100 Women We Love Class of 2010
A Houston, Texas native, Annise Parker has remained close to her roots. She was sworn in as the 61st mayor of Houston in January, becoming only the second woman and first openly gay person to hold that office. She graduated from Rice University and worked for two decades in the oil and gas industry, with 18 of those years spent at the Houston-based Mosbacher Energy Company. For ten years, she co-owned Inklings, a Houston-based independent gay bookstore. Parker was involved in Houston politics for several years prior to becoming mayor, serving six years as a member of the City Council and one six-year term as Houston City Controller. -CB
As the first decade of the new millennium comes to an end, we take a moment to celebrate 100 out lesbians who have made the past year one of inspiring change and amazing progress.
Cathy Renna and Leah McElrath Renna
Changing the world for the better requires the right message—Cathy Renna (center, with their daughter Rosemary) and her wife, Leah McElrath Renna are there to create it. As managing partners at Renna Communications, founded in 2006, the two women combine decades of experience crafting communications for LGBT causes. Cathy (center) spent 14 years with GLAAD as the National News Media Director and spokesperson, notably helping to shape media coverage after the Matthew Shepard murder. Leah, a clinical social worker and communications consultant, assists clients in reaching strategic goals and has contributed commentary to the New York Times Magazine, USA Today, the New York Daily News and other outlets. Renna Communications has worked with SAGE, Family Equality Council, Williams Institute and other LGBT organizations to translate their campaigns to the mainstream. “My work is fulfilling and makes a difference, who could ask for more?” Cathy says. “With staff in New York and Washington, DC and an amazing roster of clients, our firm has grown and had an impact in ways I had only dreamed of when we founded Renna Communications.” -KL
