The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center would like to congratulate the individuals and organizations that have been selected as REACH Award winners for 2013. These individuals represent the best of the best in retail, education, advocacy, community, humanitarian and faith.
RETAIL AWARD
Kellogg, K-Pride Affinity Group
Kellogg is being recognized for their commitment to workplace diversity and inclusion, particularly creating a workplace where LGBTQ employees can be their whole selves while at work. Kellogg’s belief that, “goodness shines from the inside out,” is apparent with their thirteen permanent Diversity and Inclusion Councils. Each Council works to engage employees with one another, Kellogg, and the communities in which they operate.
TERRY KUSESKE EDUCATION AWARD
Patricia Carlin, Educator/Long-time GSA advisor for Kalamazoo Central High School
For more than a decade, Patricia has created a safe and inclusive space for all of her students during her tenure at Kalamazoo Central. She has gone above and beyond to support and maintain a thriving Gay-Straight Alliance at Kalamazoo Central High School. She is a tireless advocate and ally to all students, with a focus on LGBT youth who have needed safe adults on their side. The KGLRC believes all students deserve a safe environment to learn and be who they are.
ADVOCACY AWARD
Jon Hoadley
Jon’s leadership with the Unity Michigan Coalition has helped to bring protections in housing, public accommodations, and employment for more than 344,000 Michigan residents. Hoadley also managed the One Kalamazoo campaign to defend the Kalamazoo Non-Discrimination Ordinance. As a result of the victory, Hoadley regularly consults on nondiscrimination campaigns across the country.
Previously, Hoadley has served as Executive Director of the National Stonewall Democrats, worked for the Gill Action Fund, and managed South Dakotans Against Discrimination. In the community, Hoadley serves as the Vice President of CARES, an HIV/AIDS Service Organization in Southwest Michigan. Hoadley regularly trains with People For the American Way’s Front Lines Academy to prepare the next generation of progressive public servants.
COMMUNITY AWARD
Charley Bowers
Charley is being recognized for her determined advocacy on behalf of Michigan’s transgender community. By sharing her personal story and struggle, Charley has worked to improve awareness and understanding across the State of Michigan. Her advocacy has had a particular focus on engaging young people and challenging LGBT-serving organizations to be more trans-inclusive. She continues to speak to young people at many educational institutions and organizations. Charley serves on the board of directors of Holland Is Ready and is a long-time volunteer with the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center.
JIM KNOX HUMANITARIAN AWARD
David Feaster
David is being recognized for his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ advocacy. David’s advocacy began during his studies at Rutgers University where he was president of the Rutgers University Gay Alliance, and has continued to this day, as the Executive Director of CARES. Feaster joined CARES as a board member in 1998 and began as a staff member in 2001. He is also a founding and steering committee member of Kalamazoo Alliance for Equality. His commitment to improve the lives of individuals living with HIV/AIDS by decreasing stigma and improving care to communities of color has greatly increased the impact of this work.
FAITH AWARD
Rev. Beth McLaren
The Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center recognizes Beth McLaren for her use of faith to advocate on behalf of the LGBT community. Beth has served as a strong voice as a member of the KGLRC Board of Directors, the KGLRC Faith Alliance, and a member of the clergy to advance conversations about fairness, equality and justice. Beth has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over 20 years, serving both in Michigan and in Connecticut. She has been an active participant in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan having served on the Christian Formation Task Force, the Anti-Racism Task Force, and the Cathedral Corporation.
Winners will be recognized at the KGLRC Winter Gala and Fundraiser event on Saturday, February 1, where LGBTQA individuals will socialize and celebrate diversity. This annual event is the most fun – and formal – event of the year for the KGLRC and includes wonderful food and desserts, a silent auction and musical entertainment featuring Hannaniah and the Boys. More information about the Winter Gala can be found online.
