GSBA Vision & Mission

MISSION: To combine business development, leadership and social action to expand economic opportunities for the LGBT Community and those who support equality for all.
Showing posts with label GSBA Scholarship Fund. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GSBA Scholarship Fund. Show all posts

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Scholarship Supporter: Tom Yetman



By John Wong

Dr. Thomas Yetman delivered babies in Michigan before moving to Seattle in 2006 to work for PacMed. Currently the CEO for Providence Medical Group NW Washington, Tom is passionate about education and supporting LGBTQ students.

When and why did you start donating to the GSBA Scholarship Fund?
PacMed was a Gold Sponsor of GSBA, and I was asked to host a table at the 2007 Taste of GSBA. I was struck by the mission of the Scholarship Fund and moved by the scholars’ stories, and began giving immediately. Education has been such a large part of my life and so essential to my career success. I believe that our community will succeed by helping all of our members to achieve their maximum potential. Helping our youth to complete their education is essential to this work.

Are there any particular scholar stories you found inspirational?
I am totally entranced by the stories of transgender people who I have met and in the media. As hard as it is to be gay or lesbian, I can only imagine the strength required to face the adversity that so many transgender people confront every day. I have so much admiration for those members of our community who have been able to be true to who they are and come out in this way. We have so much to learn from our transgender brothers and sisters.

Do you think LGBTQ students face more challenges to success in school/life than their heterosexual counterparts?
I do think that LGBTQ students face more challenges, because we have to deal with the world’s opinion of who we are and how we love. Being judged by a large portion of society has to affect one’s ability to learn and focus. Some parts of society are so ugly that it feels personal and that has to hurt at times. That is why it is so important to constantly send messages of love and support to our LGBTQ youth. They need to know that their family has their back and will always be there for them.

What would you say to someone is the most compelling reason to give to the GSBA Scholarship Fund?
Because the need is so great. And perhaps we have the chance to supporting the next Maya Angelou, the next Albert Einstein, the future Barack Obama when we support the GSBA Scholarship Fund. Who knows the wonderful things that society has been robbed of by not supporting some students in their educational aspirations?  Shame on us if we allow even one person with potential to wither and wilt for lack of education and opportunity.

Why do you continue to donate?
Because the need continues to be there. I will do what I can as long as there is even one LGBTQ student who needs to complete their education.

Your story is one of coming out later in life. You've seen a lot of scholars in their teens and early 20s come out as LGBTQ. What message do you have for them? 
Be true to yourself. You are supported by a large crowd of LGBTQ family members who love and support you. Never be afraid of owning your truth. There is great power in your truth. Your honesty and integrity will be a beacon to the world that LGBTQ is only one aspect of who you are. Your success in your career and your relationships will be the sign to the rest of the world that we are to be taken seriously and that our contributions are just as important and valued as any other member of society. When our culture sees people as people and not in terms of “gay” or “straight” we will have arrived at the society that we are meant to have. You are making that day closer by your proud and honest lives.

As a donor and philanthropist, what would you like your legacy to be?
He gave when the need was there. He supported for his family and community by loving and caring for them. He worked hard to be true to who he was and his life enriched those around him. In every way he endeavored to be honest and embraced his truth with vigor and enthusiasm. He made a difference.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

The most successful GSBA Scholarship Dinner ever!

Celebrating 25 years
Reaching two million dollars in scholarships awarded since 1990
Presenting $350,000 to 48 outstanding students
Raising a record $200,000
 
It all made for a truly amazing evening!  We heard stories from our  scholarship Founders and early champions in a moving video created by InterChange Media (included below). We brought this visionary group on stage for Michael Auch to present the Richard C. Rolfs Scholarship and Bob Dlugosh & Don McKee to present the Founders' scholarships. Mayor Ed Murray welcomed our guests and touchingly reminded us of other early scholarship champions who have passed. During the evening, we were saddened to hear of the continuing challenges of poverty, violence, and lack of family support which so many of our scholars face. Our keynote address, given by GSBA's first four-year Scholar, Laramie Smith, was incredible. Laramie shared the story of her journey, from being disowned by her family as a teenager, leaving her with no hope of being able to attend college, to the difference that four years of scholarship support from GSBA meant to her, knowing she had the backing of an entire community. Today Laramie has a PhD and just last week was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. There was not a dry eye in the room when Scholarship Chair Stephanie Dallas came on stage with an impassioned plea that opened our hearts and compelled us to give generously.


