Honoring bold leadership.
Named in memory of Marriott International’s former CEO Arne Sorenson, an exceptional business ally and bold advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, the Vanguard Award honors those who are driving change in meaningful and lasting ways for historically overlooked and/or marginalized communities.
In 2025, we are proud to honor Dennis (he/him) and Judy (she/her) Shepard, human rights advocates and parents of Matthew Shepard, as well as Bob Witeck (he/him), President of Witeck Communications, Inc., for their fearless leadership in LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Human Rights Activists. Beloved Allies.
Dennis and Judy Shepard
Human Rights Advocates
Matthew Shepard Foundation
In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21-year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Determined to prevent others from suffering their son’s fate, the Shepards turned their their grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Dedicated to carrying on Matthew’s legacy, the Foundation’s mission is to advocate causes he championed: social justice, diversity awareness and education, equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, and respect and support for other marginalized communities.
Since it was founded more than 25 years ago, the Foundation has become a globally recognized, highly respected leader in the civil rights community. Judy and Dennis have traveled the world, speaking to over 1 million people about the dangers of hate speech and violence, highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing diversity in all its forms. Together, they have inspired countless individuals to play a role in making the world a kinder, safer place for everyone.
Speaking from a mother’s perspective, Judy also authored a 2009 memoir, The Meaning of Matthew, exploring the family’s journey through the prosecution of Matthew’s assailants, the ensuing media coverage and their continuing work to advance civil rights.
In 2009, Judy and Dennis Shepard joined with President Obama and Vice President Biden as the President signed the historic Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Federal Hate Crimes Prevention Act to forever honor their son’s life. And in 2024, President Biden bestowed the nation’s highest civilian honor on Judy Shepard, by presenting her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House. Today, Matthew’s final resting place is the Washington National Cathedral.
This year, Out & Equal proudly bestows the Arne Sorenson Vanguard Award on our loving allies and lifelong friends, Judy and Dennis Shepard. Named in memory of Arne Sorenson, an exceptional business ally and bold advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, this award honors those who propel lasting, meaningful change for historically overlooked and/or marginalized communities. This award is a fitting tribute to the tireless work and diligence Dennis and Judy Shepard have made to transform their family’s heartbreak into a global tide of enlightenment and inclusion.
Reflecting the hard work and heart Judy and Dennis have poured into advocacy and education, we present them with this award as a symbol of our grateful appreciation for their work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
Trailblazer. Advocate. Beacon.
Bob Witeck (he/him)
President
Witeck Communications, Inc.
Bob Witeck (he/him) is founder and President of Washington, D.C.-based Witeck Communications. And the terms above ring true for those most familiar with his service as a dedicated LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion advocate and counselor.
Bob has shined in his roles as communications strategist, consultant, author, speaker and researcher to faithfully advance LGBTQ+ belonging in the workplace and beyond for nearly 40 years … and is going strong. A lifelong adviser and often behind-the-scenes, he serves on the Human Rights Campaign’s Business Council, the board of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, and is a former board member for the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, GLAAD and GLSEN.
A seasoned bridge-builder, Bob has worked with business leaders to elevate their understanding of the economic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, shareholders, taxpayers, executives and philanthropists. As the co-founder of the first gay-owned business certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, he authored the first book on gay marketing: Business Inside Out.
For Bob, his work and his words are centered on trust and authenticity, and aimed to amplify the power and visibility of our diverse community. Simply put, Bob’s impact on the LGBTQ+ rights movement – and the lives of so many within the community – has been immense.
In recognition of his extraordinary leadership and lifelong dedication to the principles of inclusion and belonging, Out & Equal is proud to honor Bob with the prestigious Arne Sorenson Vanguard Award.
Named in memory of Arne Sorenson, an exceptional business ally and bold advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, the Vanguard Award honors those who are driving change in meaningful and lasting ways for historically overlooked and/or marginalized communities. With deep gratitude, this year’s award is a testament to Bob’s hard work and perseverance … and represents our heartfelt thanks for all he has done for the LGBTQ+ community.