2017 GLSEN Respect Awards Raises 1.2M

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Shawn Purdy / Lindsey Brown (212) 235-6813 / (212) 235-6814 shawn@slate-pr.com / lindsey@slate-pr.com 

Carla Gugino, Ann Clark, Ryan Pedlow, Roland Pard Elementary/Middle School & First Data Honored At 2017 GLSEN Respect Awards - NEW YORK

Event Raises 1.2M For Creating Safe And LGBTQ-Inclusive K-12 Education

NEW YORK (May 16, 2017) – GLSEN, the leading education organization focused on ensuring safe and inclusive schools for all students, honored Carla Gugino, Ann Clark, Ryan Pedlow, Roland Park Elementary/Middle School and First Data at the annual GLSEN Respect Awards – New York on Monday, May 15th  at Cipriani 42nd Street.  Ryan Pedlow, Founder of Two Creeks Capital, received the Visionary Award; Carla Gugino received the Inspiration Award, Ann Clark, Superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, received GLSEN’s Educator of the Year Award; Roland Park Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, Maryland received GLSEN’s GSA of the Year; and First Data received the Corporate Ally Award. GLSEN’s Executive Director, Dr. Eliza Byard was also surprised with an award for her 15 years of work and dedication with the organization.

The program featured opening remarks by Dr. Jill Biden who said “All of us deserve people at our side, facing life with us, no matter who we are or who we are love. Love is love, and that’s what we’re fighting for.” GLSEN’s National Student Council (NSC) and other student leaders from Ohio, Florida, Maryland, Georgia, Washington and New York presented to this year’s honorees. The National Student Council is a GLSEN-sponsored youth leadership and engagement program. It is open to all youth currently enrolled in high school in the United States. Members of the National Student Council dedicate their time, passion, and commitment to the mission of LGBTQ-inclusive schools while elevating the voices of marginalized groups within the LGBTQ community, including (but not limited to) youth of color, youth in rural communities, and transgender and gender nonconforming youth. Other presenters included Carmen Carrera and Zachary Quinto. Other guests in attendance included Ariana DeBose, Elliot Sailors, Chely Blitzer-Wright, Kyle Farmery, Andrew Morrison, Peppermint, the 22nd Secretary of the Army, Eric Fanning, and Former Secretary of Education, John King.

The 2017 GLSEN Respect Awards – New York continues through May 30th with an online auction via Charitybuzz that features items such as tickets to a New York Knicks & Brooklyn Nets games; tickets to a taping of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert; and a two night stay at the Ocean House Hotel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

The event was co-chaired by Cindy Armine-Klein, Chely Blitzer-Wright, Barbara Frankel, Michel Mercure, and Elizabeth Stribling-Kivlan. The event was presented by Hollister Co. and sponsored by Wells Fargo, First Data, AT&T, Delta, Sonnet & Ian McKinnon; Michel Mercure & David Dechman; Ryan Pedlow & Cameron Kessel; & Target.

The GLSEN Respect Awards, introduced in 2004 and held annually in Los Angeles and New York, showcase the work of students, educators, individuals and corporations who serve as exemplary role models and have made a significant impact on the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

For more information about the GLSEN Respect Awards – New York, please visit glsen.org/respectawards

About GLSEN

GLSEN is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.