Woman Crush Wednesday: Britt Binler

Hi! My name is Britt Binler, and these are my leading ladies in Philadelphia. These powerful women work together in the fight for equality, putting on a hell of a gala and building community along the way.

Katherine Sprissler-Klein

This ally truly has my heart! After traveling the world with her husband, Dave, Kat moved to Philadelphia and took the town by storm. She co-chaired the HRC Philly Gala for back-to-back years and currently sits with me on the national HRC Board of Governors. Kat is a get-it-done kind of woman. Full Stop. With a contagious passion for equality and a strong vision our team and our world is better because of her!

Liz Balcom

Liz is new to the HRC Gala Committee this year and stepped in as the corporate co-chair without missing a beat. Proof of Liz's talents: She will be Co-Chair of the 2016 HRC Gala. I was immediately captivated by her big-hearted friendship, and it didn't hurt that she laughed at all of my jokes. She sounds great, right? Sorry ladies, she's marrying the one and only Nora Cothren this fall!

Nicole Svonavec

Nicole can not only lift any room with her quick wit and contagious enthusiasm, but she also knows how to get down to business. As this year's HRC Gala Table Captain Chair, she galvanized all of our table captains to fill their tables. Our captain of captains is also a secret badass who grew up in the country and can teach any of us city folk a few things. Yup, you'll feel like a deer in the headlights too when you first meet her!

Judy Williams

Judy is one of my many role models. As the HRC Steering Committee's Federal Club co-chair, she works with monthly donors in our "Federal Club," whose support of HRC's advocacy and political work is the backbone of the organization. Judy is also a well-traveled global citizen who knows a thing or two about strategic planning. When she first started dating Lene, her wife of 20 years, Judy picked up a few lines of Danish which impressed Lene then. Should you ever need to say "No, but how about half a lobster," Judy is your girl!

Yana Banerjee

Yana was in the room when I first came out, and I have counted her as a close friend for almost a decade. A true pal and confidant, she is thoughtful, has boundless energy, and inspires me everyday. This year, Yana worked on the HRC MLK Day of Service event and the Equality Rocks concert in addition to organizing six (!) prides last season. I can't wait to call Yana a friend for decades to come—well into our golden years.

Share your Woman Crush Wednesday!

Here are the rules: (1) Name five to 10 ladies you’re crushing on (2) You and all women involved must be from Philadelphia (3) Email your crushes to ferrazchristina@gmail.com.