Initiative for Transgender Leadership Commencement Celebration

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:

Contact: Madeleine Hershey and Rayden Sorock

Email: transleadership@gmail.com

INITIATIVE FOR TRANSGENDER LEADERSHIP

COMMENCEMENT CELEBRATION

An Evening for Appreciation, Entertainment and Community Building

On Friday, Nov. 18 from 6:30 to 9:30pm at the Union Project at 801 N Negley Avenue in East Liberty, the Initiative for Transgender Leadership (ITL), in partnership with the Union Project, will be hosting a Commencement Celebration.  ITL is inviting community members to honor the ITL’s first fellow, Rayden Sorock.  We are celebrating the completion of the inaugural 10-month fellowship program dedicated to the professional development and leadership of transgender youth in Pittsburgh.  The event is free and open to the public.

The Initiative for Transgender Leadership originated when three friends—R. T. Peck, Jen Saffron and Madeleine Hershey—decided they would do something to bridge the professional gap for transgender youth.  The ITL’s first project was a 10-month paid fellowship position at a Pittsburgh non-profit for one transgender youth.  The primary goals of the ITL fellowship program are: (1) to provide a professional and leadership development opportunity to one trans-identified youth; and (2) to serve the sponsoring organization's mission, as well as expand its service capacity.  The fellowship’s sponsoring organization is Coro Center for Civic Leadership.

Over the course of the evening, Rayden will present his fellowship experience and there will be performances by local artists.  Refreshments will be provided.  The Commencement Celebration is an opportunity to recognize everyone who has supported this project and Rayden.  We are celebrating our successes and opening up new possibilities for transgender awareness and youth leadership in Pittsburgh.

The space is handicapped accessible and sign language interpretation will be provided.  Parking is available in the Union Project parking lot and on-street.  Please contact transleadership@gmail.com to RSVP and with requests for accommodations.

EVENT:         Initiative for Transgender Leadership Commencement Celebration 
WHERE:       Union Project  801 N Negley Avenue Pittsburgh PA, 15206 
WHEN:          Friday, November 18 from 6:30pm-9:30pm 
RSVP:            transleadership@gmail.com 
ACCESSIBLE: Yes

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