for
their commitment to all of America's students, regardless of sexual
orientation and gender identity/expression.
ABOUT
THE CO-CHAIRS:
BARBARA FRANKEL:
Barbara
Frankel is
Executive Editor and Senior Vice President of DiversityInc, supervising diversity-management
content for DiversityInc.com, DiversityInc magazine, and for DiversityIncBestPractices.com,
a web site for senior diversity leaders. Along with DiversityInc CEO Luke Visconti,
she is one of two DiversityInc senior executives who present benchmarking consulting
results to CEOs and senior leaders across corporate America. She also oversees
the content of DiversityInc's two annual events, which average more than 600
attendees from 200 companies and have featured more than 20 CEOs from major
corporations.
Ms. Frankel produces
and anchors monthly webinars on diversity best practices and arranges and co-moderates
corporate roundtables on diversity-management issues. She also speaks to organizations
on the business benefits of diversity and diversity-management best practices.
Before joining DiversityInc
in 2000, Ms. Frankel had more than 20 years as a reporter and editor at New
Jersey newspapers. She also ran national ethics forums for journalists as well
as political roundtables. She spent 10 years as an adjunct professor of journalism
at Rutgers University, teaching Media Law and Ethics.
She
has a bachelor's degree in English and mass communications from the University
of Vermont and a master's degree in business journalism from the Medill School
of Journalism at Northwestern University.
Associations
National Board of
Directors, Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network, co-chair, New York Respect
Awards
Volunteer Advisory Board, Amy Foundation for Breast Cancer
Awards
December
2005, Rutgers University Journalism Department, Best Part-Time Lecturer
1997, 1998 Society of Professional Journalists, Editorial Writing
1994 Society of Professional Journalists, Business Writing
WILSON
CRUZ:
Wilson Cruz first won the hearts of audiences with his portrayal of 'Rickie
Vasquez', the first openly gay teenager on network primetime television, on
ABC's critically acclaimed series, MY SO-CALLED LIFE. He has continued earning
both critical acclaim, and a large and loyal fan base throughout his career
in various roles on television, film and stage.
Wilson's television work continued with memorable roles in PARTY OF FIVE, THE
WEST WING, ER, MONK and PUSHING DASIES. Recently, Wilson played a guilt-ridden
groom on GREY'S ANATOMY, a poignant episode highlighting the current controversy
surrounding legal issues of gay marriage in our country.
Other TV appearances include stints on David E. Kelley's ALLY MCBEAL, RAISING
THE BAR, NOAH'S ARC, RICK AND STEVE, THE HAPPIEST GAY COUPLE IN THE WORLD on
the Logo network, and guest stars on THE CLOSER, NCIS, AMERICAN DAD, RELATED
and .
On stage, Cruz took over the role of 'Angel' both on Broadway and in the West
Coast Premiere of RENT. He garnered critical praise for his performance, winning
both The Los Angeles Ovation Award and the Dramalogue Award for best Actor in
a Musical. While he was part of the company, RENT won both the Pulitzer Prize
and Tony Award for best music. Wilson continued with his theatre work starring
in the West Coast Premiere, National Tour, and Westport Country Playhouse productions
of TICK, TICK, BOOM!
On the big screen, Wilson received festival accolades with the Indie films PARTY
MONSTER, COFFEE DATE, JOHNS and ALL OVER ME. Other studio film credits include
NIXON and the hit romantic comedy, HE%92S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU opposite
Drew Barrymore. He recently completed filming a lead role in the upcoming feature,
METH HEAD, starring opposite Lukas Haas.
Wilson continues to be a fierce advocate for issues affecting the GLTB community.
Since 1995, Wilson has traveled to universities and corporate headquarters across
the country speaking on equality issues and civil rights. He has also lent his
name and energies to various notable organizations, events and charities. His
efforts have been recognized by numerous national institutions including The
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, GLSEN, PFLAG, The Hetrick-Martin Institute,
The LA GLBT Center, and in 2010 Wilson hosted the Los Angeles GLAAD Awards after
receiving their Visibilidad Award.
Wilson currently divides his time between Los Angeles and New York.