Thank you to all of our table captains who brought wonderful guests to fill the room at the Waterfront Marriott. Chaired by Allan Aquila and Scholarship Dinner volunteers Ryan Digges and Steve Gunn and our Scholarship Fund staff led by Mark Rosén and Jessica Wootten, we were able to create an evening that powerfully connected our past to our future. Other highlights of the evening included two announcements from Board Chair Martha Davis: the first about the launching a new Leadership Matching Fund, and the exciting news that GSBA has committed to fund every returning undergraduate scholar. With your continued support, both of these commitments will make a huge difference in the lives of LGBTQ and allied students.

How wonderful it was to hear about the scholars who received our named scholarships this year. Bob Rhodehamel & Dana Snyder presented a Future Ribbons Scholarship to Kelly Hill who is pursuing her graduate degree in AIDS Research; Glenn Johnson & Michael Melancon presented the Bright Horizon Scholarship to Jazmine Perez; and Linda Barzalai spoke eloquently and poignantly about the "still small voice" inside all of us and how this voice honors the memory of her son David. The connection between past and future was everywhere; with past scholars seated around the room, including past Chester Podlodowski Scholars at Tina's table. A wonderful video with four past scholars -- Ryan, Arianna, Morgan, and Linda -- talked about the impact receiving a scholarship had on their lives, which made us all reach for the tissues. Kent and Shay Thoelke shared connections they have made with their new scholars demonstrating the joy and fulfillment their family has gotten by establishing a scholarship in memory of their father and husband, Rich Thoelke.

A very special thank you to PwC, our Title Sponsor, and RBC Wealth Management, our presenting sponsor, as well as our evening's sponsors: Alaska Airlines, Carter Subaru, Microsoft and Seattle Goodwill. Thank you also to Team Photogenic for capturing the evening through photographs, Girlie Press for all the print collateral, and to FunFrames Photo for adding a bit more fun. Big thanks also to the Marriott Waterfront for all the support they gave to this event and to Janiece Haug for her donation of wine.



Demonstrating their continued support of the GSBA Scholarship Fund, our annual sponsors were well represented, including our Jewels, the businesses which invest in both the Chamber and the Scholarship Fund. Our Diamond Jewel Sponsor: Microsoft; Emerald Jewels: 1st Security Bank and Alaska Airlines; Ruby Jewels: PwC and RBC Wealth Management. And our Annual Sponsors: Platinum: US Bank;  Gold sponsors: American Family Insurance, Outerwall, Pacific Medical Centers and Wells Fargo; Silver sponsors: Boeing, Carter Subaru, Safeco, Liberty Mutual, Seattle Goodwill, Starbucks and UW Medicine; and, our Bronze sponsors: Argosy Cruises, Carpet Liquidators, CenturyLink, DML Insurance, Google, Group Health, Irons Brothers Construction, Mona Smith, Attorney at Law, Overlake Reproductive Health, Verity Credit Union, Vulcan and Whitepages. We are so grateful for all their support.

Also, how exciting to see so many guests ready to sign up as table captains for our over-the-top Scholarship fundraising gala, the TASTE of GSBA on November 21, 2015. Given, this event has sold out for the past four years, it is a good reminder to reserve your TASTE table now.

If you were unable to attend this powerfully moving 25th Anniversary Scholarship Dinner celebration, it's not too late to join the celebration and invest in the next generation of leaders by making a donation online today. If you are already a donor, we hope you'll consider giving another 25% this year, in recognition of our 25 years of supporting the education of our students.
 

For the future,
 
Louise Chernin
President & CEO 

Thursday, April 30, 2015

25 Years of Investments: Dr. Laramie Smith

For 25 years, GSBA has invested in the hearts and minds of LGBTQ and allied students. Join us as we award $350,000 to 48 of the brightest in Washington State. Meet these inspiring students and support them along their journey at the 2015 GSBA Scholarship Dinner on May 15 at the Seattle Waterfront Marriott. If you are unable to attend the Dinner, consider sponsoring a scholar at the Dinner with a donation of $150 or more. On this 25th Anniversary we will celebrate investing over $2 million dollars in 350 leaders. Please read more about our featured alumni speaker, Laramie Smith. She, and the many other alumni scholars, will be on hand to share their successes with you.



