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Mar 28, 2025
Hello, it’s Angie here, Global Head of Advertising & Partnerships at HER.
We know times are changing, and uncertain, but that doesn’t mean great work and incredible people shouldn’t be celebrated—if anything, it’s more important than ever. That’s why every month in our column, we look through our network to find leaders and genuinely great people who are passionate, and making a difference.
You know how sometimes, just hearing someone else’s story can change how you see the world—or yourself? That’s what our monthly column is all about—celebrating those who inspire and uplift our community.
I asked everyone the same 3 questions:
As a reminder, our LGBTQ+ Leaders & Allies Paving The Way Forward series aims to spotlight the inspiring stories of changemakers around the world. All participants are contributing to this column on a voluntary basis:
Weather is personal, and because it impacts every single person on the planet, we try to lead with humanity in our consumer campaigns. We cannot control the weather but we can be prepared, which was the ethos of one of my favorite campaigns where we feature people during important milestone moments in their lives and the role that weather plays in helping them make the most of it, or often, make the best of it when the forecast doesn’t go their way.
This shined front and center in a piece of work we simply call “Wedding” — a genuine moment of two people celebrating their love and not letting a rainy day spoil their outdoor wedding. The fact that the happy couple is two women is lovely and important, but we didn’t set out to make a statement. Rather, the brief was to showcase an authentic portrayal of love, rain or shine.
Fun fact: While we are no longer a part of IBM, we were when “Wedding” first ran. That ad was the first campaign that IBM ever ran to feature a same-sex couple. The campaign achieved its goal, outperforming benchmarks for video completion rate and driving brand preference for The Weather Channel.
First, we have a moral imperative; it’s simply the right thing to do. Second, it’s good for business. I’m proud to sit on the board of BRIDGE, a trade organization focused on operationalizing inclusion in business. BRIDGE, in partnership with the academic team from Emory University and the University of Georgia, conducted research that shows inclusion and diversity drive 3x greater purchase intent.
DEI has sadly been politicized, but consumer sentiment and behavior speaks volumes.
I’ve long been an advocate for positive industry and societal change. In addition to my work with BRIDGE, I’m honored to play a role in the Ad Council. Both of these organizations cut through the rhetoric to bravely and boldly tackle some incredibly complex problems; they run toward problems and have inspired me to do the same within my own organization.
I’m fortunate to be part of a company and team that recognizes the importance of democratizing information and data. In our case as the world’s most accurate forecaster, that’s ensuring it’s available to every person, in every remote corner of the world — especially amidst our changing climate. Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate and neither should we. Given the growing volatility of weather and the pervasive role it plays in our lives, we need to make sure we’re continuing to innovate to help people make more informed decisions — on their wedding day and every day.
I’m most proud of creating a platform for LGBTQ+ voices historically excluded from traditional media. Revry gives diverse queer filmmakers creative control while connecting them with industry mentors. Shows like Kit Williamson’s Unconventional and our International Voguing League programs found a home with us when other platforms wouldn’t support LGBTQ+ stories. When viewers from rural America or countries with limited representation tell us they feel seen for the first time, I know we’re making a meaningful difference beyond entertainment—we’re building community and belonging.
As a queer, nonbinary person who rarely saw authentic representation growing up, I understand how isolating that absence feels. Media shapes self-perception and societal views. Authentic diverse storytelling validates experiences, builds empathy, and saves lives. The recognition moment when someone sees themselves represented can be transformative. Beyond personal impact, diverse storytelling is good business—Revry’s success proves audiences want authentic representation and fresh perspectives.
Revry challenges the status quo by proving queer content isn’t niche—it’s universal. As the first global LGBTQ+ streaming network, we’ve created a platform and business model centering marginalized voices while reaching mainstream audiences. We democratize distribution access for creators who were told their stories were “”too niche,”” empowering them to reach global audiences on their terms. Most importantly, we help people see themselves. Viewers tell us Revry helped them accept themselves or feel less alone—we’re not just changing the industry; we’re changing lives
I helped drive and participated in an employee panel discussion to celebrate National Coming out day in October. The panel discussed topics around “Coming Out” and was hosted by BLEND, our LGBTQ+ business resource group that I am a member of. During the discussion, I told my story as the mom of a transgender daughter. She came out to me when she was 19. My first thought was that my child had been going through this alone, and I hadn’t been there for her. I felt like I had failed her. I also realized I had to let go of my expectations for what her life would be. I needed to support her in building the life she wanted. It was also important to me that she knew I accepted and loved her. I wanted my actions to show it.
Joining BLEND and being a part of programs like this was a way for her to see me taking action. And, based on the response to the event, we were able to help other employees feel less alone and have a sense of community. It was a chance to learn from one another and increase our understanding of what each of us faces.
I’m the mom of a transgender daughter. I want her to live a world without fear and hate. The only chance of having that kind of world is for individuals to champion it.
