It is an incredible honor to serve as the inaugural Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2025 Human Rights Campaign Chicago Annual Dinner. In this current political climate, when our community continues to face relentless attacks from lawmakers and leaders who seek to roll back progress, HRC’s mission of equality for all has never been more vital.
This year’s theme, “Power Through Unity,” reminds us that real strength comes from standing together. The importance of community groups, allies, and advocates uniting as one cannot be overstated. Together, we amplify our collective voice and make clear that our power lies not in division, but in solidarity.
As journalists, we witness every day the transformative power of story — how visibility, truth, and courage can spark understanding and change hearts. Storytelling is how we remind the world of our shared humanity, and it continues to be one of the most powerful tools in our journey toward full equality.
We are thrilled that each of you is here tonight, reading this note in the program book, and joining us in celebration, reflection, and action. Despite the incredible accomplishments of the past year, there is still so much more work to do — and it will take all of us, together, to get there.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Thank you for showing up. And thank you for using your own power — through unity — to help create a future where everyone can live freely, authentically, and with pride.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Anna DeShawn & Matt Rodrigues
Honorary Co-Chairs
2025 HRC Chicago Annual Dinner
Along life’s journey, let’s travel together.
American Airlines is a longstanding partner of the Human Rights Campaign.
American is a proud advocate for LGBTQ rights in Washington DC and beyond.
2025 HRC Chicago Annual Dinner Honorary Co-Chairs
Anna DeShawn
Anna, pronouns anything respectful, is a multi-award and Ambie award winning podcast producer and host. She is also a Chicagoborn social entrepreneur who builds streaming platforms which center & celebrate BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. Media has always been her passion and in 2009 she turned that passion into a reality when she founded E3 Radio, an online radio station playing Queer music & reporting on Queer news with an intersectional lens. She expanded her media reach when she co-founded The Qube, a podcast production company and curated platform to discover the best music & podcasts by BIPOC & QTPOC creatives. Most recently, Anna was announced as part of the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame 2023 induction cohort. Anna is determined to ride media into its next era by utilizing digital media streams to tell the stories and play the music that deserves to be heard.
Matt Rodrigues
Emmy-winning Matt Rodrigues (he/him) is the host and executive producer of NBC Chicago’s top rated daily lifestyle show Chicago Today, as well as the uplifting A.M. series Matt in the Morning. Known for his infectious energy and genuine curiosity, Matt brings viewers the most inspiring stories and unforgettable adventures from across Chicagoland. As part of the NBC family he’s also a regular contributor on The Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show
In 2023, he created, hosted, and executive produced the twotime GLAAD Award-nominated Peacock series It’s Ok to Ask Questions —a bold and acclaimed interview series featuring unfiltered conversations with LGBTQIA+ trailblazers, where no subject is off limits.
Silent Auction Donors
Art Smith
Avli Taverna
Bar Roma
Bradford Portraits
Club Lucky
Commonwealth
Cubbingtons Cabinet
David George Suits
Definition Theatre
Denim Lounge
Esme
Fairmont Hotel
Ferrara Candy Company
First Ascent Climbing
Flora Chicago
Friends of HRC
Glessner House
Green Room Salon
Guthries Tavern
Harry and David
*As of November 10
House Wine
HRC Steering Committee
John Karian Kismet
Langham Hotel
Lilliput Books
Magic Lounge
Matt Rodrigues
Melissa Denys
Michael LaConte
Neighborly
Nevica Project by Jayson Lawfer
Oscar Iberian Rug
Peterinos
Pizza City USA
PRP Wine International
Pump Underwear
Raygun
Reunion
Richard Inocencio Salon
Roscoe Village Bikes
Sanders Fine Portraits
Second City
Shure
Stark Carpet Corporation
Stepenwolf Theatre
Stephen Lewis & E. Patrick Johnson
Sutton Studios
TAO Chicago
Teatro ZinZani
The Kismet Table
Anthony Wolf
Toro Chicago
Tracy Baim
Underthings
Windy City Ceramics
Wines for Humanity
Jessica Brand-Reid
Building a future that belongs to everyone
When everyone’s included, we’re all more likely to succeed. And at JPMorganChase, we’re working toward an equitable, inclusive future for LGBTQ+ communities every single day.
