Keivin is a Metro Detroit native, passionate about fitness and helping people embrace their true self. As the HBCU Engagement Leader, Keivin is passionate about keeping DEI at the forefront of the recruitment process. In addition, advocating for LGBTQ rights is a cause close to his heart as he serves as Co-Lead for Michigan Pride ERG at Cummins inc. His strong suit is solving problems and finding solutions, whether it's in his personal life, his work, or championing social causes.
Seoyeon Bae is a Marketing Specialist with backgrounds in advertising, psychology, and DEIB. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, they have been involved in DEIB for BIPOC, queer, trans/nonbinary, immigrants, and neurodiversity. Seoyeon is also passionate about mental health, content creation, and marketing strategy.
]]>Christopher has been a Community Advisory Board member of TransTech since 2021, bringing 10 years of experience in Advertising, FinTech, SaaS, and Aerospace, as well as Grassroots and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). A Just Economy Institute alumni fellow and an Aspen Ideas Festival alumni fellow, Christopher is a champion of intentionally oppressed people queering every space they enter in every way possible. As a pastime, Christopher is a reoccurring guest on the British-based X-Men podcast, X of Words, where X-Men comic books are discussed from a Black-queer lens. Additionally, Christopher has been a hobbyist genealogist for over 15 years engaging in a form of “hauntology� (or the aim to understand how the social/cultural past “haunts� the present and future) by dissecting how Black family trees are innately queer and un-normed. The work Christopher does is self-dedicated to three groups of people affectionately known as “dead-folks, nerds, and sissies.�
]]>ADAM POWELL is the Co-Founder of Allstora and The Rainbow Book Bus. Following undergrad at Harvard, Powell went on to work in marketing and talent partnerships for seven years, before launching in 2022 alongside his partner, Eric Cervini. Prior to co-founding ShopQueer.co, Adam was a producer at Collectively, a creator and brand marketing agency. When not driving The Rainbow Book Bus across the United States, he can be found performing as his drag alter ego, Aubergine! You can learn more about Allstora and The Rainbow Book Bus at Allstora.com & RainbowBookBus.org
]]>Robert Whitehouse received his masters in Social-Organizational Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Remaining rooted in vibrant NYC, Robert's professional journey initially began in Learning and Development, gradually expanding to encompass a broader HR portfolio. Over the past seven years he has been employed by a tech firm, helping it to transform from a scrappy start up to a major player in the adtech space. Starting as Head of L&D, Robert is currently the Senior Vice President of Talent Business Partnership for EMEA and NA. A champion of people-centric leadership, Robert strives to strike a balance between individual well-being and organizational objectives, recognizing that an imbalance can create challenges - no matter the setting. Drawing from his understanding of group dynamics theories, he helps individuals to understand the nuances of authority, unravel interpersonal conflicts, and foster a high performing team.
]]>Bridget Schiffler (she/her) is a transfem nonbinary lesbian, Sr.
Game UX Designer in Riot Games R&D division, and avid lover of brunch, D&D, and eating brunch while playing D&D. She is also one of the Strike Team Leads of Riot's RAD Genders RIG (Riot Inclusion Group), focusing on making events celebrating Trans & NB Rioters, game creators, and stories. Previously, she led narrative & experience design efforts on the project Amazon Explore in Amazon's Grand Challenge moonshot R&D initiative; ran a yearlong games and animation residency called Broom Cupboard Studios; and has written her own queer lil games and stories for herself since time immemorial
]]>Guido A. Sanchez is a writer, Middle School teacher & leader, comic aficionado, and podcaster based in New York. Guido revels in nurturing young people along their journeys as they begin to write the myths of their own lives. Once the school day wraps up, he also steps into the role of co-host and creator of "Dear Watchers: The Omniversal Comic Book Podcast." With his vast collection of over 30,000 comics, he navigates the intricacies, inspirations, and impacts of world-building in fictional reality and the modern myths we all love. Prior to that he created a queer history podcast and has contributed to print and online publications over the last twenty years. Guido is an education leader in a middle school by day, with a Masters in Public Health.
In 2015, Guido wrote a girls' puberty textbook published by a local school that is still used today. In 2023, his published book from Running Press / Hachette Book Group was released along with the Amazing Spider-Man Light Up Signal replica. In 2024 will be released through Running Press.