In 1999, Laramie Smith had lost her determination to go to college. She wondered what college would look like, how she would get there, how she could pay for it and what doors it could open. “They were mysteries I couldn't even begin to comprehend. I just knew I could do better with my life,” remembers the Lacey native. As she was looking into her options, Laramie applied for and received a GSBA scholarship. “I found myself without parents who could embody unconditional love and support, but I was suddenly and unexpectedly embraced by the LGBTQ community.”

Fast-forward 15 years: Laramie R. Smith, PhD, is a behavioral health scientist whose research is devoted to the prevention and treatment needs of HIV-affected and medically underserved communities.

Laramie received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in American cultural studies from Western Washington University. She worked on the Centers for Disease Control’s National HIV/AIDS Behavioral Surveillance study in conjunction with the Seattle–King County Department of Public Health’s HIV/AIDS Program, examining the intersection of substance use and housing vulnerabilities among adolescent and adult populations at the University of Washington.

Laramie defending her dissertation.
She earned her doctorate in social psychology from the University of Connecticut. During her doctoral training, she received a National Research Service Award from the National Institute of Health to develop and evaluate a theory-based approach to retention in HIV care in the Bronx. Through a complementary line of research, Laramie continues to investigate mechanisms through which HIV, drug use and methadone maintenance-related stigmas disrupt individuals’ prevention and treatment behaviors.

She worked at the Center for Health, Intervention, and Prevention (CHIP) on a large project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. As an extension of this trial, she integrated her work in HIV care with her investigation and support of the needs of newly diagnosed patients who were not yet eligible for antiretroviral therapy.

Laramie is currently a postdoctoral fellow at University of California San Diego School of Medicine’s Division of Global Public Health. Her research interests include infectious disease prevention, treatment and care; health disparities; medically vulnerable and underserved populations; LGBTQ health; health behavior theory; intervention development and evaluation; and structural equation modeling.

As the first GSBA scholar to receive four years of consecutive funding, Laramie gained just as much, if not more, from the knowledge that an entire community believed in her ability to thrive and provide leadership in the face of adversity. “This personal connection gave me strength and resolve to attain my education and invest my efforts back into in the health of the LGBTQ and other marginalized communities,” she says. “This support is more than I could have ever expected when I opened my first scholarship award letter in 1999. It has laid a solid foundation from which I continue to approach life's challenges and value my successes.”

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Meet Mark, Our New Director of Programs & Fund Development

5 Questions with Mark Rosén
Our new Director of Programs and Fund Development is a face that most of you will recognize. We are very excited to welcome him in this new role with GSBA!

Welcome, Mark! What did you do before joining the GSBA staff? 
I had a long career in the beauty service industry and was a salon owner for over 20 years. During that time I had the opportunity to travel and teach nationally with several major product companies, including as a global educator with the Aveda Corporation. The most important lesson I learned in my salon career was the value of building relationships, which is part of what I bring to my new role at GSBA. 

You aren't actually new to GSBA. How were you involved with the organization before 2015? 
I’m a longtime GSBA member (over 17 years) and supporter of the GSBA Scholarship Fund. My salon was named Business of the Year in 2005. I had the honor of serving as Board Chair for three years and also as Scholarship Chair. I've served on just about every standing committee and have loved the opportunity to connect with so many great GSBA members. One of the most fun things I can add is that I spearheaded the return of the GSBA Briefcase Brigade, which was an early Pride Parade tradition. I can proudly say that I am the most uncoordinated member of the brigade, having made it to the front page of the Seattle Times with the caption “Members of the GSBA Briefcase Brigade attempt to stay in step”!

What are some of your favorite memories as past Board and Scholarship Chair or as a member?
My favorite memories all revolve around the successes we have seen with the growth of the Scholarship Fund! Every year I've met incredible scholars and hear their moving stories. I've had the honor of supporting some of our past scholars as they prepare to present at our events, and I've been thrilled to see new donors come on board with the same passion I share for supporting our future leaders. Of course there’s also the thrill of raising the Pride flag and the Equality Washington flag on the top of the Space Needle! 

