Out to Innovate Summit for LGBTQ+ People in STEMM and allies

"Out to Innovate Summit" took place on March 7, 2026, at the University of Southern California University Park Campus in Los Angeles, CA. The theme was "Innovating for Inclusion". This was an opportunity to support one another, our LGBTQ+ communities, and the STEMM community. We connected with new members and re-connected with long-standing members. 

8:30 AM Breakfast Buffet
9:00 AM Welcoming Remarks
9:15 AM Motivational Speaker
Kei Koizumi, MA, former White House Science & Technology Office
10:00 AM Plenary One: “Sexual Identity and the Law”
Jennifer Pizer, JD, Lambda Legal
Ilan Meyer, PhD, Williams Institute
11:00 AM Workshops
  • “Intersectional Identities – Drawing Strength Through Invisible DEI on Campus and the Workplace”
    Erin-Kate Escobar, MA
  • “Writing CVs / Resumes in These Times”
    Point Foundation
  • “Speaking Out – Bringing Tools of Science to Problems Facing the Community”
    Jeremy Yoder, PhD
12:00 PM Lunch – Out and Accomplished Panel
1:00 PM Keynote: “LGBTQ+ Healthcare: From Practice to Policy”
Laura Taylor, MD, USC
Sofia Gruskin, JD, MIA, USC
Claire Lunde, PhD, PMP, AAAS Policy Fellow, NSF
2:15 PM Plenary Two: “The Science Around Sex and Gender”
Agustín Fuentes, PhD, Biological Anthropologist, Princeton University, and author of Sex Is a Spectrum

This plenary session is sponsored by Michael Nishimura in honor of Rochelle Diamond.
3:15 PM Workshops
  • “Intersectional Identities – Drawing Strength Through Invisible DEI on Campus and the Workplace”
    Erin-Kate Escobar, MA
  • “Writing CVs / Resumes in These Times”
    Point Foundation
  • “Speaking Out – Bringing Tools of Science to Problems Facing the Community”
    Jeremy Yoder, PhD
4:30 PM Reception at the ONE Archives at the USC Libraries
Featuring Out to Innovate history and Recognition Awards. Snacks and beverages included.
5:30 PM Closing Ceremony and Community Appreciation
6:00 PM Networking
Dinner on your own; registration does not include dinner.
Photos:

Follow this link to the event photo album. https://photos.app.goo.gl/XQqRB4P9BmYkeYjv5

All plenary sessions were live-streamed, available in real time to dues-paying Out to Innovate members. 

We are grateful to our 2026 Summit Sponsors: Point Foundation, David Bohnett, Michael Nishimura, Terry Demby, Rochelle Diamond, Amy Ross, Christine Bland, and other generous individuals.

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