See our impact at jpmorganchase.com/LGBTQ
Special Thanks to Our Guest Artist —Anthony Wolf
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Anthony Wolf of Wolf Art Gallery, 1718 Sherman Ave, Ste 310 Evanston for his generous contribution to this year’s dinner. Anthony created an original piece of art exclusively for the 2025 HRC Chicago Annual Dinner, titled “We’re All In.”
This remarkable work embodies the spirit of our theme, Power Through Unity, reminding us that when we stand together, we create something truly extraordinary.
To learn more about Anthony Wolf and his inspiring work, visit wolfartgallery.com.
Thank you, Anthony, for sharing your talent and vision in support of equality for all.
SUSTAINING DINNER SPONSOR
DIAMOND
RUBY
EMERALD
PEARL
IN KIND
Special Thanks
Julie Anderton
Federal Club Liaison, Dei Liaison, Chair National Board of Governors
Stacy Ambrozich
Membership Outreach Co-Chair
Matthew Avery
Political Action & Community Engagement Committee
Jessica Brand-Reid
Political Action & Community Engagement Committee
Corinne Carlson
Political Action & Community Engagement Committee
Karen Cielo
Political Action & Community Engagement Committee
Ari Craven
Digital Engagement, Designer, Communications Committee
Political Action & Community Engagement Chair, Communications Committee, Board of Governors
Adam Lanter
Federal Club Co-chair, Board Of Governors
Stephen J. Lewis
Communications Committee, Digital Engagement Lead, Auction Committee
Emily Miller
Table Captain Committee, Volunteer Lead
Tory Mitchell
Dinner Program Liaison, Corporate Engagement Liaison, Area Representative, Board of Governors
Sara Organ Communications Committee
David Prince
Membership Outreach Liaison, Volunteer Engagement, Auction Committee, Board of Governors
Shyam Rajadhyaksha Political Action & Community Engagement Committee
Ryan Schwaar
Steering Committee Co-Chair
Thank You FROM THE CHICAGO HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Dear Friends & Supporters,
The Chicago Human Rights Campaign Board of Governors, extends our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you attending this year’s Chicago Human Rights Campaign Dinner. Your presence, your voices, and your unwavering support make this evening an inspiring celebration of our shared commitment to equality and justice.
This year’s theme—Power Through Unity— reflects the strength we find when we come together. In a time when our community faces immense challenges and attacks specifically targeted at the LGBTQ+ community, it is more important than ever that we unite, lift each other up, and reaffirm our belief that equality is worth fighting for. By coming together tonight, you show that our collective resolve is more powerful than any adversity we face.
The energy and hope you bring to this event show us that we can achieve equality and fairness for everyone if we work together. Each story shared, each moment of solidarity, and each act of kindness fuels our movement and strengthens our resolve to build a future where everyone—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression—can live safely, openly, and proudly without exception.
As we navigate these challenging times, remember that you are not alone. You are part of a vibrant, passionate community that will never stop striving for justice and equality. Let us carry the spirit of tonight with us in the days ahead, knowing that our unity is our greatest power.
Thank you for your courage, your compassion, and your commitment. Together, we continue to make progress and ensure that the promise of equality is realized for all.
With deepest appreciation,
Julie, Kevin, JoAnn, Adam, Tory and David Chicago Board of Governors
BOARD OF GOVENERS
Julie Anderton (She/Her)
Originally from Pennsylvania, with a stop in Indiana, Julie relocated to Chicago in 2012 to be near her sister, Rose, and become the “best aunt ever” to her now four wonderful niecephews. She first began volunteering with HRC in Indiana from 2005–2008, serving on several committees (membership, diversity, political, volunteer, and communications) and on the Board of Governors. She also served as Vice Chair of Indiana Equality. Knowing that volunteering with HRC connects her with the best people, Julie joined the HRC Chicago Steering Committee and the Board of Governors in 2016. She has served as Membership Outreach Co-Chair, Board Liaison for Federal Club, Co-Chair of the Chicago Dinner Silent Auction, and as Board Development Co-Chair on the National Executive Committee. Julie now serves as Chair of the National Board of Governors, leading volunteer leaders across the country in advancing HRC’s mission for full equality. Julie has been a Lead Engineer at Salesforce (since 2012), where her career has focused on software engineering and innovation. She lives in Roscoe Village, where she shares her home with Coco kitty.
Tory Mitchell (He/Him)
Tory began volunteering with the Human Rights Campaign in 2016 as part of the Dinner Program General Volunteer Team. After a successful introduction to HRC, he joined the Chicago Steering Committee in 2017, contributing to the Membership Outreach and Volunteer Engagement Committees.
