It is critical that we have people who are out about their LGBT identities in the workplace.  Unfortunately, we have not yet passed ENDA (Employment Non-Discrimination Act) in the United States and it is not possible or necessary for everyone to be out for a variety of reasons, but having a visible community helps pave the way for our movement to make progress in all areas of society.

One of the fantastic organizations that works to support members of our community in the workplace is OUT for Work.  OFW functions as a complimentary component in the total educational experience of LGBT students, primarily in the development, evaluation, initiation and implementation of career plans and opportunities.

I first connected with Riley Folds, founder of OFW back in 2007 when I applied and was selected for a scholarship to the conference put on by OUT for Work.  The conference connects LGBT college students, leaders and employers.  It was being held in Washington, D.C. and I was extremely excited to attend, network and listen to guest speakers such as John Amaechi and Tim Gunn.

Riley and I connected again this year thanks to LinkedIn and I recently had the opportunity to interview him for Gay Ambition Podcast.

Our conversation focuses on his new book Your Queer Career, The Career Resource for LGBTQ Job Seekers, OUT For Work, and his tips about career development for members of the LGBT community.

More about Riley:

With a decade of experience in working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students, Riley B. Folds founded OUT for Work, the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, preparing and empowering LGBTQ collegestudents and their allies for the transition from academia to the workplace. 

In addition, Folds presents across the country to career center professionals and students on the subject of career development for LGBTQ individuals. He is often called upon to present at national conferences such as NACE, ACPA, NASPA, Out & Equal, and MBLGTACC. Further he has often asked to respond to media request on the subject of LGBTQ workplace inclusion. 

Folds is also the recipient of the 2013 Public Service Award. Awarded by the American College Personnel Association’s Standing Committee for LGBT Awareness, this award recognizes significant contributions to higher education through support and efforts in LGBT awareness.

Folds received his undergraduate degree from La Roche College, Certification in Workplace Diversity Management from Cornell’s School of Industrial Relations, and a Master’s Degree in Career Counseling from Capella University (2013). He has held senior level positions within the public, private, government, and non-profit sectors.

In his spare time, Folds enjoys working out, watching TV, and spending time with his friends and dogs.