The LGBTQ+ Parenting Journey

Speakers:

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  Michael Johnson-Ellis

  Co-Founder
  TwoDadsUK®, The Modern Family

  Mike is a passionate gay father who has utilised social media and his blog to tell his story of his journey to parenthood via the award winning SME brand, TwoDadsUK®. In doing this he has become a fertility campaigner and activist and has now dedicated his life and career to helping others, either battling infertility or are from the LGBTQ community and are looking at Surrogacy to achieve parenthood. Michael and his husband are also founders of The Modern Family Show (the only UK LGBTQ family building information and educational event) and more recently the latest UK not for profit, supporting those exploring UK or International Surrogacy, My Surrogacy Journey® launched in February 2021, which is now the UK's most innovative surrogacy agency employing over 40 staff in the UK and Mexico City. Mike was Awarded The Surrogacy Professional of The Year Award in 2019 due to his services to the UK Surrogacy Community, and in 2021 Michael was awarded one of only 21 Purple Plaques issued by the UK Government and Census21 for his work to the LGBTQ and infertility community. Mike also speaks publicly about his quest for parenting via UK Surrogacy, and his campaigning and activism work, is his aptly titled presentation 'Who's The Daddy?' TwoDadsUK® is the leading organisation for gay men seeking surrogacy services in the UK, and in 2023 was awarded the UK's best SME at the prestigious Rainbow Awards. Mike's passion for supporting others via his award winning blog and social media channels (across Facebook and Instagram) led to the creation of additional services such as the popular sell out Surrogacy Information Events and the Clinic Partnership agreements specialising in supporting Fertility Clinics with LGBTQ marketing services and lead generation. TwoDadsUK® has worked on a number of TV documentary's and brand collaborations with the likes of Audi, CBeebies, Save The Children, Vodafone, Sainsburys, Mamas and Papas and more recently Cow & Gate. Events for 2024 The Modern Family Show is the only UK LGBTQ Family Building Event taking place in London on the 28th September 2024.

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  David Harrison

  Cyber Security Analyst
  Capgemini

  I see myself as an enthusiastic hard working and honest individual, with good communication skills and being very punctual and presentable. I am able to work in teams and on my own initiative. I also have the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels. I enjoy taking part in any additional training provided, to ensure my job is done to the fullest. I have an IT career spanning over ten years experience, specifically in server administration, windows operating systems, networking and desktop support. I also have years of customer service experience and have both work and volunteer experience in the museum sector plus a degree in Scottish History and Theology from the University of Highlands and Islands.

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  Pepi Sappal

  Head of PR & Communications
  myGwork

  Hi, I cover content, PR and communications at myGwork. Our goal at myGwork is to empower the LGBTQ+ community by offering our individual users a safe space where they can network, connect with inclusive employers, find jobs, professional events, and news. I'm passionate about diversity, inclusion and equality matters, which is why I'm an LGBTQ+ ally and why I also run the equality-focused platform fairplaytalks.com. If you have an interesting story you think will resonate with myGwork members and the wider LGBTQ+ community, please feel free to reach out and connect.

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  Tara Munn

  Senior Manager, Executive Search
  Sanofi

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  Chavonne (Von) Collins

  Sr. Program Manager LGBTQIA+ Affairs, IXT
  Amazon

  Von embarked on her journey with Amazon in 2015 as an Associate. Throughout her tenure, she has taken on various roles and currently serves as a Sr. Program Manager on the Inclusive eXperiences and Technology team. With a specific focus on the LGBTQIA+ community, both within Amazon and beyond, Von is dedicated to fostering inclusivity. Von holds a B.A. from Morgan State University, an M.F.A from Southern New Hampshire University, and an M.S. from American International College. She has also earned a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University, further enhancing her expertise in the field. Outside of her professional endeavors, Von finds joy in cherishing her two daughters and actively contributing to her community. She firmly believes that promoting diversity and engaging in charitable acts requires compassion, love, and a sense of responsibility. "Your identity is valuable, and it deserves respect and celebration. It is my utmost priority to ensure that you feel secure and supported within our workplace, and to let you know that you have allies here who will stand by your side."

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  Charity Grooms

  Vice President, Sr Documentation Specialist
  JPMorganChase

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