PROMO, Missouri's statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, has announced its new Executive Director. After a wide-search, Katy Erker-Lynch will join the PROMO team to confront systemic inequities to liberate the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and oppression.
“PROMO’s work is more than just anti-discrimination agenda," said Alison Gee, PROMO Board Vice-Chair. "It’s a commitment to proactive listening and power building to ensure those most likely to be left behind are included from the start. It’s an approach, not just an agenda and Katy has the experience and dedication to see this through. You can see this in how she’s already jumped in to amplify the voices of Trans youth.”
A community-focused advocate and relationship builder, Erker-Lynch has experience in community organizing, nonprofit management, social impact tech startup, and public-private partnerships. Erker-Lynch obtained her Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago’s Harris School, has a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Boston University, and a BS in Sociology from Santa Clara University.
Like so many young, queer Missourians, Erker-Lynch left the state at 18 and headed west for school, in search of a vibrant queer community. In El Salvador and Boston, Erker-Lynch's work allowed her to accompany trans women, commercial sex workers, and unaccompanied homeless youth and adults. The folks Erker-Lynch supported taught her about their lived experiences, and together they centered their voices through policy and advocacy actions. Those experiences continue to drive Erker-Lynch to seek social and racial justice and to interrogate the root causes of inequity, while embracing a strengths-based approach.
“Katy brings a depth and breadth of experience that uniquely positions her to help grow our shared table, invite and amplify our community’s voice, and co-design strategies to make Missouri more inclusive," said Michael Cole, PROMO Board Chair. "She is committed to figuring out the root causes of inequity and using our community’s strength and assets to achieve change.”