. She now serves the Director of Advocacy working with the state and local advocacy teams to make real change. Jen was recently recognized for her LGBTQ+ advocacy by the City of Cincinnati and received the Rafiki award in 2024 presented by Cincinnati Black Pride. In her spare time, she expresses her love of science by running Science on Tap Cincinnati, a science education program.

Jen Scott

Rafael Lopez (he/him) a native Midwestern: born and raised from Chicago, IL. Rafael has had a deep-seated fascination with how the universe works and to be a leader of people. Rafael has been deeply committed to secular activism when he co-founded and led a chapter of the Secular Student Alliance (SSA) at his alma mater, the University of Illinois Springfield, making history as the first ever secular club at UIS. His current aspirations are to earn a PhD in physics and to serve the United States as a soldier and an officer.
Rafael Lopez (he/him) a native Midwestern: born and raised from Chicago, IL. Rafael has had a deep-seated fascination with how the universe works and to be a leader of people. Rafael has been deeply committed to secular activism when he co-founded and led a chapter of the Secular Student Alliance (SSA) at his alma mater, the University of Illinois Springfield, making history as the first ever secular club at UIS. His current aspirations are to earn a PhD in physics and to serve the United States as a soldier and an officer.

Rafael Lopez

Emily Shine (she/her) is originally from Wilmore, KY and now lives in Salt Lake City and is active in the secular community through groups like Recovering from Religion, where she co-directs the ambassador program. A graduate of Asbury University with a degree in accounting, she’s working in public accounting and plans to become a CPA. Emily has been involved with SSA since college and is excited to return as a board member.
Emily Shine (she/her) is originally from Wilmore, KY and now lives in Salt Lake City and is active in the secular community through groups like Recovering from Religion, where she co-directs the ambassador program. A graduate of Asbury University with a degree in accounting, she’s working in public accounting and plans to become a CPA. Emily has been involved with SSA since college and is excited to return as a board member.

Emily Shine

Colin Wulff (he/him) is a dramaturg, actor, and playwright dedicated to the expression and espousal of the secular imagination. He advocates strengthening the philosophical and institutional alliance between explicit secular principles and the arts. He has appeared on the CBS shows "Madam Secretary" and "FBI: Most Wanted." As of May, 2025 he is a graduate from Columbia's School of the Arts with an MFA in Dramaturgy. He is especially interested in how theatrical practices can affirmatively represent secular creative life and inform nonreligious community structures.
Colin Wulff (he/him) is a dramaturg, actor, and playwright dedicated to the expression and espousal of the secular imagination. He advocates strengthening the philosophical and institutional alliance between explicit secular principles and the arts. He has appeared on the CBS shows "Madam Secretary" and "FBI: Most Wanted." As of May, 2025 he is a graduate from Columbia's School of the Arts with an MFA in Dramaturgy. He is especially interested in how theatrical practices can affirmatively represent secular creative life and inform nonreligious community structures.

Colin Wulff

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