On April 8, 2021, the Ex Lapide Alumni Society will present “Out at Work,” an interactive networking and panel event in which LGBTQIA+ students at Virginia Tech will be able to connect with LGBTQIA+ Hokie alumni to learn what it is like to be queer in the professional world.

This virtual event — to be held April 8 from 7 to 9 p.m. EST — will feature young LGBTQIA+ professionals speaking on their experiences working in a range of industries, including entertainment, engineering, consulting, social media marketing, psychological health, higher education, and environmental management and policy.

The panelists will include:

  • Dr. Shanéa Thomas (BS ’04 in Psychology), a youth psychotherapist;
  • Jordan Wetzig (BS ’15 and MS ’17 in Biological Systems Engineering), an environmental protection specialist;
  • Sandy Bass (BA ’12 in Theatre Arts and Cinema and BS ’12 in Marketing/Marketing Management), a digital media consultant; and
  • Leo O’Gilvie (BS in Marketing and Management ’18), a senior consultant.

Rebecca Hershey, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Human Rights Campaign, will serve as special guest moderator. An attorney with a focus on racial justice and civil rights, Hersey has devoted her career to community-focused nonprofits.

Both Hershey and the panel members will offer insights for a broad range of audience members, whether gay, lesbian, trans, a person of color, an ally looking to learn more, or someone who identifies as something unlisted.

During the discussion, students will have the opportunity to ask questions about what it is like to be queer in the workplace and to learn how alumni can be allies to one another once they leave the Drillfield.   

Ex Lapide (Latin for “Out of Stone”) is a free Virginia Tech alumni society for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning alumni, as well as their allies.

Join the free panel discussion by registering here.