Jonathan Lovitz Speaker Biography
About Keynote Speaker Jonathan Lovitz
Jonathan D. Lovitz is a nationally recognized speaker, advocate, and lobbyist focused on diversity, inclusion, equity, and opportunity. He currently serves as Senior Vice President at the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) overseeing government policy, media affairs, and strategic partnerships. He previously served as Director of NGLCCNY, the New York office & network of NGLCC. He regularly speaks to conferences and the press about LGBT economic empowerment and the vital role NGLCC & business plays in creating equity for the LGBT community.
In 2018 Lovitz was recognized by Business Equality Magazine as one of its “40 LGBTQ Leaders Under 40.” He was also named “Outstanding Young Alumni” by the University of Florida in April 2018. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 2006 and served as the keynote speaker for UF’s Pride Awareness Month 20th Anniversary Celebration in 2014. Lovitz has returned regularly to speak to UF students about his career, advocacy, and the importance of being an engaged alumnus. He was elected to the Board of the Gotham Gators in New York, and advises the leadership of the Philadelphia alumni chapter.
Lovitz is a regular commentator on MSNBC, CNBC, NPR, The Advocate, Out Magazine, among others, and has often spoken/fundraised for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, The Trevor Project, GLSEN, the Democratic party, and more. Jonathan previously served as Director of Communications + Operations / Acting Executive Director for StartOut, a national nonprofit empowering LGBT entrepreneurs. Prior to his work in advocacy, Lovitz was a respected stage actor and news anchor for Logo TV and other major networks. He was named a 2019 Queer Icon by the Advocate.
Jonathan regularly speaks to colleges and universities encouraging young people to get involved in public service and use the internet to make a difference for their communities. While business and LGBT youth causes are his primary focus, Jonathan looks for any chance to serve any community in need of a voice, including serving on multiple nonprofit Boards of Directors.
LGBT DOLLARS & SENSE: OUR ECONOMIC STRENGTH IS OUR POWER
LGBT Americans add more than $1.7 trillion dollars to the economy, and yet still get shortchanged on basic civil rights. How can our communities, and our allies, put our money to work – in the marketplace, in the workplace, and in the political arena—to move closer to the equality we deserve?
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION: TURNING AN IMPERATIVE INTO ACTION
Diversity and inclusion aren’t just corporate buzzwords or academic talking points, they are the difference between innovation and failure in a modern, diverse, and globalize economy. Is your company leaving money on the table and trailing behind your peers by failing to understand just how valuable authentic and inclusive workplaces and markets can be?
ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: CHANGING THE WORLD ON CLICK AT A TIME
In the age of the internet, your digital voice can move millions to action. Do you know how to fight for the change you want to see? Are you aware of just how powerful your voice is in the movements you care most about helping? Learn how to be the champion your issues and your communities need more than ever.
I WORKED WITH THE PRESIDENT THANKS TO MY MUSICAL THEATRE DEGREE
Never let someone tell you that your college degree defines your career. Hear my story of how a singer and dance ended up in a career in public policy that has taken me to the White House and around the world, all because I put the universal lessons of a liberal arts degree to use for my own success. And you can, too.
