This story is not really about my logo. The topic is much more important than that. I know most people don’t pay close attention to the logo of my business, Visionary Leadership, pictured here. I designed it to represent love for the world and our people.
In 2019, I made an important change to the logo. The reason for this change is the real story. That was the year my beautiful wife, Laura, and I witnessed an inspiring ceremony by Governor Northam in a children’s classroom in Virginia. The ceremony was the signing of Jacob’s Law, ensuring that same-sex couples are covered under Virginia’s surrogacy law. I was invited to attend the event by Jay Timmons, CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers. Jay was at the event with his husband, Rick, and their three children, including Jacob. Jay and Rick are the fathers of Jacob, the namesake of the law that was being signed.
Jacob was almost taken away from his family. Six weeks before he was born, a judge took Jay and Rick’s parental rights away. Over four years and fourteen lawyers later, Jay and Rick won their rights back. In 2019, thanks to their bravery and advocacy, a new law was signed in Virginia that strengthened surrogacy rights for gay and straight couples as well as single parents. It is aptly titled Jacob’s Law.
The love in Jay and Rick’s family so inspired me that I added two men and two women to my logo – you can see them in the upper left. They stand for the parenting contributions of same-sex parents to the children of our world, not to be overlooked.
“Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent.” – Bob Keeshan (Capt. Kangaroo)
