I am pleased to announce my friend and fellow advocate for equality, Donna Red Wing, as One Iowa’s new Executive Director.
Donna brings with her a fire and a passion that will serve One Iowa and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community well. She has decades of experience in working for full equality for LGBT people across the country, serving most recently as Executive Director of Grassroots Leadership.
In her years as a visionary leader, Donna was Executive Director of Interfaith Alliance, Policy Director of 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. Click here to read Donna's full bio.
Her move to Iowa signals our state’s importance in our country’s fight for equality. It also speaks volumes of Iowa’s rich tradition of respecting the inherent dignity of all Iowans.
I am extremely proud of this organization that has worked tirelessly for equality for all Iowans over the past seven years. I have seen Iowa grow to be a more inclusive place—a place that welcomes all families and sends strong messages of love and acceptance to our children. I have seen Iowa lead the rest of the country as an example of equality and fairness and I look to the future with anticipation and hope.
While I reflect upon our past successes, I know that our work is far from over. Our opponents are well-funded, vocal, and relentless in their efforts to deny Iowans full equality and respect. Our staff has worked hard to counter their hurtful and vicious attacks on our families and now we are poised to take Iowa in a new direction as a national leader. Iowa has been at the forefront of this movement for equality in the Heartland and we need a leader with a strong and bold vision for the future.
Donna Red Wing is that leader.
Together, we can make Iowa great.
Thank you,
Sharon Malheiro, One Iowa Founder and Board Chair
