Attorney and diversity and inclusion training consultant Ellie Krug was recognized with a Business of Pride award by the Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal. The publication’s annual award honors outstanding LGBTQ business leaders in the Twin Cities metro area who are making a difference in advancing equality in the business world and community, as well as demonstrating their own professional successes.
Russell Herder is proud to have partnered with Krug on many projects in the past. She has dedicated her life to ensuring diversity and inclusion for all and advocating for LGBTQ issues. Taking a thoughtful approach to working toward change, Krug’s remaining life mission is to work for a more inclusive society for all humans, regardless of how many are considered “Other.”
As a practicing attorney in Iowa, Krug led more than 100 trials in four states and argued before two state supreme courts. In 2009 she transitioned from male to female. She was the first Iowa attorney to transition genders “on the job,” and one of the few attorneys in the U.S. to try jury cases in both genders. She was also the first transgender attorney to argue before the Iowa Supreme Court. She founded the legal access nonprofit, Call for Justice, LLC, which was accorded an American Bar Association award in 2014.
Krug now works as a trainer, consultant and coach working to advance equality in the business world. She is the founder and principal of Human Inspiration Works, LLC and has conducted more than 200 trainings/speaking events in 22 states and Canada. Her topics focus on issues of workplace inclusivity, gender transition and how employers can create a welcoming environment for diverse employees.
In addition, the Minneapolis resident serves on the board of directors of Humans of Minneapolis, Minneapolis City of Lakes Rotary and Community Mediation Minnesota. She is an executive committee member of the Twin Cities Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable and serves as volunteer Executive Director of Human Ripple Works, Inc.
She is a past co-chair of the Hennepin County Bar Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and member of the board of directors of Bridge for Youth, Marcy Holmes Neighborhood Association and the Minnesota Lavender Bar Association. She is also a youth mentor, radio host, author and frequent media commenter. In 2013 she published the book “Getting to Ellen: A Memoir about Love, Honesty and Gender Change.”
Krug and her fellow honorees were recognized at an awards ceremony June 12, 2019 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion in Minneapolis.
