The Power of Policy: LGBTQIA+ Representation in Politics and Communications (at the Highest Levels of Government)

Chairman Mark Takano became the first openly gay person of color to be elected to Congress in 2012. He serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and as a member of the Education and Labor Committee.

Born and raised in Riverside, Mark's commitment to public service began at an early age. His family roots in Riverside go back to his grandparents who, along with his parents, were removed from their respective homes and sent to Japanese American Internment camps during World War II. After the war, these two families settled in Riverside County to rebuild their lives.

Mark attended Harvard College and received his bachelor's degree in Government in 1983. Upon graduation, Mark returned home to Riverside and began teaching in the Rialto Unified School District in 1988. As a classroom teacher, Mark confronted the challenges in our public education system daily. In 1990, Mark was elected to the Riverside Community College District's Board of Trustees.

Mark Takano represents the people of Riverside, Moreno Valley, Jurupa Valley and Perris in the United States House of Representatives.

Reggie Greer currently serves as White House Director of Priority Placement and Senior Advisor on LGBTQ+ Engagement for President Joe Biden. He previously served as the LGBTQ+ Engagement Director for the Biden-Harris campaign. Previously, he was the Constituent Engagement Director at LGBTQ Victory Institute where he supported LGBTQ+ elected and appointed leaders around the country.

Prior to joining Victory, Reggie served as Deputy Director of Public Engagement at the United States Department of Transportation where he developed strategies for effective communication and engagement with thousands of transportation stakeholders across every mode on key White House and Departmental priorities. Appointed by President Barack Obama and Secretary Anthony Foxx in May 2014, Reggie served as the Department’s liaison to the White House Business Council, engaging business leaders across the country on a wide range of transportation-related initiatives, programs, and issues. Reggie began his tenure at the Department as a special assistant to Secretary Foxx. And, in 2016, Reggie was appointed to serve on Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee.

In 2009, Reggie received his Bachelor of Arts in Government and History from Georgetown University, having concentrated his studies in education and social policy.

Mastercard SVP and former member of U.S. Government’s Senior Executive Service with leadership experience in philanthropic, public service, political and nonprofit work. Skilled in strategic thinking, public speaking, speech writing, training, message development, management, coalition-building and grassroots organizing. Opinions are my own, not my employer’s. Feel free to make them yours.

Morgan Butler is a social media expert, photographer, videographer, and creative director, currently serving as the Engagement and Outreach Manager for Public Policy at Twitter. She began her career at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies as their Communications Coordinator. From there, she made the jump to Capitol Hill where she worked as a digital and creative director for the Joint Economic Committee, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic Caucus, and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. When she’s not hard at work, Morgan fuels her love of sports by working as an in-house television director at the Capital One Arena for Washington Wizards, and Georgetown Hoyas. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at San Francisco Film School, teaching digital media production and management.

Morgan holds a Master of Communications degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Grambling State University. When she’s not working, Morgan enjoys watching horror movies, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with her family and five pets.

A former congressional aide, Hannah Y. Kim is the CEO of Butterfly Strategies, LLC with more than 13+ years of experience in strategic communications, advocacy, and operations in political, nonprofit and philanthropic spheres. She served as the AAPI Communications Director in the Biden campaign and previously as Chief of Staff / Communications Director to Rep. Charles B. Rangel. On the Hill, Hannah drafted and passed five bills, chaired the Democratic Communicators Network, established the Congressional Yogi Association, and organized the first-ever TEDxUSCongress. She is a founding Board Member of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association and member of the National Press Club.

A proud pastor’s kid, Hannah remains committed to public service and social justice. She is the official ambassadress of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and founder of Remember727 dedicated to honoring veterans and promoting peace. She spearheaded the historic passage of federal legislation that created a memorial day for Korean War veterans, and traveled to 30 countries that participated in the Korean War (1950-53), including North Korea, plus all 50 states and 4 US territories to thank and interview more than 1200 veterans. Hannah was honored as the CA29th Senate District’s 2019 Woman of the Year by the California Legislature.