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

Hi SHARON, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
TO SAVE LIVES!

In September 2010, several publicized suicides of LGBTQ youth reminded United States Air Force veteran and educator, Sharon Herrera, of a pain she was all too familiar with. Having contemplated her own suicide, she knew things had to change and that we needed a community where all children are safe. Sharon knew that with peer and community support she could save lives and build a network of passionate and caring individuals to help LGBTQ youth and their allies in Tarrant County. LGBTQ SAVES (Students, Allies, Volunteers, Educators, Support) was born.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
CHANGING POLICIES AT FWISD TO ADD LGBTQ PROTECTIONS FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS

Meanwhile, Sharon, in collaboration with Tom Anable, David Henderson and Jon Nelson, gay activists and leaders of Fairness Fort Worth, challenged the Fort Worth Independent School District to add a Non-Discrimination Policy. The LGBTQ advocates prevailed and championed equity for staff and students.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visit Dallas Gayborhood, visit the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, take the Lynching Tour in Fort Worth if possible and tour the future home of the Fred Rouse Art and Community Healing Center, the home of LGBTQ SAVES resource center for youth. As for eating – Fort Worth taco trucks!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
BERTINAND GARDNER AND OUR VOLUNTEERS

Website: https://www.lgbtqsaves.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgbtqsaves/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-herrera-share/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lgbtq_saves

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lgbtqsaves

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVMqQ7G-iYp2dLAixFPJLIw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.