I am currently a communmity college trustee and member of the ACCT Diveristy committee at our Leadership Congress in Chicago.  Yesterday I had the honor of sheparding an amendment that added gender identity and gender expression to our mission statement.  i also facilitated a presentation regarding "Policy Implications for the LGBTQ population."  These affirmative overtures and educational seminars reverberate across the nation.  Sharing our experiences encouraged others, including college presidents, trustees and faculty to "come out" and acknowledge the reality of our culture, academic scholarship and personal truth. 
Community Colleges are unique to America and truly are multicultural, diverse, affordable, accessible and the best bet for educational opportunites that reflect our wonderful melting pot of people and continue to provide for meaningful careers and and social mobility. 

Tessa,

You inspire me to be more articulate, more involved, and above all a better advocate for justice.  I truly appreciate and love you girlfriend.

Always,

Julie

Awww you sweetheart.  I know you to be quite busy in the federal realm and another effective advocate setting trends in motion.  I love you Julie, please come on down when you, yours and the silver pickle hit the road.
Tj

Kudos to you!