He went on to serve as Dinner Co-Chair in both 2018 and 2019, later joining the National Board of Governors. In his current role, Tory serves as Area Representative and Liaison to the Digital Engagement, Dinner, and Corporate Committees— helping bridge national strategy with local action to advance HRC’s mission across communities. Tory has also served in various capacities on HRC’s National Executive Board, continuing his long-standing commitment to building equality through leadership, collaboration, and connection.
David Prince (He/Him)
David has been a member of the Chicago Steering Committee for seven years He currently serves on the Chicago Board of Governors as Board Liaison for the Membership Outreach. He has served as a Chicago Dinner Silent Auction Co-Chair for the past four years. His commitment to HRC began as a way to give back to those who came before him. Along the way, he has formed deep friendships with his peers. David also works as a Director of Product in the Property-Techechnology industry, and is a Real Estate Broker with Fulton Grace Real Estate.
GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY
This year, celebrate your loved ones, holidays or other special occasions by giving the gift of equality! Gift a membership to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, host a fundraiser to benefit our work, sign up for our wedding registry or donate in someone’s memory! Each donation includes an HRC membership and furthers the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.
GIVE A MEMBERSHIP GOAL HRC MEMBER
HOST A FUNDRAISER FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, PRIDE OR MO RE .. .
DONATE YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY
GIV E TH E GIF
FLY A FLAG
FOR HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIO NS
DONATE IN HONOR OR ME MO RY O F SOMEONE
Celebrating a special occasion and looking to further LGBTQ+ equality? Join our over 3 million supporters today by giving the gift of membership, hosting a fundraiser, donating your wedding registry to HRC and more!
Target is dedicated to fostering inclusivity for everyone – our team members, guests, supply partners, and the more than 2,000 communities we’re proud to serve.
BOARD OF GOVENERS
JoAnn Killackey (She/Her)
JoAnn began volunteering with the Human Rights Campaign in 2021 and joined the Steering Committee the following year. She has served as Dinner Co-Chair since 2023. A dedicated ally, JoAnn is deeply committed to advancing equality and protecting LGBTQ+ youth. Before joining HRC, she was a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project. She now serves as Volunteer Engagement Co-Chair - a role that aligns perfectly with her passion for connecting people to HRC’s mission and empowering volunteers to use their skills in the fight for full equality.
Kevin Kiser (He/Him)
Kevin is a digital organizer and proud member of the HRC Chicago Steering Committee, where they’ve spent the last three years turning clicks into change—as Digital Engagement Chair and then as the PACE Co-Chair. A believer in the power of community, Kevin’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a touch of queer magic. From amplifying voices online to celebrating equality offline, Kevin is proud to stand in UNITY with the Chicago LGBTQ+ community alongside advocates who make progress, and pride, shine brighter every year.
Adam Lanter (He/Him)
Adam has volunteered with the Human Rights Campaign for more than 15 years, serving both the Columbus, Ohio and Chicago communities, and is honored to serve on the National Board of Governors. His nonprofit work includes serving on the Board of Trustees for BalletMet, where he co-founded MetPremier, a young professionals group supporting the arts. He also led the Kaleidoscope Youth Center Endowment Fund Committee, advancing resources and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth.
He and his husband have lived in Chicago for three years. Professionally, Adam is a Partner and Account Executive with USI Insurance Services, advising companies on medical insurance and employee benefits.
Joli Robinson
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Joli Angel Robinson (she/her/hers) is the CEO of Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s leading LGBTQ community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the LGBTQ people of Chicagoland. As an LGBTQ leader with over two decades of leadership experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, Joli has emerged as a trailblazer committed to advancing equity, fostering inclusivity, and driving positive community change.
Joli holds a Master’s Degree in Communications, specializing in Organizational Communication Management, and a Bachelor of Art and Science in Sociology and Communication, both earned at Dallas Baptist University. Her educational foundation has been a driving force in shaping her strategic leadership approach.
Joli’s dynamic leadership, coupled with her dedication to creating positive social change, positions her as an inspiring figure in the realm of community leadership. As a woman of color who has led many efforts to boost programmatic and organizational diversity and inclusion, she is committed to strengthening engagement and relationships with BIPOC members of the community. Her wealth of experience and passion for fostering inclusivity and community well-being will position Center on Halsted for a new era of growth and impact for the organization.
