Alexsis Glenn
MSW
Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
Alexsis Glenn
Alexsis Glenn is a devoted champion for LGBTQ+ rights within the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), where she has proudly served for over two decades. Currently positioned as the LGBTQ+ Program Monitor in the Office of Equity, Alexsis has spearheaded crucial LGBTQ+ practice changes since 2018. Her initiatives directly respond to the Board of Supervisors' directive for DCFS to enhance outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth and families under their care.
As a cis-gender lesbian, Alexsis seamlessly merges her professional endeavors with her personal advocacy, embodying her role as a "Rainbow Warrior." Her work at DCFS navigates the vital intersection of lived experiences and professional advocacy, striving to foster an inclusive environment that supports LGBTQ+ allyship.
Alexsis's ongoing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, both in and outside of the workplace, underscores her dedication to ensuring better care and recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals. At the conference, she will discuss the LGBTQ+ allyship and advancements that have taken place throughout DCFS and explore the dynamic synergy between professional duty and personal commitment in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and welfare.
SESSION OVERVIEW
From Rainbow Warrior to Ally Extraordinaire: Navigating the Intersection of Lived Experience and Professional Advocacy in LGBTQ+ Allyship at DCFS
In this presentation, I'll delve into the multifaceted realm of allyship, exploring its significance not only within the walls of DCFS but also within our homes and personal lives. Drawing from my own experiences as the DCFS LGBTQ+ Contract Monitor, I'll share how my journey as a cis-gender black lesbian has uniquely prepared me for this role, allowing me to give back to my community in unexpected and impactful ways.
I'll discuss the empowering phrase "We Say Gay" and what it means in both our work and daily lives, highlighting the importance of living authentically and advocating for inclusivity. As a black cis-woman in the LGBTQ+ community, I'll offer insights into the intersectionality of identity and how it shapes our perspectives and experiences.
I'll share how my identity has enriched the work I do and explore avenues for others to become allies in creating a more inclusive environment. I'll also delve into the implementation of SOGIE data in our work.
Through the power of storytelling, I'll weave a few personal lived experiences with the initiatives of the Office of Equity, offering practical strategies for developing more LGBTQ+ services for youth. Finally, I'll discuss what engagement truly looks like and how each of us can play a role in fostering a more supportive and inclusive community for all.