This is a new role in the office. What are you looking forward to most?
I’m most looking forward to exploring how we can continue to grow as an organization to offer our members the most value with our programs and use our voice to advocate for important business and social issues, as well as seeing the continued growth of our Scholarship Fund and its important mission of creating future leaders.

You helped organize the Wine District at the TASTE of GSBA. What are some of your favorite Washington wines, wine experiences, or winery members?

As a Washington wine geek, I have loved connecting my wine-making friends with the GSBA! It’s been a thrill to have them see the importance of what we do as an organization and support us through their participation. TASTE of GSBA has definitely become a great Washington wine event, and I loved hearing from Bart Fawbush of Bartholomew Winery that our guests are the most knowledgeable wine enthusiasts of any event he does. We now have winery supporters from all over the state, with a lineup last year that included so many favorites: Laurelhurst, Nota Bene, Fidelitas, Elsom, El Corazon, Va Piano, Bartholomew, Goose Ridge and more! That’s a pretty amazing list! 

Thursday, March 26, 2015

GSBA Scholarship Founders' Breakfast

Recently we had the opportunity to gather a few of the visionary early members responsible for establishing the GSBA Scholarship Fund 25 years ago. The creators and benefactors of our Founders’ Scholarship, Bob Dlugosh and Don McKee, opened their lovely home for us on a Saturday morning. We heard stories of the first scholarships and talked about the vision and hopes for the future of the Fund. We heard from Rita Smith, who continues to volunteer as a scholarship interviewer, about the need for the scholarship at a time when it was highly risky for a young person to come out in high school. There were no available LGBT options for assistance in attending college and many of our early scholars faced the challenges of having zero support from family or community. Recognizing that need was the impetus to create the Scholarship Fund.

We heard how that continues to be a need today and the importance of the Fund in helping fill that need.  Michael Auch shared the significance of the first large bequest to the Fund from the estate of Richard C Rolfs. This was the first major gift of its kind locally and as such it “represented the LGBT community taking pride in itself in a way that had not happened before and therefore opened the door for more giving.”

Everyone spoke of their pride in having helped create something that they did not imagine could grow to give out its two-millionth dollar and to help support so many future leaders in such a significant way. Perhaps the most wonderful moment came when founder Dave Brown encouraged us all to “think about a time in the future when the Fund is $100 million.” Visionary then, and visionary now!

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

CWU and GSBA Partnership Invests in the Education of LGBTQ and Allied Students


March 17, 2015

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Central Washington University and the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) have established a new waiver match agreement that invests in the education of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied students.

Under the new partnership, every GSBA Scholarship Fund recipient who enrolls at CWU will receive a tuition waiver match up to $2,500 from the university. The tuition waiver is renewable each year a student attends CWU and continues to receive scholarship support from GSBA.

“The partnership between CWU and GSBA is an important step in closing the opportunity gap in higher education for LGBTQ and allied students—a group who are all too often underserved by traditional support systems,” said Louise Chernin, GSBA President and CEO. “GSBA applauds CWU for taking a leadership role in breaking down barriers for LGBT and allied students to be able to attend college.”

CWU is among the top 50 LGBT-friendly universities in the nation as recognized by Campus Pride, a leading nonprofit that encourages safe campuses for LGBT students. And in 2014 CWU was a recipient of the INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. The HEED Award recognizes colleges that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Only 83 institutions were honored nationwide, and CWU is the only four-year university in Washington to receive the award.

GSBA scholarships support a diverse group of students who have the capacity and vision to be the next generation of leaders and create a better world. Over the past 24 years, the GSBA Scholarship Fund has awarded $1.9 million to more than 300 LGBTQ and allied students from Washington. The fund is poised to award its two millionth dollar and celebrate its 25th anniversary when it presents $350,000 to 44 students at its annual awards dinner in May.

GSBA scholarship applications are online in October and are due in January. A team of business and nonprofit leaders, former scholars and community members choose the award recipients.
GSBA is the largest business chamber of its kind in the United States. With more than 1,100 members, it has been advocating for equality in business for nearly 34 years.