Miles Heizer
HRC VISIBILITY AWARD
Miles Heizer can currently be seen on the Netflix TV series “BOOTS” opposite Vera Farmiga. Miles starred in season 4 of Tom McCarthy’s hit Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” as fan-favorite Alex. He also appeared in Greg Berlanti’s “Love, Simon” opposite Nick Robinson. Miles grew up on the critically acclaimed hit NBC series “Parenthood” as ‘Drew Holt’ for six seasons. Upon the wrap of that series, Miles shot “The Stanford Prison Experiment” opposite Billy Crudup that premiered at Sundance in 2016. Additionally, Miles can be seen as a lead in the Lionsgate feature “Nerve” opposite Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, which was released in September of the same year.
“I am so excited to receive HRC’s Visibility Award and to be joined alongside Chicago’s best and brightest advocates who are fighting to make our world a better place. As an out, queer actor, I know first-hand the barriers our community faces, and I also know the power of unapologetically embracing who I am and sharing our stories in spite of the discrimination we face,” said Heizer. “As we work together to fight for our rights, I will continue to use my voice to create opportunities, visibility and awareness for my community, until we can all live freely without fear.”
We all have ambitions. And working together, valuing each other and respecting our uniqueness creates the best environment for us to achieve them.
Our ambition is bold, to help the world get to net zero by 2050 or sooner. That’s why we value diversity and put being inclusive at the heart of how we operate. It’s also why we’re recognized as a top employer by the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
If that sounds like a culture you would thrive in, explore bp.com/careers
VINCINT
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
VINCINT has captivated millions across the globe with big-hearted pop music. In 2022 “Higher”, the lead single of their debut album The Will Be Tears, became an anthem for pride celebrations across the world. Since then, they’ve had their first North America headline tour, supported MAX on tour, made their Coachella debut and performed to over 40,000 fans across the country. Recently VINCINT has released the first two singles off their forthcoming project, Romance and Take Me Home.
We're proud to support the work of the Human Rights Campaign to uplift those left behind and those on their way, ensuring everyone has the right and advantage to fully participate in the global economy.
VINCINT
KELLEY ROBINSON
HRC PRESIDENT SPEAKER
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT
VINCINT has captivated millions across the globe with big-hearted pop music. In 2022 “Higher”, the lead single of their debut album The Will Be Tears, became an anthem for pride celebrations across the world. Since then, they’ve had their first North America headline tour, supported MAX on tour, made their Coachella debut and performed to over 40,000 fans across the country. Recently VINCINT has released the first two singles off their forthcoming project, Romance and Take Me Home.
Kelley Robinson is the ninth president of the Human Rights Campaign — the first Black, Queer woman to lead the organization. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality and liberation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Robinson — widely respected for her work over the last 15 years creating and leading winning campaigns and programs — stepped into her new role at HRC after serving as Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. From community organizer to progressive leader, Robinson has been at the forefront in the fight for bodily autonomy and racial and gender equity, with a focus on lifting up marginalized communities and building political power. Robinson will lead HRC — and its more than 3 million member advocates — as the organization fulfills its mission to realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
THANK YOU TO OUR
Table Captains
Adam Lanter and Shyam Raj
Affirm: at RUSH
Aimee Depenbrock
Andy Gammill
Angel Mortensen
Anna DeShawn
Anna Seder
Asher McMaher
Center on Halsted
Chris & JoAnn Killackey
Constellation
David Prince and Howard Lee
Eileen Bobek
Ian Kirson
John Barry & Dan Otto +
Byron Hoover & John Lehmann
Jordan Rosen
Julie Anderton
Kayla Reese
Kelli Mitchell & Peter Markuson
Kim Wade
Kolbey Gardner
Laura Tanner
Lexus
Lisa Musialowicz
Mandy Pins
Matt Rodrigues
Megan Feingold
Mike Wilkinson
Monte Roach & Julie Mokdessi
Sally Elvart
Stacy Ambrozich
State Senator Adriane Johnson
Stephen Lewis & E. Patrick Johnson
The Organ Family
Topher Warmanen & Ryan Hartwigsen
Tory Mitchell + Neo Sun Mitchell
UChicago Medicine
Our Honorary Political Committee
Our Honorary Political Committee Members are public servants who stand with the Human Rights Campaign in striving to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. Their participation is voluntary and doesn’t constitute an endorsement by the Human Rights Campaign.
