The ELEVATE Fellowship advances the leadership of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) femmes of trans experience through peer connection and by investing in their professional development and leadership skills. 

Through the program, participants help HRC and local communities address key issues such as the HIV epidemic, sexual health, anti-trans violence, trans-specific state laws, and job opportunities for trans communities.

There will be 10-12 fellows and begin with an intensive digital training and virtual convening February 21-23 2025. This year's fellowship will also feature an in-person gathering in Atlanta, GA from March 20-23, 2025 and a closing virtual convening April 19-20, 2025.

Beyond the cohort-based curriculum that the ELEVATE program offers, additional benefits for fellows include: 

  • A $1500 stipend
  • Tech assistance as needed
  • Travel, lodging, and meals for in-person convening in ATL
  • Meals provided during webinars
  • Access to mentorship opportunities through our alumni network

This year our ELEVATE cohort will: 

  • Come together with other trans leaders in the spirit of movement-building and support
  • Share stories and experiences through our “Trans Talks” series
  • Lift up the full trans experience through storytelling l highlighting the beauty, depth and strength of our community. Together we will educate the world on what it means to be trans and proud.
  • Join influencers, advocates and leaders in celebrating our community.
  • Work with our transgender justice initiative and our political team to address trans-specific laws and policies.
  • Activate through digital channels for serving college students especially HBCUs and work with our HIV and Healthy team to help end the epidemic for trans communities.
  • Support our Lyft Program which offers free rides for members of the trans communities.
  • As necessary, work and lead on public speaking engagements.
  • Attend two virtual summits where we focus on self-reflection and peer-to-peer relationship-building.
  • Attend our in-person summit where we will share space, forge new connections, and build new skills for the next generation of trans leaders.

See Our 2023 Cohort

  • Headshot of Sunshine Goodman (she/her)
    Sunshine Goodman (she/her) North Charleston, SC
  • Headshot of Ahmea Branch (she/her)
    Ahmea Branch (she/her) Lindenwold, NJ
  • Headshot of Alexis Jimenez (she/her)
    Alexis Jimenez (she/her) San Francisco, CA
  • Headshot of Amariah Hardwick (she/her)
    Amariah Hardwick (she/her) St. Louis, MO
  • Headshot of Angie Tamayo Leon (they & she)
    Angie Tamayo Leon (they & she) Union City, NJ
  • Headshot of Antiona Bowman (she & they)
    Antiona Bowman (she & they) Richmond, VA
  • Headshot of Elle Halo (she/her)
    Elle Halo (she/her) Milwaukee, WI
  • Headshot of Goddess Tyescha (they/them
    Goddess Tyescha (they/them) Colorado Springs, CO
  • Headshot of Jasmine Lopez (she/her)
    Jasmine Lopez (she/her) Bronx, NY
  • Headshot of Karina Harris (she/her)
    Karina Harris (she/her) Birmingham, AL
  • Headshot of Maya Luna (she/her)
    Maya Luna (she/her) Charlotte, NC
  • Headshot of Nakysha Hoskins (she/her)
    Nakysha Hoskins (she/her) Jonesboro, GA

Follow what's being said about the ELEVATE Program

Learn more about the program's impact through the experiences of existing cohort members and alumni from ELEVATE.

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