A lesbian couple in a rural area might not be able to find an affirming adoption coach without some serious legwork. But with Maven, a virtual clinic for women and families on the journey to parenthood, they can easily connect with the help they need in just 20 minutes. Stories like those are what make Arielle Solomon proudest. She leads partnerships at Maven Clinics, a fast-growing company that has expanded 400% in two-and-a-half years — during which time Solomon started out as one of the most junior employees and moved up to a leadership role. Solomon represents Maven Clinics at Out & Equal, the largest LGBTQ+ business-focused conference — but that’s not where the company’s LGBTQ+-friendliness ends. She herself is “unapologetically” out and proud at work. Why? “I think people are often disarmed and grateful to be trusted when someone comes out to them,” she tells GO. “I also think being out has actually made many people more comfortable around me, which makes for more collaborative work and more open, vulnerable relationships with my direct reports.” Then, there are the stories that flow in from Maven’s members about how the clinic has helped them. When they come from people in the LGBTQ+ community, Solomon sees her impact firsthand. —SJ
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