As the FASD United team gears up for this September’s National FASD Impact Week, staff members are sharing their reflections on some of our past Impact Week events and activities. An incredible opportunity to bring the FASD community together during FASD Awareness Month in September, Impact Week always features a strong series of workshops, advocacy, and symposiums. This year, advocates and professionals will gather in Washington, DC from September 15 to 17, 2025 to collaborate, exchange ideas, and empower the community.
Sarah Brown is the Director of Program Services at FASD United and reflects that, “I left Impact Week with a full heart and a brain brimming with ideas. There are so many opportunities for connecting and brainstorming! My favorite part of the week is probably the Symposium. It’s so empowering to spend a day with people who are just as passionate about FASD as you are, talking through what’s working and what might work better. I learned about programs and resources I hadn’t heard of before, connected with both old friends and new allies, and left feeling so excited and hopeful about what’s to come. Impact Week is an invigorating time when the field comes together, and it’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of it.”
“The entirety of Impact Week was, dare I say, transformative,” according to Sophie Sissi, FASD United’s Media Director. “The Symposium, a gathering of minds from far and wide, opened my eyes in ways I hadn’t even begun to imagine. It wasn’t just the content, but the profound sense of community and collaboration that truly moved me—especially as we worked toward long-term solutions. The gala was nothing short of impeccable, a moment of sheer awe that took my breath away. Hill Day was electrifying, letting me channel my inner political science enthusiast while engaging with representatives. But none of this would be possible without my incredible team and the dedicated advocates and volunteers who made it all happen.”
One of our newest full-time team members, Olivia Gargiulo, who first joined FASD United as an intern majoring in Public Health at American University says, “In 2024, I attended my first Impact Week event as a staff member: The Red Shoes Gala which took place on September 16th. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the energy, passion and commitment that had gone into planning every element of this event. Seeing this gala event come to life after the hard work of all of our staff members was a formative experience for me, and I’m so excited to attend more impact week events in the future.”
Kristen Eriksen serves as an FASD United Family Navigator and attended her first FASD United Impact week in 2024 after working in the FASD space for over two years. Kristen says, “Impact Week was one of the best experiences of my new career! I met so many enigmas who I consider celebrities in the FASD world! I had meals with so many people who are part of my village! All that, I was able to contribute to work on the White Paper to have my voice heard as part of the conversation. I cannot wait to go back again this year, and already bought my new red shoes!”
“The energy and passion of Impact Week is such a joy to be part of,” says Andy Kachor, FASD United’s Communications Director. “Getting to connect with advocates and families from across the country is such a gift, and I get so much out of being part of the collaboration that happens between professionals and those with the living experience. Hill Day was really impactful last year, it was so empowering to be part of a unified amplified voice on Capitol Hill, and all that organizing work is making a difference right now as the Respect Act advances through the Congress.”
Chris Melfi, FASD United Policy Coordinator, says, “Being part of a week that brings together so many people to share their unique experiences and expertise, making a real impact towards a shared goal, is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s educating legislators on Capitol Hill, collaborating at the symposium table, or engaging in casual conversations with friends and acquaintances who are usually only seen on a screen, everything about Impact Week informs the work I do and deepens my appreciation for this community.”
We hope that hearing from our team inspires you to join us this September! You can register now on our website and join advocates, clinicians, researchers, and professionals from around the country for three days of advocacy, action, collaboration, and community from September 15 to 17, 2025, in Washington, DC.