Elizabeth Burch

OUTSpoken hosted renowned activist and former Executive Director of the Human Rights Campaign, Elizabeth Birch, on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. Birch was the 2nd OUTSpoken speaker and she participated in a student roundtable, a fundraising lunch, and gave a keynote address to some 300 students, faculty/staff, and community members.

Learn more about Elizabeth Birch below...

One of the most recognized leaders of the gay and lesbian civil rights movement, Elizabeth Birch served as executive director of the Human Rights Campaign for over a decade. During her tenure, the organization quadrupled in size to become the leading civil rights organization of its kind. Previously, she served as worldwide director of litigation for Apple Computer, Inc. Over the years, she has helped various Fortune 500 companies develop and implement successful programs to ensure equal opportunity for a diverse workforce. From 2004-2006, she oversaw operations for Rosie O'Donnell's For All Kids Foundation.

A phenomenally engaging orator, Birch delivers a powerful, motivating message with wit and brilliance - celebrating diversity and embracing equality. Her vast knowledge of the law and her experience as a corporate executive lend expertise to her discussion of the implementation of non-discrimination policies.

Elizabeth Birch's Speech Topic:

Gay Civil Rights & Its Impact on the Individual, Business and Community This inspirational message explores issues surrounding the gay and lesbian movement. Birch discusses her own experiences in both litigation and politics to put a different perspective on social and political movements happening today. She engages audiences on her view of the American life says that true leadership is required to promote equality and stresses that wise leadership never takes refuge in silence.

Elizabeth Birch was OUTspoken's second speaker

This program is made possible by generous assistance from the Chancellor's Diversity Challenge Fund, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Alliance for Full Acceptance, Distinguished Speakers Forum, Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund, Women's & Gender Studies, Counseling Center, Multicultural Resource Center, and PRIDE.