Media contacts: Scott Wade, CWU VP for University Advancement, 509-963-1494, wades@cwu.edu

Rachael Brister, GSBA VP of Marketing and Tourism, 206-363-9188, RachaelB@thegsba.org

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Planned Giving - Using Your Head & Your Heart

By Sara Elward, Manager of Planned Giving at KCTS9 and member of the GSBA Scholarship Steering Committee. Republished from the Fall 2013 Perspective magazine.

Whenever you attend the Scholarship Awards Dinner or read a scholar profile in a GSBA publication, do you think, “These scholarship recipients are so amazing. I wish I could do more to support this program.” You can through a bequest in your will or trust.

USING YOUR HEAD
Making a bequest is easy. If you are creating a will or trust or if you are revising an existing one, you can make a provision for the GSBA Scholarship Fund in one of several ways including a specific bequest, a percentage of your estate or a contingent bequest. You can also consult your attorney about adding a codicil or amendment to an existing will or trust as a way of making such a gift.

Making a bequest is revocable. You can change your will during your lifetime to reflect your changing circumstances. Making a bequest of a percentage of your estate means that regardless of the size of the estate, the people and organizations like GSBA which have been important in your life, will be part of your legacy.

You retain control of your assets during your lifetime. Many of us are concerned about outliving our resources and a bequest means that all of our resources are available to us during our lives. Because the gift is not made until after your death, you eliminate any worry that you are giving away resources you might need.

You may reduce your estate taxes. If you have a taxable estate (currently anything over $2 million in Washington state and about $5 million for federal taxes), any amount you give to a charitable organization is removed from the taxable estate amount.

USING YOUR HEART
Like you, I care deeply about creating future LGBT leaders, about the crucial role education plays in creating them and about the message that these scholarships send to the recipients: You are a valuable person with a promising future and we are here to support you. The excitement and gratitude that is expressed by scholar after scholar let’s me know that these gifts have impact, now and far into the future beyond anything I can imagine.

If you would like to create a legacy of caring and hope, please consider a bequest to GSBA. You might want to establish a scholarship or make a gift to the endowment. There are many ways to include GSBA scholarships in your estate and we will be happy to help you create the legacy you want to leave behind.

Including GSBA in your will or trust is an easy, revocable way to make a larger gift than you may be able to make during your lifetime and it ensures that your personal legacy of commitment to the future of our community will be carried on after you are gone.


Sara’s Tip: If you have already included GSBA in your estate, please let Jessica Wootten (JessicaW@thegsba.org) know as we would like to welcome you to the Rainbow Club which recognizes our legacy donors.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

GSBA Scholars Walk in the Relay for Life

(L-R) Eddie, Alejandra, Ryan, Anthony, Arianna, and Kevin
Last weekend a group of past and present GSBA Scholars joined together to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Cal Anderson Park. Relay For Life events take place across the globe to honor cancer survivors, raise awareness about reducing the risks that cause cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease. Lead by former GSBA Scholar and current GSBA Board Member, Ryan Digges, the team raised over $800 in support of this great cause.

A personal cause to current scholar Alejandra Silva Hernandez, she jumped at the chance to participate. Here she shares her point of view on the significance of Relay For Life:


The moment Ryan Digges first asked whether people were interested in participating in the American Cancer Society’s inaugural Relay for Life at Capitol Hill, I knew I had to be a part of the movement. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to reunite with Ryan, Eddie, Anthony, and Kevin, and I finally met Arianna! But more than that, I felt so deeply touched that the Greater Seattle Business Association would support a cause that is making a difference in my family. My mom has been battling this terrifying disease and she is a warrior just like the Survivors I met at the Relay.

About two to three hours into the Relay, I realized I had no idea what I was in for. I hadn’t had my coffee, it was a hot day and I was wearing pants. To be frank, I was a little embarrassed to be winded even though we were taking turns walking. But I kept going because I saw a Survivor walk past me and past Anthony, and Arianna and yes, even Ryan and Eddie. I was amazed, she continued to walk, nonstop. Finally, I went up to her and asked her if she had anyone to take turns with and she said no, that she was there as a Survivor, walking for herself.

I was amazed. There she was, walking those same steps that I took, under the same heat, but she kept going, nonstop. Cancer taught her that. At that moment all I wished for was a world where people like her and my mom didn’t have to advocate for themselves, where they didn’t have to be strong around-the-clock, and a time when they could devote themselves to being relaxed and without burden.

