STOLI® VODKA PARTNERS WITH L.A. GAY & LESBIAN CENTER IN THREE YEAR PROGRAM TO HELP FIGHT LGBT INEQUALITY
Stoli Group (USA) to invest $300,000 to support Center’s leadership development program
NEW YORK, January 24, 2014—Stoli Group USA and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center today announced a three-year partnership to fight inequality by investing in the development of LGBT leaders domestically and around the globe.
Under the partnership, Stoli will donate $300,000 to support the Center’s Leadership LAB (Learn, Act, Build): a program that helps current and future LGBT leaders and allies throughout the country and around the world to develop critical leadership skills. The aim of Leadership LAB is to prepare the next generation of LGBT leaders to effectively advocate for equal rights, build strong organizations, and fight anti-LGBT ballot measures.
“Over the last few years we’ve experienced tremendous gains in freedom and equality for LGBT Americans, but there is still much work to be done, especially in states where organizing for LGBT equality remains very challenging,” said Lorri L. Jean, Chief Executive Officer of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center. “And while we’re also making gains internationally, there have been big and significant setbacks. Extremists, acknowledging they’re losing the battle here, are expanding their influence in other countries by demonizing LGBT people and attacking our freedoms. Their influence must be countered. This extraordinary commitment by Stoli Group USA sets a terrific example for all corporations.”
“Our position at Stoli is clear. We stand with the LGBT community in the fight for equality, and are proud to be working with the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center to make our joint vision possible,” said John Esposito, President, Stoli Group USA. “Through our strategic partnership we hope to harness the power of our global community, cultivating leaders on a local level in the U.S to create meaningful change throughout the world.”
The Center’s Leadership LAB initiatives strengthen LGBT leadership capacity in the U.S. and abroad, providing mentoring, internships, training, and on-the-ground staff support in select communities that are strategic in advancing LGBT equality.