DAYTON, Ohio — Since retiring in 2015, former HR professional Vicki Hahn has been spending a lot of time at home with her therapy dogs. 

“They're just great company and especially now with me not being able to spend time with my family like I used to,” said Hahn. “They're just a great source of company and comfort for me.”

But spending time at home hasn’t always been her life. She came out about 25 years ago, and ever since then, she’s been involved with several LGBT organizations across the Dayton area. 

“I knew that I wanted to get involved because number one, I didn't really know what the gay community was all about and all the intricacies and all of the opportunities that were there,” she said.

One of her proudest moments was back in 2008 when the Anti-bias Ordinance was passed by Dayton City Council. This was legislation she helped push that would prevent discrimination against people in the LGBT community.

“To be a part of that and to see that being put into place was really something very, very special for our community, and I was real proud to be a part of that,” she said.

This year, Hahn received the 2020 Rubi Award from the Public Health of Dayton and Montgomery County. She is one of 14 people recognized for their trailblazing work and commitment to the community.

“When I got involved in the gay community so many years ago, I just did it because I felt like I wanted to make a difference,” said Hahn. “And to be remembered like this these years later and to be considered somebody pivotal in the gay community who has made a difference, it really means a lot to me.”