Ellen Kahn is Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at the Human Rights Campaign overseeing a portfolio of programs and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of LGBTQ children, teens, and families, including Welcoming Schools, All Children-All Families, Project THRIVE, Parents for Transgender Equality, and the HBCU Program. In her 18+ years at HRC, Ellen has shaped innovative system-change work in child welfare, education, and healthcare.  She is nationally recognized as an expert on LGBTQ family life, LGBTQ youth, and frequently writes and speaks on these topics for a wide variety of audiences.  

A self-described trans-affirming, progressive lesbian feminist social worker, and mother of two wonderful daughters, Ellen has dedicated her career to improving the lives of LGBTQ people--from working on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS in the early days of the epidemic, to facilitating dozens of “Maybe Baby” groups for prospective LGBTQ parents.  Before joining HRC, Ellen spent 12 years at Whitman-Walker Health (formerly Whitman-Walker Clinic), leading the Lesbian Services Program for eight of those years; in that role Ellen led the expansion of programs to meet the needs of the growing community of LGBTQ people prospective parents, and those already navigating life with children.

When she isn’t working to change the world, Ellen enjoys a drama-free domestic life with her lovely spouse, her pandemic pup, Tootsie, and special time with her two adult daughters.  In her free time Ellen enjoys spinning, swimming, watching movies, and with some reluctance, scrolling Facebook to stay informed and entertained.  

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