The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center
Creating an Inclusive Workplace for Trans & Non-Binary Communities
Summer Lunch & Learn Series
Ensuring diversity in the workplace is regularly a top priority for non-profit leaders, but we all know that diversity doesn't stop at the hiring stage. Join for a discussion on building an inclusive workplace for transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary community members, from the policy level to workplace culture. Whether you are an advocate for LGBTQ+ communities, or an aspiring ally you're welcome to join and learn more about building a workplace that allows all team members to thrive as their full selves.
Key Take-Aways
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Deepen understanding of transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) identity/complexity of language
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Discuss the intersectionality of identity TGNCNB communities live within, and apply this knowledge to broaden the conversation of inclusionary practice within the workplace
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Name, recognize, and practice methods of being an actionable ally to TGNCNB community members
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Discuss barriers to TGNCNB inclusion within workplace culture and address methods of breaking down these barriers to make sustainable change
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Review current employment law and best practices for TGNCNB workplace inclusion
About The LOFT
The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center serves LGBTQ+ and allied adults ages 18 and older throughout the lower Hudson Valley region of NY. The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center is a welcoming and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and supporters. Their doors are open and there is something going on nearly every day of the week including support groups, social groups & activities, assistance & advocacy, health and wellness, education and training.
Kira Lingala (she/her/hers)
Kira Lingala (she/her/hers) began participating in groups at The LOFT in 2019 and joined the team in May 2020 as a Peer Navigator for The LOFT’s PROUDWST Me program. Prior to that, Kira graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where she concentrated in Political Science and African-American studies. While in school, Kira investigated wrongful convictions as an intern for the Invisible Institute before going on to write and edit for New America’s weekly newsletter as an intern.
Kira is passionate about prison abolition, LGBTQ+ rights, and destigmatizing mental health. She writes creatively, reads science fiction and philosophy, avidly follows film, practices yoga, and escapes to nature anytime she needs a break.
Robyn Schlesinger (she/her/hers)
Robyn Schlesinger (she/her/hers) is an attorney who works extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education. She is an active Loft volunteer, working with TGNCNB individuals on their employment searches and doing training for employers, educators and organizations.
Based in White Plains, NY, Robyn is a member of Westchester County’s LGBTQ Advisory Board and its Police Reform Task Force. She is a doctoral candidate in the education program at Manhattanville College, and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.
Shepard Verbas (they/them/theirs)
Shepard Verbas (they/them/theirs) is the Director of Programs and Services at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center serving LGBTQ+ community and allies, ages 18 and older throughout the lower Hudson Valley. Shepard oversees the center's 50+ programming designed to engage and empower the LGBTQ+ community, and has been a part of the staff at The LOFT since 2015. They are dedicated to heightening visibility for trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) communities in every facet of their work. In addition to their role at The LOFT they also co-facilitate CANDLE Rockland's Trans Youth Group for TGNCNB youth ages 12-18. Shepard has been dedicated to furthering the LGBTQ+ movement since 2014 through their involvement with several LGBTQ+ organizations, and has spoken at over 100 trainings and panels addressing issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
Sponsored by:
NPW fosters awareness about the critical services uniquely provided by Westchester’s nonprofit agencies. These resources benefit the clients, customers and employees of other nonprofits, the business community, government and other sectors, our communities, friends and neighbors. Learn more at NPW’s Summer Lunch and Learn Series. These sessions will be interactive with plenty of opportunity for questions and answers. Registration will be limited to 30 participants. Information on presenters, highlighted topics and key take-aways will be provided.
