Know an HRC Intern: Suzie Heller
Name: Suzie Heller
Hometown: Washington, DC (map)
School: Vanderbilt University
Major: Women & Gender Studies and Financial Economics
HRC Department: Membership and Community Events
Why intern at HRC?
As a member of the LGBT community, I believe that equal rights are human rights, and I was eager to be directly involved in the fight for equality.
What are you looking forward to most about working at HRC?
I love all of the fun and interesting people I am meeting and look forward to learning how a major organization like HRC mobilizes people across the country.
What issue is most pressing for the queer community on your campus?
Within campus, visibility, recognition, and respect from the mainstream student body. Marriage equality is an important national issue for most LGBT students, as is fully inclusive hate crimes legislation on the state level.
What do you do when you’re not fighting for equality?
I used to ride and show horses competitively (jumpers and equitation). While I am not as involved with the horseshow world as I used to be, I still dabble in it occasionally. I also love cooking, restaurants, and just hanging out with friends.
What was the last song you downloaded?
"The One that Got Away" by Natasha Bedingfield.
What upcoming events are you most excited about?
I’m looking forward to Pride here in DC, and I’m also really excited to go back to Tennessee for Nashville Pride.
Who would you like to have dinner with?
Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and Angelina Jolie.
What advice would you give to other LGBT students?
Always be true to yourself and stand up for your rights and beliefs. Don’t settle for the path of least resistance. Every individual has the power to make a difference in the world; we’re working to change hearts and minds, and every little step (no matter how small it seems) makes a difference.