In this session, Dr. Taura Taylor shares the observation that studies on social inequality, poverty, and marginalization, often deemphasize agency. Centering self-sufficiency or highlighting community initiatives to resolve discrimination and inequality has the potential to minimize structural barriers and systemic oppression. In addition, distinguished individual and community practices may not implement broadly across intersecting statuses. Nonetheless, agency-centered research informed by an intersectionality framework bodes well for participatory research, community collaboration, and innovative research designs. Dr. Taura Taylor will discuss her approach to centering resistance, agency, and empowerment in her research and how the paradigm is significant to social justice and scholar activism.