The annual Robert C. Palmer Lecture on Human Rights was established by the church’s Board of Directors in 1983 to honor the legacy and service of the Rev. Robert Palmer, our first called minister. Rev. Palmer was a social activist on many fronts, including the United Nations, nuclear disarmament, and the Civil Rights Movement.
Our guest speaker for this year’s lecture, to be hosted on Saturday, January 20 at 7 p.m., is Olivia Hill, the first openly transgender elected official in Tennessee. Council Member-at-Large, Olivia Hill was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. A product of Metro public schools, Olivia’s roots are planted firmly in this city she loves. She has seen firsthand the kindness, strength, and creativity demonstrated by her fellow Nashvillians. She knows the vast potential this city offers.
A Navy veteran, Olivia served in the engineering division for ten years, seeing combat in Desert Storm. While serving her country, Olivia gained unique expertise in electrical engineering, a set of skills she utilized to become the Senior Supervisor of the Vanderbilt University power plant, managing a 24/7 operation with a budget of over 100 million dollars. Along her path to that role, she held every position, from plumber/pipe fitter, diesel mechanic, and gas turbine specialist to a welder, high voltage electrician, and union shop steward. After accumulating 36 years of experience in the engineering industry, Olivia knows the value of getting her hands dirty and the hard work it takes to keep crucial systems functioning.
In recent years, Olivia has served as a community leader, educating the public about the difficulties faced by women and the LGBTQ+ community. She is frequently invited to speak to many of Nashville’s premier organizations, including the Tennessee Bar Association, the Metro Nashville Police Academy, Vanderbilt University, the Nashville School of Law, local churches, and Metro Nashville Social Services, as well as serving on the board of directors for the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Olivia received the Chancellor’s Heart and Soul Award from Vanderbilt University in 2019. She was chosen as the LGBTQ Advocate of the Year in 2020 for her dedicated service to the community.
The Palmer Lecture will be available in person at the First UU Church of Nashville as well as available on Zoom.