On Sunday, October 1st we launch the 2017/2018 Rector’s Forum series with an opportunity to explore the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ Equality with Allison Smith-VanKuiken.

Allison is one of Equality California’s two program directors and oversees the organization’s outreach, engagement and leadership development programs, as well as programs to reduce HIV stigma and to increase opportunities for transgender and non-binary people. She brought to Equality California 15 years of experience as a leader and organizer with numerous political and educational campaigns across the country successfully managing political campaigns for a diverse array of candidates in battleground states — and has been recognized as the only transgender person to lead an ultimately successful effort to fight a ballot-box challenge to an LGBTQ civil rights ordinance. As member of the Human Rights Campaign’s field and executive teams, she worked to pass numerous local LGBTQ civil rights ordinances and lead teams that have made unprecedented progress on statewide LGBTQ legislation in Maryland, Michigan and Pennsylvania.

Her leadership, board and volunteer experience includes the Red Cross, the Humane Society, Planned Parenthood, the Trans100 List, Transgender Michigan, the Trans Can Work employment program, the Los Angeles Resist March, and various local conservation, arts and business development programs. Allison holds bachelor’s degrees in public relations and political science from Grand Valley State University and lives in Pasadena with her wife and (adorable) baby daughter.

Don’t miss this opportunity for both inspiration and information from a rising leader in the national LGBTQ Equality Movement. Sunday, October 1 in the Forum beginning at 10:15 a.m. If you can’t join us in person, join us via live-stream — and spread the word!

For more information call 626.796.1172. For directions to All Saints Church click here.