Jody C. Randall (she/her/hers) serves as the Vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center 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...]
Ryan Rasdall, he/him/his – Treasurer
Ryan Rasdall is a Corporate Attorney at Goulston & Storrs, where his practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, corporate financing, and compliance. Previously, Ryan was 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 that role, Ryan facilitated the Transgender Rights Project’s work by, among other things, conducting research and analysis on issues facing … [Read more...]
Erin Marie Meyer, she/her/hers
Erin Marie Meyer is a Pro Bono Counsel at Cooley 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. Throughout her career, Erin has demonstrated a strong commitment to pro bono work, particularly in the areas of LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant … [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...]
S. D. Manning, he/him/his
S. D. a self-proclaimed Southern gentleman with feminist roots is owner and founder of Uncaged Souls LLC, whose mission is to be a healing hub to create a safe place for meeting the health and wellness needs for his beloved communities. S. D. is a native of Gainesville, Florida where he obtained a degree in Family, Youth, and Community Science from the University of Florida. S. D. migrated to Atlanta, GA in 2009 to pursue a federal sector career where some of his most rewarding professional contributions include serving as Local Accessibility Coordinator, assisting employees with disabilities … [Read more...]
Elijah Palles, he/him/his
Elijah Palles (he/him/his) aka Eddie Broadway has been a drag entertainer in Phoenix, AZ for 10 years. During his time, he has held numerous titles, namely Mister Phoenix Pride 2014, Mister USofA MI 2017, Emperor to Reign XIII of the Imperial Court of Arizona, King Father to Reign XV of the Imperial Court of Arizona and is the current Mr. Trans USA 2020. Through his performing career, he has been an activist for transgender visibility and awareness. Elijah was the first elected transgender emperor of the imperial court of Arizona and enacted the Broadway Gatlyn Spectrum Grant that awards up to … [Read more...]