Meet Ryan Roemerman | Executive Director, LGBTQ Institute, National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Principal, Social Venture Insight

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Roemerman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Being adaptable has helped me succeed. Not being afraid of change, and being able to see connections between different industries and their potential to impact my work has allowed me to take advantage of opportunities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have served as an advocate, executive, and advisor for organizations that seek to advance social justice for those most vulnerable. In particular, my career has focused on state and local advocacy because I strongly believe that grassroots organizing and engagement allow us to create the progress we need for a more equitable, just, and sustainable world. I’ve learned a lot along the way such as fundraising and program development. I would say that learning how to build coalitions to create change was especially important. Every position I have held, whether it has been to pass safe school or civil rights laws, create innovative technical assistance models, or conduct research of LGBTQ people across the Southern US, all have required coalitions. Today, I’m using my experience to help social entrepreneurs, civic institutions and businesses make the world better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well first and foremost we would grab breakfast at Ria’s Bluebird Diner and then head to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Afterward, we might check out the Georgia Aquarium and then take a stroll in Piedmont Park. For dinner, we would head to Bocado. The next day we would grab breakfast at Star Provisions Market and Cafe and then check out Westside Park. In the afternoon we would hop on the beltline for a bike ride and finish with some beers at Dr. Scofflaw’s at The Works.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had a number of mentors and colleagues that helped me live my purpose including Brian Tolleson, Rich Eychaner, Deborah Temkin, and Eric Wright. In addition, the staff and colleagues that I have worked with across my career have provided encouragement and learning that have helped me grow. I am grateful to them all.

Website: https://www.socialventureinsight.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanroemerman/