Remember when we thought we were revolutionary in using “Ms.” to avoid being categorized by our marital status? Today, individuals are upending the patriarchy by identifying as their authentic non-binary, transgender, and genderfluid selves, refusing to assimilate to outdated and inaccurate descriptions of “gender.”
She/Her, He/Him, They/Them? Breaking through the stereotypes and living authentically is about more than which pronouns to use. In this informative panel discussion, we’ll talk about what it all means, how families adjust to these changes, and gain an understanding of how to be a loving, respectful ally.
Panelists:
Cat Poland
Cat Poland (she/her) is a copywriter who lives in Hutchinson, Kansas, with her wee little dog, Scraps. Also residing in her home are her husband and three children. She’s a Wichita State graduate and has worked in a wide variety of industries over the past 20 years. You name it, she’s written it.
Her passion for storytelling fuels her advocacy, and when it comes to speaking truth to power, she just can’t help herself. She’s the board chair for Beyond Barriers, a Hutchinson-based non-profit that provides disability resources for independence, free of charge.
She’s also the Community Advisor for the GSA (gay-straight alliance) at Prairie Hills Middle School and tries to not embarrass her two oldest children, who are members of the group. Cat is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and has embraced the role of “Mama Bear” with an open mind, heart, and mouth. (She won’t shut up about it.)
Jay Swan
Jay (they/their) has been fighting to help others their entire adult life. First as a Corpsman in the Navy, they completed two tours in Iraq ensuring the health and safety of both Marines and Iraqi civilians.
After receiving a medical discharge, they continued to work for the betterment of marginalized people by collaborating with a number of organizations, including Trust Women, Planned Parenthood, the Kansas Birth Justice Society, local Democratic party groups, and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). They are most proud of their work with the August Vote No campaign.
Holly Terrill
Holly [she/they] is the former Director of Member Support Services at Meritrust. During their 15-year tenure at the credit union, Holly oversaw the contact center and interactive services teams. They have over 25 years of combined customer service, financial institution, and contact center experience.
Holly is enthusiastic about sharing their experiences, both successes and lessons learned, through writing. Twenty of her leadership articles have been published online through the International Contact Management Institute (ICMI) since 2020. They are currently working on a creative non-fiction book about intentional positivity.
Holly is a human rights advocate (and comic book enthusiast) with a passion for people. Their contagious positive energy creates an environment where people are empowered to grow and thrive while bringing to life their passions, both personal and professional. Holly, along with their spouse and kiddo, strives to advocate for others, using their cumulative voices to stand up against the injustices faced by individuals in our community whose voices are often diminished or ignored.
Holly volunteers with GLSEN, an organization working to ensure that LGBTQ students can learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. She serves on the Kansas GLSEN Chapter board of directors as Policy Coordinator. In this capacity, they support inclusive, comprehensive school and community policies and fight against discriminatory state legislation.
Jenny Findling
Jenny Findling is a mental health therapist who specializes in working with children and adolescents.
Jenny has a PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas. She has advanced training in play therapy with children. Having worked in a variety of agency settings, she has extensive experience working with children who have a history of trauma.
Jenny has worked with transgender children as young as five years old. Through her practice she has supported transgender adolescents as they sought gender affirming health care services.
An ally and advocate for transgender youth and adults as well as a part of the LGBTQ community; she is pansexual. She lives in Wichita, together with her wife, Jessi, and their two sons.
Did you know I've published a book? Learn more about it here!
Because We’re Never Finished
The Finishing School for Modern Women, located in Wichita, Kansas, offers classes to help women find their authentic selves, not because we need finishing, but because we’re never finished. We bring together women of all ages to learn from experts and each other how to claim our power in business, finance, communication, and life.
To learn more about what we do:
https://www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com for our classes and free social membership.
Contact Us
Phone: 316-841-8927 Email: jill@finishingschoolformodernwomen.com
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