LIFE BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
March 18 - 21, 2021
What is the Childless Collective Summit?
The Childless Collective Summit is a 4-day virtual event, featuring 28 speakers, all focused on topics related to being childless not by choice. I know how hard it can be to find support and resources when you are designing an unexpectedly childfree life. That’s why I decided to bring all my favorite voices together for this one of a kind event. It’s the event I wish I’d had when I was trying to envision my life without kids.
As Jody Day says, “The room called childlessness has many doors.” Our stories are unique, but no matter where you’re at in your journey or how you got here, this summit will provide you with resources and support to take the next steps. Over these four days, I’ll be bringing you speakers from all over the world to assure you that, while your life may not look the way you’d planned, it can still be filled with joy, love, meaning, and fulfillment.
Each day's presentations will focus on a theme...
Day One: March 18
Sharing Our Stories
Day Two: March 19
Finding Healing
Day Three: March 20
Making Connections
Day Four: March 21
Looking Ahead
and provide support, healing, and connection.
Meet Your Host
Hey there, I'm Katy (she/her) and I'm designing an unexpectedly childfree life after infertility. I know how challenging it can be to find support when your dreams of parenthood don't work out. It can feel isolating, like you're the only one in the world who's going through it.
After my hysterectomy in 2017, I started Chasing Creation to provide support, resources and community for those who are also involuntarily childless. In addition to the Childless Collective Summit, I offer: a monthly, virtual Childless Support Circle; monthly Childless Chat Webinars with special guests; and online workshops.
I hold a Master’s of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia, with an emphasis in community empowerment and program development.
The Details
When
The Childless Collective Summit will run from Thursday, March 18 through Sunday, March 21 with a variety of presentations to choose from each day.
Where
The summit is virtual so you can join the full event from the comfort of your own home.
Presentations
Presentations will be 30-45 minutes in length. Each presentation will focus on a topic related to living a full life without children. Each day's presentations will be available for 24-hours, for free, so you can watch them at your convenience. However, by joining along with the schedule, you can chat with me, my speakers and other attendees through a live chat box!
Community
You'll also have access to a Mighty Network community to connect with speakers and other attendees. The group will be open before the summit starts and throughout the event.
Prizes
By joining the summit, you'll have the chance to win prizes based on engagement and giveaways!
Upgrade
After registering, you can access premium upgrades. Depending on the option you choose, you can get a full year of access to presentations*, worksheets, premium speaker bonuses, and an exclusive podcaster's bundle. You won't want to miss it!
*Justine Froelker’s presentation will only be available for 60 days and the live social hour will not be recorded to respect the privacy of those who attend. All of the other 26 presentations will be accessible for a full year.
Don't miss this one of a kind event!
I spent years searching for the best resources and support for those who are involuntarily childless. It's been a pleasure for me to build relationships with so many who are using their voices and expertise in this area. Now, I'm so excited to be bringing them together for a truly amazing event. I can't wait for you to join us!
The Speakers
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for. Here are the incredible speakers you’ll hear from at the Childless Collective Summit. You can also learn more about the speakers here.
Jody Day, Keynote Speaker
Pronouns: she/her
How to Create a Meaningful Life Without Children: Lessons from a Decade of Healing
Michelle Marie McGrath
Using Your Authentic Voice
Kate Kaufmann
Pronouns: she/her
Tapping the Wisdom of Others with Curiosity, Vitality, and Grace
Lisa Ann Kissane
Pronouns: she/her
Celebrating Our Stories Through Literature
LIVE SESSION!
