Three hired for education, accounting and religious outreach

Equality Texas announced the appointment of three new staff members: Rachel Gonzales, Javier Osorio and Kimberly Shappley.
Equality Texas CEO Chuck Smith said each of the new staff members had proven records in advocating for fairness and equality issues, who will work on education, base building, and organizational development inside and outside of the organization across the state of Texas.
“Rachel, Javier, and Kimberly bring to Equality Texas outstanding skills in building coalitions with the business community, a proven track record in nonprofit administration and much needed experience working within interfaith communities” said Chuck Smith, Equality Texas CEO. “All three new members of the team will build upon our growing capacity as an organization. We are pleased to welcome them.”
Education and Resource Coordinator Rachel Gonzales has testified several times at the Texas Capitol, spoken at rallies and protests, and has maintained a local to national media presence in the fight for equality for transgender Texans. As the mother of a transgender child, equality for LGBTQ youth is her passion. She is delighted to be able to combine her passion with her background in cultural applied anthropology to advocate for the equal treatment of LGBTQ youth, providing support for families to be their own best advocates. She is an active member of Dallas-Fort Worth Trans Kids and Families (DFWTKF) and a member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Parents for Transgender Equality Council.
As a first generation immigrant from Peru, Finance and Administrative Coordinator Javier Osorio earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He joined the Equality Texas staff in August 2017, after the 85th special legislative session ended. His specialty is financial planning, reporting and analysis.
Faith Outreach Coordinator Kimberly Shappley is a registered nurse, an international board certified lactation consultant, ordained minister and mom of a whole bunch of amazing people, including a transgender daughter who has turned Kimberly into an accidental advocate. Kimberly is a nationally recognized sought-after speaker as a southern conservative Christian parent of a transgender child. The Today Show told her family’s story, and Good Housekeeping and Huffington Post among others have told her story. Her recent work includes cultural diversity training for college faculty, as well as speaking at medical and mental health conferences, Christian congregations and women’s retreats.