Loretta J. Ross

Loretta J. Ross Speaker Biography

“Calling In” Movement Maker; Founder of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective; Reproductive Justice Activist & Professor

Loretta J. Ross is a leading reproductive justice keynote speaker whose work spans activism, academia, and public thought leadership. As a MacArthur “Genius” fellow and Associate Professor at Smith College, Ross is known for weaving intersectionality, empathy, and critical human rights discourse into every platform she touches. Her journey began in the 1970s, but it was in 1978—when she became the third executive director of the DC Rape Crisis Center—that her trajectory shifted into national significance. This was the country’s first rape crisis center and her launchpad into the women’s movement. There, she deepened her understanding of reproductive rights, anti-violence work, and the systemic oppression faced by women of color. Over time, she helped catalyze the anti-violence movement that would eventually evolve into the global #MeToo campaign. Through decades of tireless advocacy, she has become a widely respected voice in reproductive justice, civil rights, and anti-racism education.

Activist

Ross’s impact as a reproductive justice activist spans over five decades and includes collaborations with major organizations committed to equity and change. She has worked alongside the National Organization for Women (NOW), the National Black Women’s Health Project, and the Center for Democratic Renewal (formerly the National Anti-Klan Network). Her work with the National Football League Players’ Association underscores her ability to integrate gender justice into male-dominated spaces. Notably, she co-founded SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, an organization that reshaped how reproductive freedom is understood in the U.S., particularly among marginalized communities. At the heart of SisterSong’s mission is a commitment to human rights, community-based care, and the power of women of color organizing. As a sought-after speaker and consultant, Ross continues to lead conversations that expand the political imagination and uplift grassroots voices. For anyone seeking a leading reproductive justice keynote speaker with lived experience and visionary clarity, Ross stands unmatched.

Calling In The Calling Out Culture

Although Ross formally retired from grassroots organizing in 2012, her influence has only deepened through education and thought leadership. In 1996, she founded the first U.S.-based center dedicated to human rights education with a special focus on young activists. Her unique approach to teaching reframes social justice not as a battleground, but as a space for healing and connection. This philosophy is most evident in her national initiative Calling In the Calling Out Culture, which helps communities navigate ideological divides with compassion rather than condemnation. Her workshops and lectures offer tools for productive dialogue, even on the most contentious issues. Because of her groundbreaking methodology, Ross was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023. She continues to shape public discourse on racial justice, reproductive freedom, and civic responsibility. With every lecture, article, and appearance, she proves why she remains a leading reproductive justice keynote speaker at the forefront of cultural transformation.