WE
HONOR:
&
for
their commitment to all of America's students, regardless of sexual
orientation and gender identity/expression.
ABOUT
THE HONOREES:
Barclays
Capital – 2011 Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Award
Barclays Capital has proven to be a great champion and partner in the mission
to create a safe and diverse environment for students across the country. Barclays
Capital has partnered with GLSEN since 2009, demonstrating their support of
GLSEN and the students we work to be a support and resource for, everyday. Barclays
Capital aims to be a workplace that fosters a diverse work environment which
supports the communities in which the company's employees live and work. The
bank scores a perfect 100 on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, and is a
leader in the community - Barclays recently became the first financial services
company in the country to introduce a tax reimbursement for same-sex domestic
partner benefits. The bank's commitment to GLSEN is another demonstration of
that same leadership.
Susie
Scher & Allison Grover - Lifetime Achievement Award
Susie and Allison have been important and unwavering supporters of GLSEN. Both
Susie and Allison hold senior positions at Goldman Sachs and have been proud
and vocal proponents of GLSEN within the firm and have been the driving force
behind the Goldman-GLSEN relationship. Susie, who has been with the firm for
over fourteen years, is one of only two openly gay partners of the firm and
has been instrumental in ensuring that Goldman Sachs remains at the forefront
of LGBT equality within the workplace . Allison is a Vice President in the equities
division and also serves on the steering committee of the firmwide LGBT network.
Allison and Susie are also very personally invested in GLSEN, both as significant
funders, as well as volunteers—Susie has previously served as a co-chair
of the New York Respect Awards and Allison recently hosted a firmwide anti-bullying
event at Goldman that featured GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard, and student
ambassador Joey Kemmerling. Susie and Allison are married and live in New York
City with their three children.
Chely
Wright - 2011 Inspiration Award
Chely Wright is an award-winning singer/songwriter with a meaningful history
in the country music industry. Since May 5th, 2010, the very moment Chely publicly
came "out", she has been a tremendous force for equality and a voice
for GLSEN. Chely's dedication to and compassion for LGBT youth across the country
has made her a role model and a champion for change. As the lead spokesperson
for GLSEN's Safe Space Campaign, Chely promotes and supports GLSEN's critical
work at every turn - and it has been life-changing for LGBT youth across the
country. Chely chose the New York Respect Awards in May 2010 for her first public
speaking role at an LGBT event and it is an honor to have her back this year
taking the stage for the award she so deserves. Chely lives in New York City
with her girlfriend, Lauren and their three dogs.