After Saturday’s Relay, I realized that this movement is making my wish a reality one additional birthday at a time. The Relay funds research, provides education and offers support to people like that remarkable Survivor and my resilient mom.  That’s why it is so important to fundraise for the Relay for Life.

I can’t thank Ryan enough for putting such a wonderful team together and pulling through so strikingly in just over a week’s time. I look forward to next year’s participation. Ready with coffee, weather-appropriate clothing and more GSBA scholars!

Thursday, July 24, 2014

2014 Graduating Scholars

All of at GSBA want to send a big congratulations to all the GSBA Scholars who graduated this year!

Hanna O'Donnell (2008, 2010-2012)
Central Washington University, magna cum laude

Carnella Linder (2013)
AAS, Social & Human Services, Seattle Central College
Continuing on for a Bachelor's degree next year

Nyka Tucker (2013, 2014)
BS, Microbiology and Global Health, University of Washington

Lisa Eytel (2011)
BS, Chemistry and Forensic Science; Honors degree, Criminal Justice; Russel Sage College
Pursuing a PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Oregon

Greg Phelps (2010-2013)
Business Administration: Management Information Systems, Western Washington University

Miki Cabell (2011-2014)
MPA, Tribal Governance, The Evergreen State College
Pursuing a PhD in Indigenous Studies at Whakatane Awanuiāranga

Ryan Biava (1996-1997)
PhD, Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dissertation: “The Comparative Politics of Privacy: Ideas, Institutions & Information”

Carver (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)
BA, Social Work, Eastern Washington University

Danny Cords (2013)
BA, Human Development & Learning and Social Justice Studies, Antioch University
Completing his Master's degree in Education (Adult Education and Organizational Behavior) in March

Alejandra Silva Hernandez
BS, Microbiology, University of Washington

Friday, March 28, 2014

Scholar Spotlight: Beyond the Finish Line with Darlene Palmer


A GSBA Scholar since 2010, we’ve seen Darlene Palmer overcome many obstacles. As a single-mother working to make ends meet while working towards her degree and facing numerous health challenges, Darlene has successfully managed to it all with grace and perseverance. Beyond perseverance, comes inspiration and drive. Darlene has spent the last year proving that she is strong, passionate and as fiery as they come.

Let’s go back to March 2011. Darlene had already received her first GSBA Scholarship and was doing well at Spokane Falls Community College. However, she soon found herself in an unthinkable position. Darlene had to undergo a complete knee reconstruction, which left her unable to walk for over 2 months. Determined to continue her education, she made it to Seattle for her scholarship interview in a wheelchair. Fortunately for Darlene, she was awarded a second GSBA Scholarship and began the process of rehabilitation. Finally after two long months of grueling physical therapy, she took her first steps. The pain she felt was excruciating, but she knew she needed to relearn to walk. She said, “I wanted to walk. I NEEDED to walk. I knew running would not be something I could try for at least 6 months, and really, I was perfectly fine with that. I just wanted to be functional again. I wanted to walk, step off a curb, climb stairs, stand in the shower, and be fully functional on my own.”

And that she did. Darlene stepped off that curb and walked, and walked, and walked… In fact, she’s addicted to walking. What started as 5Ks quickly turned into half marathons. Fast-forward to September 2013. On a whim, and with encouragement from her best friend, she signed up for her first half-marathon with only weeks to train. She knows it sounds crazy, she didn’t even have proper shoes but she did it, in Keen sandals. She walked. 13.1 miles and each step was a victory worth celebrating.

She continued to walk. Just 3 months after her first half and surgery to remove her gallbladder, she not only completed the Seattle Half Marathon in December, but also shaved an hour off of her previous time. The pride she felt was overwhelming. Through the pain of blisters, she pushed through and received her second half-marathon medal.

All this walking had her thinking about her upcoming birthday. She knew what she had to do—a third half-marathon. Darlene thought what a better way to celebrate her birthday than by signing up for the Phoenix Half Marathon. As she prepared for this race, just as in the times before she faced an obstacle. This time it was kidney stones. Again she endured pain and a hospital stay, but remained focused.

