Less than 24 hours remain in the legislative session. As we count down the hours, PROMO’s team would like to invite you to join us in a debrief of the efforts we’ve led in MO Leg this year.
PROMO’s work confronting systemic inequities happens every day, in big and small ways across Missouri. Our public policy work is focused on resisting harmful and dangerous bills, while also building momentum for LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive policy.
Please join us on Thursday 5/19 at 5:30pm for a Donor & Supporter Call
(Register to Attend Here)
This work is deeply intersectional. It demands that we foster trust, amplify the voices of our community, move legislators toward a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ Missourians’ needs, and convene a broad-based coalition of champions to advocate for change.
Leading this work is PROMO’s dedicated policy team.
Shira Berkowitz (they/them) serves as Senior Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. They bring a range of experience having worked on statewide campaigns, as a social impact artist, and as a social entrepreneur. They hold a Master of Fine Arts from Washington University of St. Louis, and are dedicated to building spaces for people to grow in community while addressing civic and social challenges in our built environment. They founded MaTovu, a Jewish neighborhood center in the City, serves on the Board of Directors for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and are a board member of MARSH – a mutual aid hub. This year, they’re launching the first local summer camp for gender expansive and LGBTQ+ youth!
Tobeya Ibitayo (he/him) serves as a Manager of Public Policy and Advocacy. Before joining PROMO, Tobeya worked as a capacity building specialist at AIDS United in Washington, D.C., where he provided strengths-based technical assistance to state health departments, harm reduction organizations, and HIV/AIDS service agencies. Tobeya is also a former educator, having taught elementary and middle school students in both Tulsa and East St. Louis.
Anne Kraus (she/her) serves as a Manager of Public Policy and Advocacy, bringing 9 years of experience as a school counselor, and a dynamic skill set built from working in multiple educational institutions. Anne’s work is enhanced by her deep education-sector experience, strength from accompanying LGBTQ+ youth and high schoolers, and compassion and desire to support children and their families. As a queer individual born and raised in Missouri, Anne understands the uniqueness and complexities that make Missouri the state that it is. She recognizes her privileges and is eager to give her time and compassion to raise up and give power to all LGBTQ+ Missourians to ensure they are thriving and valued.
This team shows up every day in the halls of the capitol, with our stakeholders and legislators, and in the community to liberate the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ Missourians – with your help! Please join us next week so together we can celebrate the wins and debrief the challenges that lie behind and ahead.
In solidarity and with gratitude,
Katy Erker-Lynch
Executive Director, PROMO
