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. 

Innovating for Inclusion banner

Program |  Download the full program PDF | Access the mobile-friendly program

8:30 am

 Breakfast Buffet
9:00 am Welcoming Remarks
9:15 am Motivational Speaker - Kei Koizumi, MA, former WH Science & Technology Office
10:00 am Plenary One: "Sexual Identity and the Law" - Jennifer Pizer, JD (Lambda Legal), and 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, author of Sex is a Spectrum, Princeton Press

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 Awardes (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.