Please join the members of LGBTQ @ Venable for a reception featuring special guest speaker Eric Alva. This is our second LGBTQ @ Venable event, and the first in our Los Angeles office.
Schedule
Registration and Cocktails | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. PT
Program, Q&A, and Reception | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. PT
About Guest Speaker Eric Alva
The first American soldier injured in the Iraq War, Eric Alva was hailed as an American hero. Although he lost his leg in combat, his spirit remained stronger than ever—upon retirement from the Marine Corps as a Staff Sergeant, Eric came out as gay.
Eric previously served as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, during which time he played an instrumental role in the repeal of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members, working with members of Congress to end the discriminatory practice.
As a gay man, disabled veteran, and U.S. citizen of Hispanic and Native American heritage, Eric knows about overcoming obstacles and navigating complex intersectionality. Drawing on his battle for equality in the military on behalf of the LGBTQ community, he will discuss how that experience supports the momentum for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and how a commitment to equality attracts talent, builds a sense of belonging, and creates a competitive advantage.