Marissa Trevisan (she/her) has 15 years of nonprofit and community impact experience with a focus on social justice. As Chief of Staff at Out in Tech, a nonprofit supporting the largest LGBTQ+ techie community in the world, she leads operations and oversees corporate engagement strategy and global events. Previously, Marissa served as the Director of Development at Facing Forward to End Homelessness in Chicago; Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at national ed-tech nonprofit, Chapter One; and the Director of Partner Engagement at Building Impact, a Boston-based CSR and community engagement nonprofit. Beginning her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Youth Development Program in El Salvador, she later joined The Home for Little Wanderers as a Therapeutic Caseworker upon returning to Boston. Marissa is a pragmatic optimist who enjoys playing soccer, exploring national parks, and breaking it down on dance floors around the world. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Wesleyan University and currently resides in Cambridge, MA with her wife.
]]>Adrien Dixneuf joined Autodesk two years ago and is leading the Public Sector effort at worldwide level for the Legal department on top of managing a team focused on Western Europe legal support and compliance. Based in Paris in France, Adrien has been awarded France’s LGBT role-model 2021 and is proud of bringing his experience and commitment to Autodesk to foster a more inclusive working environment. Proud father of a 4-year old boy, Adrien is also part of the French Gay and Lesbian Parents Association. Connect with Adrien at [email protected] to learn more.
]]>Adrien Semail is a Senior Recruiter at Autodesk, leveraging over six years of experience to cultivate a culture of belonging and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. Based in Barcelona, Adrien partners with hiring managers to create inclusive recruitment strategies. As the Global Lead for the Autodesk Pride Network, Adrien collaborates with a global board to shape strategic initiatives and advocate for inclusive practices. With a diverse background in recruitment, external partnerships, and talent scouting, Adrien is dedicated to fostering inclusive work environments and promoting diversity within the workplace. Connect with Adrien at [email protected] to learn more.
]]>Cooper Kidd (they/them) is a neurodivergent, non-binary, queer person of Korean descent who is currently living on the Stolen Lands of the Lenni Lenape. They enjoy challenging the status quo, continuing to grow, and climbing outside on large rocks. Professionally, Cooper's work centers on LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other marginalized groups. They are passionate about using data to help people and others in their communities envision a world beyond the confines of the capitalistic, heteropatriarchal one we currently exist in. They have in the past taught a class on LGBTQ+ communication to upper-level undergraduates at the University of Maryland, College Park, led research studies on the use of technology and HIV prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and created trainings on the importance of pronouns at Swarthmore College. Currently, they work at Barclays in their technology sector and do organizing work on the side. You can learn more about them at: cooperleekidd.com.
]]>Dr. Brice Yates is a seasoned higher education professional, diversity practitioner, and versed in compliance. Having served in various diversity administrative roles, Dr. Yates has gained experience in administration, strategic planning, fiscal management, and oversight. Dr. Yates strives to promote diversity and inclusion through his professional work. Throughout Dr. Yates� career, he has created environments and learning opportunities that incorporated people of many cultures and backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in academe. Dr. Yates� experience in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Multicultural Affairs has prepared him for the leadership challenges and opportunities associated with diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) within higher education. Dr. Yates genuinely believes in leading the charge of inclusive excellence where fairness, access, equity, and social justice for all are the norms rather than the exceptions. Though having a professional background in higher education, Dr. Yates� expertise has allowed him to work with corporate, public service, and educational organizations. Dr. Yates earned his doctoral degree in Higher Education and Leadership from Indiana State University. Other academic attainments achieved by Dr. Yates include a Master of Arts in Communications Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Morehead State University. Dr. Yates is a member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) and the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). In addition, Dr. Yates is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) through the Institute of Diversity Certifications, as well as a certified Title IX Coordinator and Investigator, and Peer Reviewer through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Dr. Yates� research focuses on the impact of DEIB initiatives at college and university campuses. Dr. Yates is the founder of Diversity Continuum, a consulting company that assist individuals and organizations with achieving their DEIB goals.
]]>Ariana Cember is Vizient’s Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager. She is passionate about creating authentic change within the realm of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and making all spaces inclusive. Prior to joining Vizient in June 2022, Ariana worked at the Greater New York Hospital Association as the Senior Project Associate, Diversity and Health Equity. She has obtained her DEI Certificate from Cornell University. Ariana lives in New York City with her partner, Stella.
]]>MC Most is a program manager on the Community Impact team at Vizient Inc., a leading healthcare performance improvement company, where she facilitates enterprise-wide volunteering and grantmaking focused on addressing Social Determinants of Health. With a background in social sciences research and anthropology, MC is dedicated to understanding and disrupting the systems and structures at the root of health inequities and injustices. She derives much of her inspiration from the queer leaders who have so often led these charges throughout history. In her free time, MC is a printmaker and frequenter of her local progressive art studio, where she works alongside artists with disabilities to promote their art.
