Channyn Lynne Parker Named CEO of Equality Illinois, Becomes First Black Transgender Woman to Lead Organization (Chicago, IL) – Equality Illinois, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, has selected Channyn Lynne Parker as its next Chief Executive Officer, making her the first Black transgender woman to lead the group in its 34-year history.
Parker, a nationally recognized human rights advocate and nonprofit executive, will assume the role on Nov. 17, following a national search. She succeeds in a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois and across the country.
“Equality Illinois has long been a beacon for justice, and I am honored to step into this role at such a critical time for our communities,” Parker said in a statement. “This is more than a professional transition for me—it’s deeply personal. I’m committed to leading with courage, compassion, and collaboration as we build a future where every LGBTQ+ person in Illinois is seen, valued, and protected.”
Parker currently serves as CEO of Brave Space Alliance, where she is credited with stabilizing the organization, restoring community trust, and launching new services including behavioral health programs, transitional housing, and expanded access to healthcare. Her leadership, advocates say, has been marked by a focus on equity and community-based solutions.
Her career began at the University of Chicago working with youth living with HIV, an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to public health and systemic policy change. She later held leadership roles at Howard Brown Health, Broadway Youth Center, and Chicago House, advancing youth housing, healthcare access, and reentry services for LGBTQ+ communities.
“Channyn is a visionary leader whose career has been dedicated to building power and advancing LGBTQ+ people and communities in our state,” said Equality Illinois Board Chair Justin DeJong and Equality Illinois Institute Board Chair Kelly Emery in a joint statement. “Her depth of experience, her authentic connection to the work, and her ability to lead through our current political environment made her the clear choice to guide Equality Illinois into its next chapter.”
In addition to her executive leadership, Parker has long served on the board of Equality Illinois and sits on several statewide commissions addressing poverty, hate crimes, and reproductive rights. She was previously honored with the group’s Humanitarian Freedom Award for her advocacy.
Her appointment, finalized after a competitive selection process run by McCormack + Kristel Executive Search Consultants, reflects what Equality Illinois leaders describe as a “turning point” in the organization’s history.
As she prepares to take the helm, Parker says her focus will remain on building equity, amplifying marginalized voices, and expanding the organization’s reach.
Channyn Lynne Parker Named CEO of Equality Illinois, Becomes First Black Transgender Woman to Lead Organization
