Seattle Reign FC Legend: Jaelynn Scott – Executive Director at Lavender Rights Project

The Legends Campaign, a partnership between Seattle Reign FC and Starbucks, honors women for their extraordinary contributions to our community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Prior to Seattle Reign FC’s match against the North Carolina Courage, the club recognized Jaelynn Scott, Executive Director at Lavender Rights Project.

Seattle Reign FC and Lavender Rights Project – a Black Trans feminist organization committed to dismantling oppressive systems that disproportionately harm Black communities – have a longstanding relationship, previously joining forces on a shared mission for Pride and Juneteenth. At the core of this relationship is Jaelynn, who recently celebrated her sixth year with the organization.

Through her journey with the organization, Jaelynn has become a prominent leader, innovating at every level and relentlessly advocating for policy change for the Black community and LGBTQ+ community.

“In my leadership, I just I try to highlight the power of Black, queer and Trans leadership throughout the history of this country, and to bring that power to bear to face some of the most critical crises that we have in this moment.”

Jaelynn started her career in ministry and education, as spirituality is an important part of her life. However, as she continued to grow in her career, she realized that she didn’t necessarily want to make a career about of her spirituality but felt the need to advocate for LGBTQ and especially Trans community.

That desire led her to Lavender Rights Project, initially working in Human Resources before helping the organization to grow their leadership structure.

“I don't know that leadership ever feels natural, but I think that I try to lead from a place of understanding. I feel like my job is just the coordination of people and the coordination of resources for my staff, the coordination of resources for our community, the coordination of other leaders' voices, and so in that way, I think that that does feel natural to me because that is work that I enjoy,” shared Jaelynn.

A steadfast leader, she has worked tirelessly in transforming the organization into a Black-centered movement and building the largest Black Trans-led organization in Washington State. Even as the nonprofit sector faces new challenges, she remains solid in her leadership and finds joy in the work

“The nonprofit sector in this current moment is under a lot of pressures, financial as well as social pressures. We have a set agenda of what we know needs to happen proactively to build out better resources for our community, including housing security, economic stability for individuals, as well as ensuring that all voices are heard and policy development. That's the work that we really want to be doing and enjoying and growing.”

She continued, “I often don't know what my job will be the next day, but we're still showing up as our ancestors have done, as our supporters have done, and as the Reign has done in supporting us, continue to show up for community. That’s the job. That's the one thing that will remain consistent.”

In her role, Jaelynn has created pathways for young professionals, expanded legal services and influenced public policy, raising $11 million for the organization. Notable policy achievements include reallocating $16 million from incarceration funds to supportive housing and co-advocating for gender-affirming care protections in Washington State.

“I would say for young women, for all women, Black women, LGBTQ women, Trans women, all of us. We're not often presented with all of the options for our lives and the choices that we have in our lives and there are so many different career possibilities. It’s important to stay true to yourself and your passions.”

Being honored as a Reign FC Legend is something she’s appreciative of, on a personal level and beyond.

“I feel very human and flawed as we all do. It often feels like that I'm running on a hamster wheel, right? I can't tell that things are being done. It's just so important for all of us to give each other affirmative feedback about what we appreciate in the work that others are doing and how they are impacting our lives. As hard as it is for me to receive compliments and awards, I fully accept it because this is the world that I want to live in, where we really lift up people's accomplishments and show them a deep appreciation every single day.”

In her closing remarks, Jaelynn reminded Reign fans how critical it is to stay up to date on current events and the things happening in the communities around us.

"Pay attention to what's going on in the news. Do research, follow our organizations and others like ours. Pay attention, especially to Black communities. Pay attention to LGBTQ communities and what they're saying. Believe them. Let them know that you're there for them and take action when asked,” she encouraged.

Learn more about Lavender Rights Project and the work they are doing in the community HERE.