Telling my story openly and vulnerably, let other parents know that struggling when you child comes out doesn’t mean you don’t accept them. As parents, we want to do and say all the right things all the time. That’s not possible. We don’t always get right, but if we lead with love, we get it right more than we get it wrong. Hearing other people’s stories helps you realize you aren’t alone and gives you ideas about what to do or say.
Difference starts close to home. Within Bayer, people have sought me out to thank for me telling my story in an open and vulnerable way. They feel less alone and know there are people and resources available to help them.
During the National Coming Out Day a common theme I saw was a sense of gratitude to work for a company where employees can have these kinds of conversations. It reinforced that Bayer is company that wants employees to bring their whole selves to work and encourages people to be authentic.
I am most proud of spearheading the Arizona Diamondbacks’ inaugural Pride Night in 2017. As an openly out Team Player deeply involved in the LGBTQ+ community, I know how powerful it can be to create an inclusive space in professional sports — a place where LGBTQ+ fans and employees can feel seen and celebrated. That first Pride Night was such a meaningful moment, and watching it grow into an annual tradition has been incredible. It’s more than just a game — it’s about breaking barriers, much like Jackie Robinson did with his impact both on and off the field. It’s about showing our community that they belong here too.
As someone who is bi-racial and openly queer, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to feel like you belong. Navigating those identities hasn’t always been easy, but it’s given me a deeper understanding of what inclusion really means. That’s why I’m passionate about creating spaces— especially at Chase Field — where everyone feels safe, valued and welcomed. Whether you’re a fan in the stands, a player on the field, or a part of our Front Office, you deserve to feel like you belong here. One of my biggest dreams is to see an out Arizona Diamondbacks player — someone who can show future generations that there’s a place for them in this sport. I hope we’re paving the way for that moment and creating an environment where everyone feels proud to be themselves.
I believe representation matters, and that’s something I try to keep at the heart of my work. Whether it’s Pride Night, Girls Play Ball, Native American Recognition Day or building partnerships with diverse community organizations, I want to create experiences that make people feel seen and welcomed. Sports have this amazing ability to bring people together, and by leading with inclusion, we’re showing that everyone deserves to be part of that. My hope is that this work continues to inspire change — not just within our organization, but across the industry.
I am a big fan of the Doves Real Beauty campaign, which challenges society’s false beauty standards. It is a campaign that stands the test of time which we see in their latest AI campaign, however, most importantly it highlights how society can have misconceptions of not just race, but culture, social economic groups etc, and it is these misconceptions that are a huge part of the problems we face today with biases, equity and inclusion.
Because EVERYONE should have equal access to the same opportunities. It’s not just about fairness, it is about doing what’s right and when we start to harness the full potential of every individual, true beauty is made. Since becoming a mother to my daughter, I would like her to enter a world where she feels that she belongs, can take up space and be her true self. To do that I need to be in it to change it, so here I am today!
At Brixton Finishing School we are breaking down the barriers for underrepresented groups by providing a fast track to employment within the industry. We work with partners to find, train, and most importantly nurture that talent to ensure that they thrive as they embark on their journey through the likes of mentoring, access to industry leaders, and by fostering a family-like culture which we call the Brixton Family! We have helped numerous brands, agencies and media owners from KFC, WPP and Saatch and Saatchi to name a few diversify their workforce with exceptional ‘work-ready’ talent while driving awareness of the industry to those traditionally excluded from it.
How has your journey as an LGBTQ+ marketer/entrepreneur/leader influenced your role?
This is a tough one! Having always done my “own thing” and only briefly dabbling in “proper” jobs over the years, I’ve largely avoided the corporate institutions where prejudice can sometimes be more pronounced.
I live and work from home in Margate, which has become a hub for the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. This means I’m surrounded by people like me on a daily basis.
That said, there’s no denying that in many business arenas, you have to work harder as a woman—and probably even harder as an LGBTQ+ woman to succeed.
I’m fully aware of my privilege and know I’m fortunate to live in a time where being a lesbian is, in many ways, seen as “normal.” However, I recognize that for many, including trans individuals, we are still far behind where we need to be.
I believe young people need to see versions of their future selves doing the things they aspire to achieve. Representation is key to making those dreams feel possible. I hope I can be that for a young girl who dreams of being an entrepreneur.
The music industry is pretty messed up right now . Since streaming took over, it’s become all about hits, clicks, streams, and vanity metrics. Artists are earning less money than ever, and creating genuine connections between artists and fans is increasingly difficult.
At Secret Sessions, the work we do focuses on giving artists the tools they need to connect with their fans and make an income while doing so. We bypass the traditional music industry gatekeepers (and their inherent prejudices) by going Direct-to-Fan. It’s really beautiful to see it unfold!
From panel discussions and streaming platforms to wedding ads and music showcases, these individuals prove that representation is powerful—and necessary. They remind us that inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It takes vision, courage, and a commitment to making every voice heard.
Global Head of Advertising and Partnerships at HER LGBTQ+ Dating/Social. Campaign's 40 Over 40 Winner
