Page 38 - BEQ Pride Magazine Iss 21 Winter 2021 v01012022

Q LEADERS UNDER 40
SHE, HER | AGE 34 HE, HIM | AGE 39
RAFFI REGGIE

FREEDMAN- HARRIS

GURSPAN CITY COUNCIL MEMBER, CITY

OF CINCINNATI, FOUNDER
AND PRINCIPAL, INCONTEXT
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADVISING, LLC
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT,
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF As a clinical social worker, I witnessed
TRANSPORTATION
my clients work tirelessly to improve
I stand with the most vulnerable, mar- their life circumstances. Despite this
ginalized or oppressed individuals and work, they are often met with larger
T open doors for them to walk through. systemic barriers that can’t be overcome
with grit and resilience alone. As a
In this moment of time, when LGBTQ
40 LGB communities around the nation and Cincinnati City Council Member, I
believe it is our shared responsibility to
globe face tremendous hurdles, despite
solve structural and systemic issues that
our victories in the last few decades,
I remain committed always to my
in order to address the mental health
people – in all their beautiful diversity CREDIT: DAVID GRANT perpetuate poverty and discrimination
– to ensure their voting rights and issues plaguing our community and to
voices in government are maintained, begin to rebuild strong, people-cen-
that they have access to democratic HE, HIM | AGE 34 tered, vibrant communities. Comment
and civil institutions regardless of DAVID GRANT end.
gender identity, sexual orientation
or expression and that their rightful STRATEGIST, CLIENT PARTNER
place in society as equal members are SPECIALIST STRATEGIST,
thoroughly upheld. XENOPSI

Currently, our system only works for a
few and we must change that. I believe
my responsibility is to stay vigilant and
ensure that we are leaving the next
generation a planet that is healthy and
a democracy that is intact and works for
all. At this moment we are being tested.
We must answer the call to step up and
work together for our future. We can
not stay silent and rest on our laurels,
we must continue to fight for a more
perfect union.

CREDIT: COURTESY OF RAFFI CREDIT: DOREESE BILAL
FREEDMAN-GURSPAN
38 WINTER 2021/22 BUSINESSEQUALITYMAGAZINE.COM