ABOUT HIL

I'm Hil O'Connell, an organizer, educator, and consultant working towards queer, trans, economic, and health justice. In addition to my freelance work, I am a graduate student at the Simmons School of Social Work. Before enrolling at Simmons, I was a national organizer with The NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America (TNG-CWA), and a leader within the AccessMatters Union in Philadelphia (occupied Lenape territory). I pivoted to full-time freelance and organizing work in 2021, after working for seven years as a research analyst and educator in the non-profit public health sector. During that time, I was published in the Columbia Journal of Gender and Law and the Journal of Women's Health, and trained more than 1,000 clinicians, counselors, public health workers, non-profit employees, and medical school students in topics like LGBTQ-affirming care, trauma and trauma-informed care, and how to use inclusive and affirming language in care settings.

I graduated from Yale University in 2014 with a BA in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and a concentration in Public Health. During my time in the non-profit sector, I also pursued continuing education in trauma-informed practice through the Jefferson Trauma Education Network, the Rutgers School of Social Work, and Lakeside Global Institute.

Updated February 2024: COVID-19 remains a deadly threat to people everywhere, especially my fellow chronically ill and disabled comrades. In recognition of my commitment to protecting myself and others during this pandemic, I am available for remote/virtual training and consulting services only.