Longtime LGBT Movement Leader Donna Red Wing Hired as New One Iowa Executive Director

Mon. May 7, 2012 4:23 PM

Red Wing Brings Extensive National Experience to Iowa

Des Moines, IA - Today, One Iowa announced that longtime lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality advocate Donna Red Wing will join the organization as the new Executive Director on July 1.

Red Wing has decades of experience in working for full equality for LGBT people across the country serving most recently as Executive Director of Grassroots Leadership. She has also served as Chief of Staff for the Interfaith Alliance, Policy Director for the Gill Foundation, National Field Director for the Human Rights Campaign, the National Field Director for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and Executive Director of The Lesbian Community Project.

"Donna brings with her a fire and a passion that will serve One Iowa and the LGBT community well," said Sharon Malheiro, One Iowa Founder and Board Chair. "I am extremely proud of this organization that has worked tirelessly for equality for all Iowans over the past seven years. What we need moving forward is a leader with a strong and bold vision for the future. Donna Red Wing is that leader."

Red Wing has been extensively involved in the LGBT movement for equality. In addition to her impressive resume, she has also served on Barack Obama's LGBT Kitchen Cabinet as one of three members, and as the Director of LGBT Outreach for the Howard Dean campaign. In 2004, Red Wing was named the "Most Dangerous Woman in America" because of her work for LGBT equality, by the Christian Coalition according to an article by Rob Borsellino in the Des Moines Register.

"I am honored and excited to join One Iowa and bring my experience and leadership to a dedicated and passionate team of staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters. This organization has been at the forefront of the fight for equality in Iowa and the Heartland. At this moment, Iowa is ground zero in the fight to preserve marriage equality," said Red Wing. "Our opponents are well-funded, vocal, and relentless in their efforts to deny Iowans full equality and respect. I join One Iowa with a fierce commitment to protecting the gains that have been made and will work with this community to achieve One Iowa's mission of full equality for all Iowans."

"It is clear that Donna's move to Iowa signals our state's importance in our country's fight for equality and of Iowa's rich tradition of respecting the inherent dignity of all Iowans." concluded Malheiro.
 

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