Affiliation: Portland State University

Bio: Committed to learning alongside her students and supporting fellow instructors, Lissa Cabrera-Song has 10+ years of experience teaching Spanish, English, and French on all levels of instruction and educational settings. Her work is centered in intercultural competence, ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and Afro-Caribbean Vernacular. As a seasoned public speaker, she is passionate about connecting others to useful tools and mechanisms, being just another resource herself.     

Away from the classroom, Lissa is currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Spanish Department,working on setting up an online business and trying to sneak time for a nap. Her favorite pastime is knitting cute girly socks for the trans women in her community.

Affiliation: Black & Beyond the Binary

Bio: Babatunde "Zubbi" Azubuike stands as a beacon of resilience and authenticity, proudly embodying a tapestry of identities that defy societal norms. As an African-Tsalagi, queer, two-spirit individual, Zubbi's journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and unwavering commitment to justice.

Rooted in a working-class upbringing and deeply connected to the rich traditions of Black Southern and Tsalagi heritage, Zubbi's path is guided by a profound sense of social responsibility and collective healing. From an early age, xey learned the importance of standing up for marginalized communities and challenging systems of oppression.

In xir role as Founder and current Executive Director of the Black & Beyond the Binary Collective and the Umoja Kijana Shujaa Program, Zubbi is a tireless advocate for those whose voices are often silenced. Through these initiatives, xey create sanctuaries of empowerment and solidarity, blending abolitionist principles, pro-Palestine intersectional Black queer feminism, disability justice, and a steadfast dedication to environmental justice.

Beyond xir advocacy work, Zubbi is a holistic healer, herbalist, somatic coach, and embodiment artist, guiding others to self-acceptance and empowerment as the owner of Drinking Gourd Somatics, LLC. Through transformative workshops, direct actions, and amplifying marginalized voices, Zubbi's passion for change ignites hope and inspires action.

In Zubbi's vision, a world rooted in love, justice, and liberation for all is not merely a dream but a tangible reality within reach. With each step forward, Zubbi leads by example, demonstrating that true transformation begins with embracing our authentic selves and standing in solidarity with those who have been marginalized.