JoDee Winterhof, Human Rights Campaign: Out in Akron? Out in America? The Need, Path and Future of LGTBQ Equality

This episode from October 17, 2019 is part of our "Most Memorable" collection. Recommended by Akron Roundtable board member, David Hunter: "This 2019 Akron Roundtable speaker will long be remembered as a presenter who came to Akron fully prepared and offered remarks and presented statistics that evidenced the national progress that has been made toward positively influencing attitudes toward and recognition of members of the LGBTQ communities throughout our country.  I’ll always remember the capacity crowd, comprised of individuals from a broad spectrum of our community – undoubtedly including many who had never before attended an Akron Roundtable luncheon.  But for me the most important moment was Winterof’s own story of embracing her sexual orientation, summoning up the courage to come out, and the relief she gained by doing so and seeing the acceptance by those who knew her.  It was clearly an emotional moment for Human Rights Campaign leader when she told the audience, “What a relief it was to know I could now live an authentic life.”  It was a breakthrough presentation not only for Akron Roundtable, but for our entire community." JoDee Winterhof is a veteran political strategist and respected  advocate with over 20 years of experience in navigating the complex intersection between politics, campaigns, messaging and public policy, currently serves as Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs for the Human Rights. Find full speaker bio, presentation pdf, and the event details here: bit.ly/3goCKrR