Founded in 2003, Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to end discrimination and achieve equality for transgender people, particularly those in our most vulnerable communities. Transgender people have been subject to pervasive discrimination that has kept them, with rare exceptions, hidden from public view. While this discrimination has begun to lessen, transgender people still experience much prejudice and violence.Our strategies include pathbreaking trans rights cases and "friend of the court" briefs regarding the key issues of employment, health care, education and public accommodations. We seek to coordinate with traditional civil rights organizations and other LGBT civil rights organizations. We also provide public education on transgender rights.As TLDEF's inaugural Policy Director, I am working to support organizations and advocates working on the frontlines at the state level--especially in the Midwest and South--to prevent efforts to roll back policy gains the transgender community has achieved at the local, state, and federal level and to advance positive, supportive policies for transgender people across the nation.

Oversaw all aspects of management of Equality Ohio, the statewide education and advocacy organization on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community, including advocating for policies benefiting the transgender community, LGBTQ+ youth, and seniors, fully inclusive nondiscrimination protections, continued implementation of marriage equality, and supportive LGBTQ+ policies in schools. Combatted policies that would harm LGBTQ+ Ohioans or seek to roll back policy achievements gained. Fostered growth of the Equality Ohio Legal Clinic, which serves LGBTQ+ Ohioans up to 300% of the federal poverty line in accessing legal services. Oversaw $2.5 million budget, development efforts, grant management, and grant-writing initiatives. Lobbied on behalf of Equality Ohio for pro-LGBTQ+ statewide policies, including nondiscrimination protections, and against harmful legislation, especially that which targets LGBTQ+ youth. Served on the board of Ohio Competes, a legislative campaign in partnership with TransOhio, HRC and the ACLU of Ohio to achieve fully inclusive LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections at the state level. Lead as Board Chair of the Equality Federation, which supports the acceleration and growth of statewide equality organizations nationwide.

Oversaw all aspects of management of Equality Ohio, the statewide education and advocacy organization on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Implemented the practical and legal effects of Obergefell v. Hodges, which brought marriage equality to Ohio. Advocated for fully inclusive nondiscrimination protections at the state and local level. Achieved advances at the agency level for LGBTQ+ and especially transgender Ohioans. Oversaw development and grant-writing initiatives. Lobbied on behalf of Equality Ohio for statewide nondiscrimination protections. Served on the board of Ohio Competes, a legislative campaign in partnership with HRC and ACLU to achieve fully inclusive LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections at the state level.

Designed, implemented, and oversaw policy efforts statewide and in Northeast Ohio on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Focused on advancing equality in Northeast Ohio, including as a coalition partner in Cleveland Is Ready, a coalition advancing transgender visibility and equality in Cleveland. Supported legal analysis of Obergefell v. Hodges marriage equality decision as applies to Ohio.

Coordinated grassroots and organizational advocacy efforts in Northeast Ohio on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, including advocating for fully inclusive nondiscrimination protections, marriage equality, antibullying policies in schools, and policies benefiting the transgender community and LGBTQ+ youth and seniors.

Practice focused on complex civil litigation, including mass tort and product liability disputes, contract disputes and commercial matters. Managed many aspects of trial preparation before state and federal courts, as well as in international arbitration proceedings. Created and implemented compliance programs (FCPA, UK Bribery Act, etc.) for both national and international companies.Represented clients in habeas proceedings before the Sixth Circuit and at the District Court level. Advocated for the underrepresented through legal work with the Nueva Luz Legal Clinic and Equality Ohio. Volunteered for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s 3Rs Program and served on the Squire Sanders Pro Bono Committee for the Cleveland office.Representative Experience:• Represented habeas petitioner wrongly convicted of murder based on actual innocence.• Achieved summary judgment in favor of a large chemical manufacturer against allegations of employer intentional tort.• Achieved summary judgment in favor of an NBA basketball player in a defamation action. • Achieved voluntary dismissal of a major oil company in cases involving claims for environmental and property damage and personal injury. • Created and implemented an ethics and compliance program for a major international plastics corporation. • Represented a US-based iron and steel manufacturer in various agency proceedings. • Represented a habeas petitioner for relief from a high-profile murder conviction before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in a matter involving complex Constitutional issues. • Represented a prominent bank in commercial foreclosure proceedings. • Advised the Czech Republic in in a €73 million UNCITRAL investment arbitration against a Germany-based real estate development company. All of the investor’s claims were rejected and the Czech Republic was awarded most of its legal costs.

Drafted pleadings and briefs for litigation matters. Participated in case strategy and briefing in a significant trust dispute. Assisted with drafting an article about estate management.

Managed fundraising campaigns in all participating Greater Cleveland law, accounting, architecture, and engineering firms.

Supported one of the only nongovernmental organizations working for HIV advocacy and same-gender loving equality in India through volunteer work. Assisted in founding a fellowship program for postgraduate students.

Advanced PFLAG policy objectives on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community in the greater Washington, DC area. Organized PFLAG participation in legislative rallies. Designed media materials. Coordinated PFLAG membership outreach. Drafted grant applications.