]]>Christina is a diversity, equity, and inclusion practitioner with over seven years of experience across various industries, including corporate, consulting, the arts, and higher education. She was introduced to the DEI space when she became a member of the Social Change theater troupe, which used live theatre to drive attention to and solutions for inequities in her college town of Springfield, MO. Prior to coming to Vizient, Christina worked at a DEI consultancy, where she led project teams that conducted learning and development, program initiation, and assessments for small boutique organizations and large corporations in industries ranging from hospitals to urban planning. At Vizient, Christina drives various workstreams that focus on closing experiential and equity gaps, centered on individual employees, teams, and policy. Outside of her day job, Christina can be found writing, reading, at a group fitness class, or scouting for the best oysters in the city. Christina was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her partner, Jonathan.
]]>Michael DeSimone (he/him) is the Director of Strategic Sourcing Partnerships and Programs at Vizient, Inc., the nation's leading healthcare performance improvement company. He also serves as the Chair of their Employee Resource Group Pride@Vizient. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Michael is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Michael has demonstrated a dynamic and motivated approach to his work throughout his career. He has a proven track record of forming and maintaining lasting relationships and successfully managing projects from concept to completion. His ability to build cross-functional teams and communicate effectively has enabled him to drive positive outcomes even in challenging situations. As an adaptable and transformational leader, Michael consistently strives to achieve organizational goals. His ability to make critical decisions and navigate obstacles has earned him a reputation for delivering results. His leadership style promotes collaboration and fosters an environment of innovation and growth. Michael is originally from Chicago and received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from DePaul University. He currently resides in Northern California with his husband and two dogs.
]]>Kika Chatterjee is an associate director at APCO Worldwide in California where she specializes in nonprofit program management and digital implementation. Ms. Chatterjee brings knowledge in gender issues and the music industry to her clients, with a focus on the nexus of entertainment industry advocacy and modern issues of social justice. She informs her strategy development and implementation with a background in digital marketing.
Previously, Ms. Chatterjee managed marketing for Equal Vision Records, an independent record label based in Albany, as well as developed editorial for music magazine Alternative Press in Cleveland.
Ms. Chatterjee holds a bachelor’s degree in women’s and gender studies from Wheaton College Massachusetts.
]]>Conspiracy of Geniuses (CoG)’s Purpose is to Instigate Mutual Liberation through an intersectional feminist approach to art and healing arts. CoG's seeks to create new works of arts, crafts, and performances to create an intersectional living history. To this goal, we support artists and future artists of all ages with intersecting identities through programming, education, mentorship, wellness, and community as well as trainings for organizations and institutions. CoG creates spaces to create healing and work, voice, history. CoG implements healing arts through RAD (Radical, Accessible, Decolonizing) Care by creating mutual (aid) liberation through community care frameworks centering marginalized intersectional voices. Smitty is an expression of the intersections of art, writing, performing, healing, & advocating. An amalgamation of intersectional identities which they express through their work as an artist, organizer, writer, illustrator, performer, dancer, coder, researcher, healer, and advocate. Their work is centered around topics of intersectional feminism. They have been creating opportunities for individuals within intersectional, QTPOC, Disabled, Native, and Latinx spectrum artists since 2004 through the Conspiracy of Geniuses (CoG). CoG is now working to bridge the gap between art as social change and essential healing tools with a project called RAD* Care and an app called UXMAL**. Enthusiasts say their best quality is phlebotomizing the patriarchy's blood, replacing it with glitter - evident in their artful fierceness they bring to intersectional art and activism. RAD = Radical, Accessible, & Decolonizing. UXMAL = User Experience designed Mutual Aid and Liberation.
]]>Alan Cumming is beyond eclectic. His most recent projects include hosting (and slaying fashion-wise) the global cultural phenomenon The Traitors, creating a solo dance theatre piece about the Scottish bard Robert Burns, lip-synching the protagonist in a documentary and producing a podcast series about a sperm bank heist. He will soon be seen as Sigmund Freud in the film V13, as an elderly woman with a pet crab in the Disney kids series Robogobo and heard in a duet with Gaelic rapper Griogair Labhruidh! Perhaps not surprisingly, Time Magazine called him one of the three most fun people in show business (the others were Cher and Stanley Tucci!)
