Tandra LaGrone has worked as a domestic violence, youth, and LGBT advocate for more than 30 years.

She is now the chief executive officer of In Our Own Voices, a nonprofit that works to ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic health of the LGBTQ community.

“We have a focus on Black, indigenous people of color that are LGBTQ, that are sexual minorities. But in fact, we provide services to any person that comes through our door that is in need,” she said.

Giving people a safe space to live their authentic lives has kept her active in this field for decades, said LaGrone.

“We strive to make sure that we’re building up leadership for BIPOC, Black and indigenous people of color, and we do that in a very intentional and unapologetic way,” she said.

LaGrone said for the longest time she was the only Black, lesbian woman who was head of an organization for that length of time.

Every job she has had – including with Girls Incorporated, the AIDS Council, and Unity House – has given her the tools to be able to run this organization, she said.

“One of the reasons that I enjoyed my role at Girls Incorporated, which is their mission, is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. I truly believe that across the board, I carry that,” she said.

It’s more important than ever that women be able to support each other, LaGrone said.

“The importance of that is making sure that I reach out to other women who are in leadership and to say, ‘Hey, I’m here, if you need support,’” she said.

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