A Local Start Up Is Tackling Transgender Unemployment

• Courtesy TransTech Social Enterprises
• TransTech CEO Angelica Ross (right) works with an apprentice.

“Why do most people use the internet?” asks Angelica Ross as she begins a presentation on freelancing.

Outreach is a vital part of TransTech’s mission, as well: “It’s important just for us to be visible,” says Aubrey Schuster, administrative assistant and a longtime business management professional. “Visible to the world, and each other.”

“Trans people are constantly receiving messages that they are not valuable, that there are very limited possibilities for them—that things are going to be hard,” Ross says. “What I’m excited about is working with these apprentices on a face-to-face level, letting them know it’s about showing up for every opportunity. It’s exciting for them to understand, ‘If I show up, and don’t let my circumstances and challenges overwhelm me, I can find success.’”