Humanitarian work & social impact

Humanity, in practice.

Working alongside global advocates and community leaders to turn shared ideals into meaningful action.

My humanitarian work has taken me around the world, working alongside Nobel Peace Laureates, human-rights advocates, and community leaders. From developing programs that inspire young people to become changemakers to supporting grassroots organizations advancing equality, my focus has remained consistent: helping people build a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world.

A group portrait from Brian Rusch’s archive with Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Out For Equality

Founder & Executive Director

In 2022, I founded Out For Equality to advance the human rights of LGBTQ+ people around the world. The organization provides strategic guidance, resources, and fundraising support to grassroots groups working to improve lives, strengthen communities, and build better futures.

I believe lasting change begins with the people closest to the challenges. Our role is to help local leaders access the resources, visibility, and opportunities they need to make that change possible.

Visit Out For Equality

Peacebuilding & the Nobel Peace Laureates

Some of the most meaningful chapters of my humanitarian career have involved working alongside individuals whose lives have helped shape the global conversation around peace, human dignity, and human rights.

As Deputy Executive Director of the Dalai Lama Foundation, I developed programs and curricula encouraging young people to explore ethics, compassion, and peace.

I later became Executive Director of the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, working closely with Archbishop Desmond Tutu to develop youth programs that encouraged a new generation to become changemakers for peace. Our work explored equality, forgiveness, and the role each of us can play in creating a more peaceful world.

My work with Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee and her organization, the Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA, further strengthened my commitment to advancing equality, empowering women, and supporting the next generation of leaders.

I have also served as a strategic advisor to Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi's U.S. organization and Laureates & Leaders for Children, supporting efforts to protect children's rights and end exploitation.

Human Dignity & Inclusion

Throughout my humanitarian work, I have been drawn to the fundamental question of how we recognize and protect the dignity of every person.

With Archbishop Tutu's blessing, I became the founding Executive Director of the Human Thread Foundation, an organization inspired by humanitarian photographer Lisa Kristine. Through exhibitions and educational programs, we worked to raise awareness of human dignity and human trafficking. Through my work with the Human Thread Foundation, I helped bring an exhibition highlighting human dignity and human trafficking to the Vatican, where it was launched during the pontificate of Pope Francis.

I also brought this commitment to Rotary International, where I was a founding member of its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force and later served as Vice-Chair. Over six years, I helped advise Rotary leadership on incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion into the organization's action plan. I have been the committee's longest-serving member.

Leadership, Advisory & Advocacy

My work extends beyond organizational leadership to supporting the people and movements working to create change.

Through board service, strategic advisory roles, and international collaboration, I have supported initiatives advancing peace, children's rights, equality, and human dignity. I believe effective humanitarian leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, building relationships, sharing resources, and helping others realize their potential.

Whether working with an internationally recognized advocate or a small community organization, I remain guided by the same conviction: meaningful change happens when we recognize our shared humanity and take responsibility for one another.

Board Service & Strategic Advice

I serve on the board of Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa-USA, Leymah Gbowee’s US organization. I am also a Strategic Advisor to Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation US and Laureates & Leaders for Children.

PHOTO PLACEMENT / Humanitarian work — add photograph and context

brian visiting pride home, a project of out for equality

A LIFE IN THE COMPANY OF CHANGEMAKERS

Throughout my humanitarian work, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the world’s most influential advocates for peace, equality, and human dignity. These photographs capture people, moments, and experiences that have helped shape my work.