This race was different. For her, as a Hispanic, lesbian woman, it was political. Arizona has been known to have tough immigration laws and a government that nearly passed a legal LGBT discrimination bill. So as Darlene prepared for her birthday race, she declared, “I will do it as a minority in a state who can racially profile me and demand I prove my citizenship status. I will do it for people who are not able to walk out their door and feel safe from discrimination. I will do it without hiding any part of who I am, as that is what makes me great!”

And by now you know how the story goes. Darlene crushed the Phoenix Half Marathon and did so while wearing the Rainbow Flag. She said, “I will not be put back in the closet, but I will walk out and proud for all those in Arizona and elsewhere who were not able to be out.”

Darlene has set and exceeded her goals each time. She has already signed up for her next half and has big plans to continue on her path of physical fitness. Darlene is studying Human Development at Washington State University and will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May 2015. In addition to school, she works as an in-home caretaker for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s and stays busy raising her 11-year old daughter and 9-year old stepdaughter.

To follow continue on this walking journey with Darlene, you can visit her blog of inspiration at http://halfmarathondar.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Scholar Spotlight: Cady Smith


Cady (L) at the 2013 Scholarship Dinner
"I will never forget when I walked into the GSBA Scholarship dinner for the first time. I remember being so utterly overwhelmed by the amount of support I faced, after thinking for years that I was alone. I cried. My parents cried. The individuals that interviewed me cried. I couldn't believe that I had made it this far, that I had finally found a community where I was fully accepted. As a second year scholar, the dinner affected me just as strongly. I remember one of the speakers saying (with regards to being part of the queer community), 'You don't need to be fixed. There is nothing to fix.' 

"GSBA has showed me that this statement is true at every turn. I now know that my future matters. Every day that I assume my various leadership roles I strive to be a representative of the love and acceptance that GSBA has shown me. Even though some of my past is painful, I didn't go through it needlessly. This organization has taught me the power that my personal story has. This experience has built me into a person with a passion for leading and helping others. If I can help even one person realize that there's an entire community waiting out there with open arms, like the GSBA has, then everything I've been through has been worth it."

Cady (R) after completing the Color Run
As usual, Cady is keeping herself very busy in the South Sound area. She is currently a Rieke Leadership Fellow for Pacific Lutheran University's Diversity Center. She is working to reestablish the campus' Queer Ally Network and safe space program. She is a graphic designer at IMPACT, the graphic design office at PLU and she also works as a Marketing and Development Associate at Centerforce, a nonprofit in Lakewook devoted to empowering adults with disabilities. As part of the University Students Museum Advisory Committee at the Tacoma Museum of Glass, Cady helps to strengthen communication and interaction between the Museum, university students and faculty throughout the Puget Sound area.



Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Somebody pinch me please!



by Mark Rosén, GSBA Board Chair

Could someone pinch me please! Somehow we have ended up living in a place where federally recognized marriage is a reality and, though I know that so many have worked for so long to make this dream come true, at certain times it still is unbelievable.

This new reality recently allowed us, after many years together, to “tie the knot”. We began Pride Day by having the honor to be present at the raising of the Washington marriage equality flag on top of the Space Needle, then marching with the GSBA Briefcase Brigade, and following all of that (as if that wasn’t enough), we held a small wedding ceremony at our home in Seward Park surrounded by friends and family. We were thrilled to have GSBA leader Louise Chernin officiate the event. 

Image care of the Smithsonian
We are blessed to have all the things a family needs plus more and so when we considered the idea of wedding gifts it was a natural choice to think of helping others and of course for us that means the GSBA Scholarship Fund. Suggesting that guests consider  making a gift to the GSBA Scholarship fund was the perfect way to  answer the question of what to do about wedding presents. We didn’t need a toaster, or anything else for that matter, but our young and future leaders need a lot of help to make attending college a reality. For over 20 years, the GSBA Scholarship Fund has been making a difference, so what a great feeling it was to have our marriage help continue to make that difference. We’re pleased to report that there is at least one new Ruby Slipper wearer out there as a result!

What a great time this is to be alive and even though we know there is more to do to help achieve equality for all, how great it is to help make sure that happens by supporting those who will make a difference for the next generation. If you are planning your big day, why not include the GSBA Scholarship Fund in your suggested gifts? It helps complete the old adage of “something borrowed, something blue, something old and something new”… a new chance at success for  a deserving student.

Cheers to your happiness and to love and equality for all!