Thirty years ago his Hamlet stormed the West End and he was hailed as ‘an actor knocking at the door of greatness�. A quarter of a century ago he was a sensation as Cabaret’s Master of Ceremonies in a production that forever changed the Broadway landscape . A decade ago his visceral, virtually one man Macbeth was a stunning, transatlantic coup de theatre.
His screen work ranges from art house to blockbuster, cult to mainstream, but his performances are always indelible and some immortal: Mr Floop in Spy Kids, Eli in The Good Wife, Nightcrawler in X2: X Men United, Sebastian in The High Life, ‘O� in Sex and the City, Boris in Goldeneye, King James in Doctor Who, Sandy Frink in Romy and Michele’sHigh School Reunion, Mayor Menlove in Schmigadoon and himself on Broad City.
He is the author of seven books including a New York Times #1 bestselling memoir, performs in concert regularly in halls around the world and co-owns his own, eponymous cabaret bar Club Cumming, a home for ‘all ages, all genders, all colours, all sexualities, where kindness is all and anything could happen!�
The list of his collaborators over the years includes Liza Minnelli, Jeremy O. Harris, Jackie Chan, the Smurfs, David Bowie, The Simpsons, Robert Wilson, Stanley Kubrick, Jay Z, Bianca Del Rio, the Spice Girls, George Lucas, Terence Blanchard, KT Tunstall and not forgetting Dora the Explorer, Arthur and Elmo.
He had a photo exhibition named Alan Cumming Snaps!and an award-winning fragrance named Cumming. He has played Dionysus, the Devil, God, the Pope and was shot by Herb Ritts for Vanity Fair as Pan. He recently played a 70 year old woman. He has been a Lee Jeans model and on a stamp. He is a Tony and Olivier award winning theatre actor. He hosted the Tonys and was nominated for an Emmy for doing so. In fact he has been nominated for five Emmys, won a New York Emmy, a Scottish BAFTA and a British Comedy Award. He is an Independent Spirit award-winning producer and National Board of Review winning director. He is a Grammy and multiple Golden Globe nominee. His portrait was hung inthe Scottish National Portrait Gallery. He has four honourary doctorates and over forty awards for being a humanitarian, but as he says, ‘awards mean nothing�!
In a city of multihyphenates, none can compete with the indefatigable Alan Cumming Time Out New York
Alan Cumming comes across as a man of real intellectual and moral substance who often � for his own good reasons � presents himself as a bit of a showbiz airhead The Scotsman
A bawdy counter-cultutal sprite The New York Times
Cumming has held the title of queer icon since the late 90s, when he was described by the New York Observer as a “frolicky pansexual sex symbol for the new millennium�. The Guardian
]]>Ben Garcia (he/him) has worked for 20 years to help museums become places of welcome and belonging for all people. He started as a gallery guide and educator, moved on to exhibition development, and then served in middle- and upper-management administrative roles, before joining the American LGBTQ+ Museum as Executive Director. He has presented and published regularly on creating structural equity in museums through transparency, accountability, fair labor practices, and by adding missing voices and perspectives.
Prior to joining the American LGBTQ+ Museum, Ben worked in various roles as an educator and administrator at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Skirball Cultural Center, and Hearst Museum of Anthropology. He then served as Deputy Director of the Museum of Us, and as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Learning Officer at the Ohio History Connection. He is versed in museum interpretation, operations, management, and fundraising. Ben led initiatives to return Indigenous ancestral human remains and belongings in San Diego and Ohio. He serves as a board member at Equality Ohio, working to get the passed.
Ben graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Boston with a B.A. in Art and from Bank Street College of Education with an M.S. Ed. In Museum Leadership. He has shared his life since 1999 with his husband, Scott Fabianek, a UX/UI Designer and comic book artist. Ben is the child of a journalist and visual artist. He has six siblings, thirteen nieces and nephews, and a great-niece and nephew (as well as many beloved in-laws). He is a proud fantasy and science fiction nerd.
]]>Bio coming soon.
]]>Brian is a Human Resources Business Partner Lead at Freddie Mac supporting the Multifamily and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Divisions. As HR Business Partner Lead, Brian works closely with senior leaders and people managers to help align people strategy to the goals and objectives of Freddie Mac supporting activities in performance management, compensation planning, succession planning, talent management and employee relations. Brian is also the Co-Chair of Freddie Mac’s PRIDE BRG, working with a committed and passionate LGBTQ+ and ally employee base.
