Jody C. Randall (she/her/hers) serves as the Director for the Office of LGBTQIA Education & Engagement at Texas Tech University and reigns as Miss Trans Texas USA 2020. She is a thought- and practice-leader in the development of cultural competencies within higher education and non-profit sectors. Jody is a member of the Gender and Sexuality Leadership Team for Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (NASPA) where she serves as the Public Policy Liaison (2018-2020) and serves as Director of Administration (2019-2021) on the Board for the Texas Association of College and … [Read more...]
Ezra Young – Vice President, he/him/his
As a nationally recognized transgender civil rights attorney, Young practices law focused on rights of recognition, employment protections, and healthcare and insurance coverage issues. Prior to founding his practice in 2017, he served as Director of Impact Litigation at the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. Previously, he served as an associate with a private law firm and was a Post-Doctoral Scholar. Young received his B.A. in Philosophy from Cornell University and his J.D. from Columbia Law School. While a law student, Young served as Executive Managing Editor of the … [Read more...]
Ava Keely Arnett – Secretary / Grant Coordinator
Ava Arnett is software engineer for a regional bank. Ava has been involved in the computer industry professionally since 1998 and has worked for nonprofits, health care and the financial industry in various capacities. She is an active volunteer with the Translation transgender youth group and has been co-facilitating since 2013 with Tony Ferraiolo and the other coordinators. Ava had struggled with gender dysphoria since her childhood in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2010 she transitioned, personally and professionally and began living her authentic life. In her spare time, she enjoys … [Read more...]
Ryan Rasdall – Treasurer
Ryan Rasdall is the Legal Assistant for the Transgender Rights Project at Lambda Legal, the oldest and largest national legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and people with HIV. In his role, Ryan facilitates the Transgender Rights Project’s work by, among other things, conducting research and analysis on issues facing transgender people. Ryan has also spoken about his and Lambda Legal’s work to advance transgender rights to various audiences, including the Connecticut Trans Lives Conference, the NYC … [Read more...]
Erin Marie Meyer
Erin Marie Meyer is the Pro Bono Counsel at Proskauer Rose LLP, a leading international law firm. In that role, Erin works with a diverse network of legal services and nonprofit organizations to identify opportunities for pro bono lawyers to make a difference in the lives of low-income individuals seeking equal access to justice. Erin also provides practice support and supervision to lawyers handling pro bono matters addressing a variety of social justice issues. Prior to joining Proskauer, Erin was a senior associate at a large international law firm where her practice focused on complex … [Read more...]
Dane Menkin, he/him/his
Menkin is a Nurse Practitioner and the Divisional Director of LGBTQ Services at Main Line HealthCare. His special interests include HIV medicine and transgender/gender-non conforming health care. He received a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and Sports Medicine from East Stroudsburg University, then completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Cedar Crest College, before earning a Master of Science in Nursing at Thomas Jefferson University. Dane is also on the faculty at Georgetown University School of Nursing. His term on the Board expires June 13, 2023. … [Read more...]
Xander Rice, he/him/his
Xander is originally from Virginia but spent much of his life in Georgia before moving to Knoxville, TN just this past November. He was a 2019 Jim Collins Foundation Grant Recipient. He volunteered with Alphabet Soup Atlanta during his time there, doing various trans-related fundraisers and events. After volunteering with Alphabet Soup Atlanta for many years he sought that same type of organization in Knoxville. Through his partner, Devin he heard about the work that Jack Knoxville was doing with the Trans Empowerment Project and knew that he wanted to be involved. He has been the client … [Read more...]
Jennifer A. Gay, she/her/hers
Jennifer A. Gay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of ReTHink Therapy, PLLC, in Dallas, Texas. In that role, Jennifer helps individuals, couples, and families, deal with a diverse array of Mental Health issues, including anxiety, depression, infidelity, and gender dysphoria. She also provides support for LGBTQ+ families to help them navigate the waters after their family member has come out to them as gay, lesbian, or transgender. Jennifer’s goal when doing this work is to help families gain a better understanding of their child's needs and go from a place of tolerance to … [Read more...]
Aydin Olson-Kennedy, he/him/his
Aydin Olson-Kennedy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Executive Director at the Los Angeles Gender Center. He is considered a national expert in the mental care of transgender and non-binary youth and their parents. He has been hired by numerous organizations and conferences worldwide to train other professionals about the psychosocial impact of gender dysphoria. Aydin earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, with areas of focus in multi-cultural and gender studies, sociology, and social work. In 2013, he completed his Master’s in Social Work from California State … [Read more...]