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DES MOINES— Iowa Pride Network has hired Rachel Johnson as its Outreach Coordinator. Johnson, a Dubuque native, will be responsible for enhancing Iowa Pride Network’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth leadership and organizing projects and broadening the network’s outreach, with an emphasis on Western Iowa. “Rachel possesses an outstanding advocacy and organizing track record,” stated Ryan Roemerman, Iowa Pride Network Director. “We’re excited to bring her on board. Her unique skill sets are exactly what the network needs in this time of growth.” Johnson graduated in May with a B.A. in Electronic Media from the University of Northern Iowa; where she served as President of the university’s Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA). As an undergrad, Johnson spoke at a number of state and regional conferences on topics ranging from organizing for social change to sustaining GSAs on high school and college campuses. Johnson also organized and participated in over one-hundred LGBT student panels for staff, students and community members and helped increase participation and funding for the GSA and its events through innovative programming and outreach. “I have a strong sense of responsibility to educate and motivate LGBT students to work for equality in their communities. I am excited to take on this role and look forward to networking and empowering students to create change,” stated Johnson. Iowa Pride Network’s Outreach Coordinator position has been made possible with funding in part by the Liberty Hill Foundation’s Queer Youth Fund, a fund that makes multi-year grants to grassroots, local, state, or national nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life among LGBTQA youth. To find out more about the Liberty Hill Foundation, visit: http://www.libertyhill.org |