"The staff of GLA made me feel included and proud of being an activist."

"I have never felt so accepted without trying to fit in."

"Being around so many like-minded people reminded me that I'm not alone in this fight."

"I felt energized, inspired, and like I didn't want it to end."

"I loved the amazingly nuanced, deep, and still respectful conversations."

"I can't possibly have just one favorite thing."

“GLA manages to combine the warmth and fun of fandom with rich social justice content in a way that’s hard to describe. I’ve now been to three GLA’s and every year I’m taken aback by how quickly the recruits bond in their teams and really get to the hard work of unpacking social issues and sharing their own life lessons. The world could use a little more GLA every day.”

Taekia Blackwell, COO Mischief Management / President, HPA Board of Directors

“GLA was one of the most surprising, rewarding conferences I've been too -- and I've been going to industry events and conventions for over a decade. The enthusiasm of the attendees, the quality of the workshops, and the way that the organizers worked to create community and conversation was both impressive and inspiring.”

Jenn Northington, manager of Editorial Operations for Riot New Media group

“Every year I clear my calendar to attend the Granger Leadership Academy. It’s my annual check-in on my efforts and growth as an activist. The community fills me with hope, inspiration, and drive to make change."

Xandra Robinson-Burns, personal development author and founder of HeroineTraining.com 

“I was in high school when I first came to GLA, so I’ve really felt like I’ve grown up with the experience — I’ve come back every time since. Sometimes it makes me feel like I’m Harry during the summers away from Hogwarts — I spend all year looking forward to coming back to the unparalleled magic and community that GLA is, and my enthusiasm for activism and Harry Potter is encouraged and supported in ways that my friends back home never can. Everything I know about social activism has come from the HPA and GLA, and I use the skills and practices I learned every day, whether it’s in advocacy campaigns or just in daily life. 

Karan Nevatia, podcasts editor for the Daily Trojan