#127 Oct 29, 25

Representation Is Resilience: Evan Low’s Blueprint for Democracy

Evan Low, President and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, joins host Anthony Shop for a powerful conversation about resilience, representation, and authentic leadership. Evan’s story comes full circle—from being one of the Victory Fund’s youngest endorsed candidates to now leading the organization that once believed in him.

He shares lessons from his historic career, including his work advancing marriage equality and finding common ground across ideological divides. Evan reflects on what it means to lead with authenticity, how visibility fuels influence, and why meeting people where they are—especially in times of polarization—is essential for progress. With characteristic optimism, he reveals how today’s challenges have sparked a new wave of leaders stepping forward to serve and why he believes the future of democracy depends on ensuring every voice is heard and seen.

Takeaways:

Visibility is Influence. “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Representation creates pathways for others and strengthens democracy.
Meet People Where They Are. True influence requires empathy, listening, and finding shared values—even across ideological divides.
Resilience Is the Secret Weapon. Failures and setbacks are part of leadership. Learn, adapt, and rise stronger.
Authenticity Builds Trust. Being transparent about your journey invites connection and fosters credibility.
Invest in Future Leaders. Training and mentorship create pipelines for sustainable impact.
Use Your Platform Wisely. In today’s digital world, leaders must tell their own stories with clarity and purpose.
Democracy Thrives on Inclusion. The more diverse the voices at the table, the stronger our institutions become.

Quote of the Show:

“If you're not at the table, you're on the menu. You have to show up, but you have to do that authentically.”

Links:

Evan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-low-1952064/
VF LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoryfund/
VF Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoryfund/
Website: https://victoryfund.org/

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Host

Anthony Shop

Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.

Producer

Amanda Goyette

Producer

Robert Krueger

Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.