This year GLSEN will be holding its annual New York Respect Awards on Monday May 23rd at Gotham Hall in midtown Manhattan, presented by KPMG. The Respect Awards give GLSEN the opportunity to showcase the work of corporations, individuals and educators who have made a significant difference in the areas of diversity, inclusion and the safe schools movement - and who serve as exemplary role models to students. This year, we will once again invite our friends and corporate partners to join us in recognizing the achievements GLSEN has made to ensure schools are safe for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
It is our pleasure to announce our slate of honorees for this year's Respect Awards.
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.
Chely Wright - 2011 Inspiration Award
Chely Wright is an award winning singer and songwriter with deep roots in the country music industry. Since the moment Chely publically came "out" on May 5th, 2010, she has been a tremendous force for change, and a voice for GLSEN. Her dedication to and compassion for LGBT youth across the country has made her a role model and a champion for them. As the lead spokesperson for GLSEN's Safe Space Campaign, Chely promotes and supports GLSEN's critical work every chance she get - 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.
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 firm-wide 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 firm-wide 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.
2011 Educator of the Year Award - Contest will begin in March
After a nationwide search, GLSEN will present our 2011 Educator of the Year at this year's New York Respect Awards.