Justine Froelker
Pronouns: she/her
Healing to Receive Our Big Story
Yvonne John
Pronouns: she/her
Black Girls Do Cry
Jobi Tyson
The Importance of Controlling Our Narrative
Tanya Hubbard
Pronouns: she/her
Unpacking the Stories We’ve Been Told
April Boyd
Pronouns: she/her
Let Go of Who You Thought You’d Be, and Show Up as All of Who You Already Are
Kezia Ashley Okafor
Pronouns: she/her
Mindset to Wholeness
Beth McDonough
Pronouns: she/her
Healing the Misunderstood Wound of the Childless Stepmom
Chiemi Rajamahendran
Pronouns: she/her
Setting Boundaries While Healing from Trauma and Loss
Dr. Loree Johnson
Pronouns: she/her
Healing from Infertility, Trauma and Grief: Finding Hope in the Next Chapter
Kat Haagenson
Pronouns: she/her
Reconnect with Your Body
Katy Dejong
Pronouns: she/her
Reclaiming Your Sexuality After Infertility
Aisha Balesaria
Tackling Taboos and Overcoming Cultural Boundaries in Infertility
Kadi & Laura
Pronouns: she/her; she/her
Connecting Over The Pond – Exploring The Impact of Infertility on The Body
Stephanie Phillips
Pronouns: she/her
Finding Support, Validation, and Friendship
Helen Gallagher
Pronouns: she/her
Live Session:
Social Hour!
Anne Brock
Pronouns: she/her
How Faith Communities Can Be More Inclusive of Childless Women
Dr. Marisa Franco
Pronouns: she/her
How to Make Friends as an Adult
Melanie Notkin
Welcome to Otherhood
Sadie Tichelaar
Pronouns: she/her
Embodying Your Future Self
Lesley Pyne
Pronouns: she/her
The Unexpected Doorway to Rekindling Happiness & Joy
Donsurae Byrd
Pronouns: she/her
Rediscovering Your Identity
Erik and Melissa Jones
Pronouns: he/him, she/her
Learning to Live Childfree
Katy Seppi
Pronouns: she/her
Finding Your Balance,
Taking Your Next Steps
Tracey Cleantis Dwyer
Finding Your Next Happy
As you can see from this incredible lineup, you are not going to want to miss this event!
It's time to...
Share our stories.
Find acceptance and healing.
Connect with community.
Envision your next steps.
Join us for the Childless Collective Summit.
FAQ
The summit content is designed for those who are childless not by choice, regardless of the circumstances. It would also be helpful for those who are still pursuing parenthood but are considering a life without children as an option.
The summit runs from Thursday, March 18 to Sunday, March 21. The Mighty Networks community will be available to join once you get your ticket.
Each recorded presentation will be available for 24 hours. However, you can grab one of the Extended Access Passes to get a full year of access to the presentations* and, depending on which options you choose, speaker bonuses and the podcast bundle!
*Justine Froelker’s presentation will only be available for 60 days and the live social hour will not be recorded to respect the privacy of those who attend. All of the other 26 presentations will be accessible for a full year.
No way! The only person you’ll get emails from after you sign up is me, Katy. That’s so you can get all the updates for the summit and links to each day’s videos. After the summit is over, you’ll continue to hear from me, but you can unsubscribe at any time.
As for the speakers, the only way your email address will be shared with them is if you opt-in for their freebie or worksheet during their presentation. That way, you only hear from the people you really love and don’t have to worry about getting added to 25+ email lists that you’re not interested in.
Learn more in our Privacy Policy
To avoid tech glitches, lower my anxiety, and keep things easy for the speakers, most of the sessions are pre-recorded and will be released at the scheduled time. However, each speaker will be available live, in the chatbox during their scheduled presentation. We hope you’ll join us live to chat while you watch!
In addition to the pre-recorded presentations, we’ll also offer a few live, interactive sessions over Zoom! These will be noted on the schedule. We hope you’ll join us!
Yes! All pre-recorded sessions will include captioning. Live sessions will not include captioning, but they will be added in the versions included in both of the Extended Access Passes.
All of our speakers for this summit have been selected and our slots are currently full. However, we’re open to potential speakers or sponsors for next year’s summit. If you are interested in being considered for the Childless Collective Summit in 2022, email [email protected]
No problem! I’m quickest at responding to DM’s on Instagram so feel free to ask your questions there @Chasing.Creation. You can also email me at [email protected] and I will do my best to get back to you within three business days.
Still haven’t registered for the Childless Collective Summit? What are you waiting for?