CITY OF CHICAGO
Alderperson Jesse Fuentes
Alderperson Andre Vasquez Jr.
Alderperson Brendan Reilly
COOK COUNTY
Commissioner Donna Miller
Commissioner Jessica Vásquez
METROPOLITAN
WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT (MWRD)
Commissioner Cameron Davis
Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Executive Branch
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton
Senate
Senator Graciela Guzman
Senator Adriane Johnson
Senator Mary Edly-Allen
Senator Rachel Ventura
House of Representatives
Representative Margaret Croke
Representative Kevin John Olickal
Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Majority Leader Robyn Gabel
Representative Lindsey LaPointe
Representative Marti Deuter
Representative Bob Morgan
Representative Rita Mayfield
26th Ward
40th Ward
42nd Ward
FEDERAL
U.S. House of Representatives
Representative Robin Kelly IL-02
Representative Delia Ramirez IL-03
Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia IL-04
Representative Mike Quigley IL-05
Representative Bill Foster IL-11
6th District
8th District
20th District
30th District
31st District
43rd District
12th District
16th District
17th District
18th District
19th District
45th District
58th District
60th District
Representative Lauren Underwood IL-14
U.S. Senate
Senator Tammy Duckworth
Starbucks supports LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities
We do this by fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and experiences. We are at our best when we create safe, inclusive environments for people to connect over coffee.
Evening Entertainment
Gina Belle
@ginabellofficial
@djvladchicago
Sativa Diamond
@aaronronsager
DJ Vlad
DJ Aaron Sager
IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING AT
Tao Chicago | 12am 632 N. Dearborn St, Chicago
Be sure to get your free ticket before leaving the dinner tonight. TAO Chicago is proudly sponsoring the Beyond After Party.
This is how our communities thrive
Energy is the force driving everything we do. So how can energy work harder?
Exelon, the nation’s largest family of energy companies, has the collective strength and innovative spirit to guide us to an accessible, equitable, clean energy future.
We’re leading initiatives and programs that serve our communities. We’re providing opportunities for small businesses and helping build a diverse workforce. And we’re ensuring that all customers get the safe and reliable energy they count on every day.
This is how we are delivering a better tomorrow for more than 10.5 million customers.
This is Exelon. This is energy at its best.
All Things
EQUAL
At Barilla, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a pasta meal with their loved ones. For over a decade, Barilla has taken meaningful actions to create an open, inclusive, and respectful work environment that promotes and supports our LGBTQ+ community. With programming that ranges from empowering VOCE, Barilla’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, to participating in a culinary arts training program for LGBTQ+ students, to sponsoring initiatives like HRC’s annual gala and more, we are committed to the fight for equality for all.
To learn about our diversity, equity, and inclusion work, visit:
Ferrara and our Evoke Pride Business Resource Group are proud to partner with Human Rights Campaign to develop a more affirming, inclusive, and equitable community.
®
Thanks to the Human Rights Campaign for all of your efforts - and for staying united in our ongoing battles!
We learn and grow together when all perspectives and voices in our communities are seen and heard. In this spirit, we are proud to support the Human Rights Campaign in the pursuit of inclusion, diversity and true equality for all.
At Ecolab, we’re proud of our LGBTQ+ employees for their tenacity and diligence in helping to make Ecolab a top place to work. Our company and culture are thriving—all because of the remarkable work and diverse perspectives of our 48,000 associates worldwide. Together, we’re helping our world become cleaner, safer and healthier.
Our impact is strengthened by our unique backgrounds and experiences.
Own your future. Impact what matters.
Explore opportunities and join our talent network to stay connected with us at jobs.ecolab.com
Learn more about LGBTQ+ benefits in our LGBTQ+ Resources Guide on the Working Here page
Shape What’s Next
Jenner & Block shapes what’s next through experience, vision, and judgment. We lead with bold action, intent, and impact as we advocate for our clients in the matters shaping their business.
Proud supporter of the Human Rights Campaign. We are a local, strategic marketing consultancy partnering with small businesses and missionbased organizations in Chicagoland. Your Mission is Our Motivation. hello@organized-impact.com
Enhancing and contributing to the acceptance and belonging of LGBTQIA+ and questioning people of all ages and their loved ones in our community.
Promoting inclusion and affirmation in all aspects of community life
Providing safe and welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ and questioning people and allies to gather.
The HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN salutes our National Partners based in the CHICAGO area.