Prior to joining Freddie Mac in 2018, Brian worked for Johnson & Johnson. Brian has an MBA in Strategic Human Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a BA in International Studies from American University.
]]>Joe Wahl (He/Him) is a section lead within the Systems Security Engineering department, a Principal Investigator on the Cyber Battle Management IRAD and cyber lead and SME support to numerous programs. He has been with RTX for 17 years and holds degrees in Computer Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Arizona and a Masters of Software Engineering from Arizona State University. He is a cis gay man, San Diego RTNPRIDE Site Lead, and father to a five year old daughter. In his spare time (which seems few and far between these days), he enjoys spending time with friends, planning play dates for his daughter, and enjoying the many San Diego outdoor activities.
]]>Miranda Ouellette (she/her) was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. She has a B.S. in Aerospace Eng. (UofArizona) and is in progress of an M.S. in Systems Eng. (JHU). She’s been at Raytheon for 4 years as a Systems Security Engineer. She is a panromantic/demisexual, cisgendered woman and proudly advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in the RTXPRIDE ERG as a BU Finance Chair and site lead. In her free time, she enjoys all things Disney and games of all types - board games, role-playing games, video games, you name it!
]]>Lukas is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and People (HR) executive at UnitedHealth Group. As vice president of strategic planning and insights, Lukas is responsible for leading DEI initiatives and change management, aligning to enterprise strategies and helping inform current and future priorities. He partners closely with key stakeholders across the enterprise to achieve the company’s goals.
Lukas joined UnitedHealth Group in 2011 and has served in various leadership roles in the People Team and Global DEI Office. Through fostering meaningful relationships with leaders and colleagues he has contributed materially to the evolution of the culture and employee experience at UHG. Lukas holds a master's degree in counseling psychology (marriage and family therapy) and bachelor's degrees in psychology, Spanish language, and women and gender studies.
Outside of work, Lukas spends his time with his husband, son, family and friends.
]]>Jenna DeWitt is a senior editor at Esri, the world leader in software for geographic information systems. She edits help documentation, blog posts, books published by Esri Press, and tutorials for all learning levels. Upon coming to Esri four years ago, Jenna founded the company's LGBTQIA+ employee resource group, named Prism, to make Esri a more welcoming, inclusive, and safe place to work for all. Together, Prism provides resources, builds awareness, and offers a sense of belonging by advocating for positive change and encouraging Pride across our diverse community.
]]>Ricky Koo is a corporate finance leader, entrepreneur, and a passionate speaker and writer. He has a background in Psychology and started his career as a CPA before joining numerous companies across banking, financial services, and technology industries. He is currently the Senior Director of Finance at Autodesk leading a global team in spend portfolio management as well as serving on the Autodesk Pride Network board. Outside of Autodesk, he is a full-time dog dad and also focuses on his coaching business where he empowers clients from under-represented communities to have more purpose and confidence in work + life—all while being their authentic selves.
]]>Ashleigh Wilson (She/They) is the Founder and CEO of AuditMate, a vertical transportation software and management company. AuditMate is on a mission to empower building owners and managers with data driven maintenance auditing products that radically simplify vendor management and selection. Ashleigh believes that in order to do well, we must start by doing right and is proving this through making vertical transportation management accessible and simple.
]]>James Silva (he/him) is the Founder and CEO of ConciergeBot, an artificially intelligent virtual concierge for travel, hospitality and customer service for SMS. WhatsApp and voice. Prior to founding ConciergeBot, James earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Stanford University and spent his career in software engineering and product management leadership roles at companies such as eBay, Adobe and Expedia.
]]>Demetrius Curry grew up on the South Side of Chicago, shuttling back and forth between a difficult family situation and foster homes. He was a smart but unmotivated student who eventually dropped out of high school and spent some time on the streets, homeless and hustling to survive as a self-described “street-level entrepreneur.�
His life began to change after he joined the Marines Corps, and after leaving the Marines Demetrius eventually earned his GED, and attended Northern Illinois University. Eventually he began working in the financial-services industry in New York, climbing his way up from the customer-service department of a Wall Street firm. Stints in advertising and benefits management followed before embarking on his entrepreneurial path.
His startup, College Cash, allows brands to petition users to create photo and video marketing content highlighting their product or service, with the wrinkle being that content creators are paid by the brands in the form of credits that go directly toward paying down their student loan debt.
He credits his participation in StartOuts� Growth Lab program with becoming completely comfortable in being himself and not shying away from opportunities to advocate for both minority and LGBTQ+ founders.
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