Erin Cross, director of the LGBT Center, was named on two prominent lists for influential LGBTQ+ leaders in Philadelphia.

Metro Philadelphia named Dr. Cross on the “Power Players” list. The accompanying write-up highlighted how she has advocated for and expanded LGBTQ+ campus support for more than 20 years, most recently around inclusive healthcare and restrooms, implicit bias, and educating coaches and faculty about LGBTQ+ issues. 

Dr. Cross was also named to the 2022 Pride Power 100 list, where her accomplishments in leading the effort to add gender identity to the University’s nondiscrimination protections were highlighted. She is frequently invited to present at national conferences and consults with Penn and outside K-12 schools, universities, and nonprofit and for-profit organizations about LGBTQ+ issues.

Dr. Cross serves as Penn’s LGBTQ+ Faculty Working Group co-chair and has increased the LGBT Center’s ties to West Philadelphia through partnerships. Outside of the center, Dr. Cross co-founded White Educators Committed to Anti-Racism and Equity, which supports white employees addressing racism. She also convenes the campus-wide DEI group and teaches at Penn’s Graduate School of Education.