ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP | Jessica Toste PhD

Member, GLSEN National Board of Directors (2017 to present)

Dr. Toste was also the co-founder of the GLSEN Austin Chapter and served as Board Chair from 2015 to 2020. She continues to be an active Board member.
Founded in 1990, GLSEN’s mission is to ensure that every member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Every day GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment that is safe, inclusive, and affirming.

Chair, DRTx Board of Directors (2019 to present)

Dr. Toste has served on the DRTx Board of Directors since 2016.
She was elected Vice-Chair in 2018.
Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) is part of the federally-mandated Protection & Advocacy (P&A) system. P&As are dedicated to the ongoing fight for the personal and civil rights of individuals with disabilities. DRTx leads through the values that people with disabilities have a right to freedom from neglect, exploitation, discrimination, and isolation, and a right to be included in all aspects of their communities; disability is a natural part of the human experience; disability does not diminish the right to live independently or to exert control and choice in your life.

Member, Advisory Board (2017 to present)

As part of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, the UT-UCS mission is to provide access to effective educational opportunities for unique learners by creating safe environments and holding high expectations for all. Currently comprised of 23 campuses that serve K-12 students, each campus is located on and provided classroom and office space by its facility partner.