Page 46 - BEQ Magazine Vol2 Iss4 V2

TEM), now has more than 60 chap- Seth currently sits on his firm’s executives, human resource and
ters globally and hosts an annual LGBTQ recruiting committee diversity professionals foster a cul-
conference which attracts over 700 where he leads initiatives intended ture of belonging for their LGBTQ
attendees. Last Spring, Eric left the to diversify their pool of attorney colleagues within the workplace.
organization to pursue other start- talent as well as increase outreach to His work also helps supplier di-
up endeavors, and he completed the LGBTQ community in Greater versity professionals extend eco-
the leadership lifecycle, placing oS- Boston. nomic opportunities to LGBTQ,
TEM’s future with nearly 40 talent- minority, women, disabled, and
ed leaders from both the LGBTQ RHODES PERRY Veteran-owned businesses. His pod-
and STEM communities. It is an (He, Him) is 38 cast, The Out Entrepreneur, has
Seth Pearson exciting time and Eric’s intention to SMALL BUSINESS—LGBTQ empowered thousands of LGBTQ
focus on fringe issues for all LGBTQ Advocate and Social Entrepreneur people to pursue their professional
people in the STEM community passions and build the businesses of
has evolved into a diverse global Rhodes Perry, MPA, has spent their dreams, all while being their
voice of culturally aware members the bulk of his career advocating authentic selves 100% of the time.
that perpetually connect LGBTQ for LGBTQ social justice matters. Besides managing his business,
and STEM professionals and their Whether working in the White Rhodes serves as a Portland Com-
concerns. House, for the City of New York, missioner for the City’s Human
or within the National LGBTQ Rights Commission. This opportu-
SETH PEARSON movement (at PFLAG National), he nity allows him to share his exper-
(He, Him) is 38 has always worked hard to ensure tise with the many communities in
LGBTQ communities, especially
CORPORATE—Champion of the Rose City who call Portland
LGBTQ Rights and Community communities at the margins, are home. Rhodes also enjoys spending
Rhodes Perry Engagement considered when life-saving pol- time with his family, and bicycling
Photo credit: Andie Petkus Photography icy decisions are made. Through all around the world.
Seth Pearson is an associate and his work, he has helped secure im-
business lawyer with Foley & Lard- portant legislative and policy wins, AMY PHAN
ner LLP in Boston and spends much including passing valuable employ- (She, Her) is 27
of his free time working with youth ment and public accommodations SMALL BUSINESS—STEM
from low income and marginalized protections for transgender and Phantastic
populations. Seth has shown lead- non-binary people, extending Title
ership qualities throughout his life, IX coverage for transgender and Amy Phan immigrated to the
most notably during his time in law non-binary students, and helped US at the age of 5. She was the first
school at Duke University where he guarantee the Affordable Care Act in her family to graduate from col-
served as president of OUTLaw the include non-discrimination protec- lege and the only quadruple major
same year he was President of the tions for LGBTQ people. Despite in her graduating class at Univer-
Amy Phan
Black Graduate and Professional the recent assault on these legisla- sity of California, Berkeley (B.S.
Student Association. Seth used his tive wins by the current administra- Environmental Economics and
leadership positions to delve into tion, Rhodes remains dedicated to Policy, B.A. Media Studies, B.A.
and explore intersectionality and full equality for the LGBTQ com- Political Economy and B.A. So-
create opportunities to tell specific munity. ciology). Amy also earned a Mas-
LGBTQ stories to a wider audi- In the past two years Rhodes has ter of Science from Northwestern
ence. Seth continues to spread the embarked on the journey of entre- University in Integrated Marketing
message of inclusion and accep- preneurship. Rhodes Perry Consult- Communications (IMC). Amy has
tance while utilizing his education ing is a certified LGBT business en- been extensively involved in the
and network to make a difference. terprise focused on helping c-suite LGBTQ community and current-

46 | December 2017 BEQ PRIDE