Honoring those who are fighting for us: OPEN the Out Professional and Executive Network

Founded in 2008, OPEN is a diverse, strong and vibrant community of out and allied professionals in the Capitol Region. This community works to connect and create professional leaders by actively engaging in professional development, education, public service, networking and by presenting extraordinary social events. 

Since their inception, OPEN has worked to provide education and information for businesses and individuals in the professional sector, and also to provide acceptance and support for LGBT professionals. In two years, OPEN has gathered a team of about 70 professionals from the Madison area, ranging from students to long-time professionals such as UW-Madison Chancellor Carolyn "Biddy" Martin.

OPEN and the Fair Wisconsin Education Fund share the goal of creating more inclusive workplaces and communities. To work toward this goal, OPEN produced their first Corporate Diversity Initiative Report in 2010 to makes recommendations for creating better working conditions for LGBT professionals, both in and out of the office.

Join us as we honor OPEN at the Fair Wisconsin Leadership Awards. Click here to learn more.