First Event 2013 has ended and this page does not refer to next year’s First Event 2014. We will post information for First Event 2014 as it becomes available.

2013 Keynote Speaker – Amanda Simpson

We are pleased to announce that Amanda Simpson will be the Keynote Speaker at First Event 2013. Ms. Simpson is the first openly transgender woman appointed by any U.S. President. As a community leader, Ms. Simpson has served as commissioner of the City of Tucson LGBT Commission, has been a candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives and Vice-Chair for the Arizona Democratic Party. She has also served on a number of non-profit boards in her work for the community, including Wingspan Community Center, The Southern Arizona Gender Alliance, The Arizona Human Rights Fund, The National Center for Transgender Equality, Out and Equal Workplace Advocates, and the Southern Arizona Chapter of the ACLU. Professionally, Ms. Simpson received her Bachelor of Science in Physics from Harvey Mudd College, her Master of Science in Engineering from California State University, Northridge, and her MBA from the University of Arizona. She is an Associate Fellow with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Ms. Simpson accepted an appointment by the Obama Administration in 2009. She served in the Department of Commerce at the Senior Technical Advisor to the Bureau of Industry and Security. In 2011, Ms. Simpson accepted a new position working as a technical advisor for the U.S. Army. For additional details, check her Wikipedia Biography.

“First Event is honored to host Amanda Simpson as our keynote speaker” said Grace Stevens, co-chair of this year’s conference. “She is a pioneer in our community with many valuable lessons to share. We believe her being with us will encourage and energize people in our community to reach bravely for their goals.”

In 2010, Ms. Simpson was the keynote for the Transgender Day of Remembrance at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington.  This 15 minute recording of that speech will give you some sense for Ms. Simpson, and for some of what she might share at First Event: