organization providing crisis intervention and
suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
Organization
Staff
Abbe Land
Abbe Land is a recognized and respected health care professional with an impressive history of ensuring care to under-represented populations, and advocating for youth and the LGBT community.
Since 2003, Abbe has served as co-CEO of The Saban Free Clinic in Los Angeles. While there, she co-led the Clinic’s growth from a $6 million to a $16 million budget, including the opening of two new clinics and the building of a $22 million endowment. She also oversaw all aspects of Saban’s operations ensuring integration of physical and mental health; providing medical, dental and mental health services to over 21,000 patients annually; and managing a full-time staff of 140 with more than 300 volunteers.
Abbe also brings a wealth of public policy knowledge to The Trevor Project as a longtime elected official who champions the needs of youth. She has served the City of West Hollywood from 1986-1997 as a council member and was elected twice as mayor. Abbe was re-elected to office in 2003 and is currently serving a 4-year term, having won re-election in March 2011.
With a strong dedication to the community, Abbe serves on the advisory board of Women Against Gun Violence and on the board of directors of the California Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County. She is an appointed member of the L.A. County Department of Health Services' Women's Health Policy Council, and serves on the boards of the AIDS Community Action Foundation and of the Planned Parenthood-LA Advocacy Project.
A long-time resident of West Hollywood, California, Abbe lives with her husband, artist Martin Gantman.
Alison Gill
Dedicated, innovative, and positive, Alison joined The Trevor Project in 2012 bringing expertise in youth public policy and advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels. Prior to joining The Trevor Project, Alison was Public Policy Manager at the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), where she focused on state and local policy issues. She provided technical assistance and resources to students, local advocates, and partner organizations seeking policy change at the state and local level to make schools safer and more respectful for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Alison also has a great deal of grassroots advocacy experience, having long volunteered with the DC Trans Coalition (DCTC), a grassroots, community-based organization which seeks to secure and protect the rights of the entire Washington, DC, trans community. More recently, Alison helped to found Trans Legal Advocates of Washington (TransLAW), an organization which partners with legal service organizations and clinics to provide culturally competent legal services to the trans community. A New Jersey native, Alison is a graduate of Rutgers University, and she earned her J.D. from the George Washington University Law School. Alison’s LGBTQ Hero: Phyllis Frye.
Amy Rangel, PHR
Patient, compassionate, and loyal, Amy Rangel joined The Trevor Project’s staff in 2011 with extensive experience in all things HR. Hailing from San Antonio, Amy moved to Los Angeles with a degree in Dance from Texas State. She comes to The Trevor Project having been an HR Generalist at the VFX studio, The Mill, prior to this she worked as the HR Generalist for PMK*BNC. Before joining PMK*BNC Amy was a Senior Recruitment Coordinator at Warner Brothers Inc. where she served on the board for OUT@WBS. In her spare time, she can be found volunteering, catching a live concert, painting, or hiking the Hollywood hills with her dog, Lailah.
Arquimides Pacheco
Artistic, assured, and a bit sassy, Arquimides joined The Trevor Project in 2012. Prior to The Trevor Project, Arquimides worked diligently to develop and establish one of the few programs in the San Francisco Bay Area providing social and support services for LGBTQ older adults. Arquimides has gained invaluable experience working with the LGBTQ community and youth, having spent time facilitating LGBTQ youth support groups, organizing LGBTQ oriented programming, and special events, Arquimides has also created and implemented bilingual trainings and workshops around LGBTQ youth and LGBTQ issues. Arquimides is a proud graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. When not co-ordinating the education program throughout the west coast, Arquimides can be found reading a good book, watching a ton of bad reality TV, or having fun with friends and family in LA and the Bay Area. Arquimides’ LGBTQ Heroes: Gloria Anzaldúa and Bayard Rustin.
Ashby Dodge, LMSW
Creative, energetic, integrity-driven, and a long-time supporter of Trevor’s mission and vision, Ashby Dodge brings a diverse set of skills to The Trevor Project, with a strong knowledge of clinical social work, human behavior, LGBTQ initiatives and event and program administration. Before joining Trevor, Ashby worked as the Director of Programs at ENACT, Inc., helping NYC public school students learn social and emotional skills through creative drama and drama therapy techniques. Her past clinical work has focused on the treatment of sexual assault and domestic violence survivors, substance abuse, adolescents, couples and LGBTQ youth. She is most comfortable working in an authentic environment that develops innovative and life-saving support to oppressed individuals aligned with organizational culture, values and objectives. Raised in Hawaii and Virginia, Ashby obtained her BFA in Drama Therapy from Longwood University before moving to New York City to work as an actor and pursue her therapeutic career, obtaining her MSW in 2007 from Fordham University. When Ashby isn’t working at The Trevor Project, she can be found enjoying the work at her private practice in Chelsea, running on the West Side Highway, sharing food with friends and family, and spending time at home with partner Chris and 21 year old cat Tashi.
Ashby.Dodge@thetrevorproject.org
Athena Brewer
Sensitive, Thoughtful, and Tenacious, Athena came to The Trevor Project after three years providing crisis intervention at The Suicide Prevention Center, the longest-running suicide prevention center in the U.S. She developed her calling for crisis after working with suicidal clients at New Perspectives Center for Counseling, in San Francisco. She went on to lead therapeutic groups for suicidal young people at The McAuley Institute of St. Mary’s Medical Center, the only in-patient psychiatric unit for youth in Northern California. Athena later provided psychotherapy for incarcerated women in an intensive therapeutic module, and for youth with emotional issues at The Accelerated School, through The Los Angeles Center for Child Development. Athena currently sees clients of all ages at Secure Transitions, a community mental health center, and serves on the board of directors of the Lesbian and Gay Psychotherapy Association of Southern California. She received her BA in Women’s Studies from The College of William and Mary, and her MA in Clinical Psychology from The New College of California. In her free time Athena can be found walking her handsome pug, Hermes, and reading books about her favorite queer hero, Jacques Lacan.
Brent Webster
Passionate, caring and fun-loving, Brent Webster comes to The Trevor Project with over 7 years of administrative experience. He graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a degree in TV/Film. Over the past couple of years he followed his passion for food and started a local sweet company which has donated thousands of treats to Trevor fundraising events. He jumped at the opportunity to become a part of this wonderful organization that is so close to his heart. When he’s not working, Brent loves to put his culinary skills to the test for his friends and family. Brent’s LGBTQ hero is Chris Colfer.
Brian Davis
Friendly, devoted, and driven, Brian Davis joined the Trevor Project in 2010 inspired by the mission and impressed with the community that supports the Trevor Project. Brian comes directly from TEEN LINE, where he was the Development Director for a peer-to-peer crisis and help line that often referred teenagers to the Trevor Project. After graduating from Loyola Marymount University Brian’s passion for serving the LGBTQ community developed while he worked at the LA Gay & Lesbian Center in corporate and foundation relations. Brian has long been an avid volunteer throughout the region, , volunteering with the LA Gay & Lesbian Center, St. Joseph Center in Venice, Project Angelfood, Santa Monica Boulevard Elementary School, and TEEN LINE. If he’s not talking about the Trevor Project, where he oversees and grows the Circle of Hope throughout the Western states, then you’ll probably hear him talking about scuba diving; he’s been a diver for more than 10 years and an instructor for the last 5. Brian’s LGBTQ heroes are Brian and Brendan Burke.
Brock Dumville, M.P.H.
Passionate, compassionate and plucky, Brock is a long-time advocate for LGBTQ youth and admirer of the Trevor Project’s work and mission. He joined the Trevor Project in 2011, bringing with him years of experience in both academic and community settings. While in college in Montreal, Brock managed a local LGBTQ-focused crisis, support, and information hotline for three years—an experience that ignited a passion for working with LGBT youth in crisis and showed him first-hand the life-saving impact of a crisis line. This early experience guided his career and education ever since. In June 2011, Brock obtained a Master of Public Health degree, acquiring a valuable roster of program planning and evaluation skills to complement his practical experience working for the health and wellbeing of marginalized populations. These experiences have allowed Brock to become an expert in harm reduction and support skills. When he’s not supervising the Trevor Lifeline’s lifesaving team of counselors, Brock can be found braving LA on his bike, reading an old novel, or shaking it on the dance floor. Brock’s LGBTQ Hero: James Baldwin.
Caroline Margaret Rodriguez
Meticulous, Daring and Dedicated, Caroline Rodriguez joined The Trevor Project’s staff in 2013 with a highly diversified background. Hailing from New York, Providence, Washington DC and Detroit, Caroline moved to Los Angeles with a degree in piano performance from Ithaca College, and an M.A. in Environmental Studies from Brown University. She comes to The Trevor Project having been a grant writer at the Friendship Circle of Michigan, a science writer and reporter at National Public Radio and Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Arts and Entertainment Editor at the Ithaca Times. Caroline also taught elementary music and dance in Brooklyn, ran a vegan kitchen in northern Michigan, and was heavily involved in roller-derby while living in DC. In her spare time, Caroline is often practicing yoga, hiking or running on the beach.
Elliot Kennedy
Creative, enthusiastic, and optimistic, Elliot joined the Trevor Project in 2013. A recent graduate of the American University Washington College of Law, Elliot is originally from Vermont and is licensed to practice law in New York. Elliot brings expertise in LGBT federal policy, having previously held agency advocacy focused clerkships at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Family Equality Council, and the National Center for Transgender Equality. He most recently worked for Organizing for America – Pennsylvania where he lead voter protection recruitment and outreach efforts among law students and LGBT legal communities. Elliot is also involved in local DC advocacy, where he is a founding member and Recruitment Chair for Trans Legal Advocates of Washington. Elliot enjoys cooking, sailing, and Cabot cheddar cheese.
Eva Steers-Smith
Personable, open-minded, and thoughtful, Eva joined The Trevor Project in 2012, after two years at Arts Engine, a social justice-issue documentary media nonprofit. While attending graduate school, Eva worked for two years as a Teacher’s Assistant at New York City P.S. 63 and tutored youth at the Andrew Glover Youth Program, a juvenile incarceration alternative on the Lower East Side. Before moving to New York, she taught high school English in Paris. She has a B.A. from the University of Virginia and an M.A. in Cinema Studies from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Eva spends her free time collecting figures of speech, volunteering in adoption and foster care services, and exploring the culinary cultures of NYC.
Heather Varian
Witty, passionate and nerdy, Heather joined the Trevor Project as the Corporate Relations Manager in 2013. With more than 15 years in development, Heather brings with her a wealth of fundraising experience, cultivating and stewarding corporate, foundation and individual donors, as well as excellent event sponsorship and program development skills. With a B.A.in Women’s Studies and Political Science from the University of Minnesota, Heather has held positions with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, EcoHealth Alliance and the American Diabetes Association. When she’s not engaged in the quest for corporate dollars for The Trevor Project, you can find Heather reading books (grade school Read-A-Thon winner right here!), enriching her already robust pop culture fluency, eating out or cooking for her friends and family. Heather’s LGBTQ Hero: Reed Erickson
Jeremy Ancalade
Jeremy joined The Trevor Project in 2012 offering experience in non-profit arts management, strategic planning, youth empowerment programming, and production management.
Prior to joining The Trevor Project, Jeremy was the General Manager of the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles where he led the overall financial operations of the not-for-profit organization.
During his tenure with The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, Jeremy produced numerous theatrical productions, and worked to empower at-risk youth across the country through SCLA’s nationally recognized and replicated Will Power to Youth employment program.
He has served on the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee, and is currently a Board Member and Regional President for the Loyola University New Orleans Alumni Association.
Kevin Holt
Personable, thoughtful, and earnest, Kevin Holt joined the Trevor Project in 2011 as a Development Associate. A born-and-raised southern Californian, Kevin received a BA in Communication from California Lutheran University and acquired his passion for social justice while in college. Kevin’s weekend activities include watching movies, reading, hiking, swimming, and catching up on his favorite TV shows. Kevin’s LGBTQ hero: Ellen DeGeneres
Laura McGinnis
Optimistic, accessible and eclectic, Laura McGinnis has dedicated her career to ensuring minority populations have a voice in the media. Laura has been a spokesperson and communications staff for the Palm Center, the Obama for America Campaign, the Sundance Film Festival, the Frameline Film Festival, and the American Heart Association. She has represented the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, the NAACP Image Awards, Microsoft and MGM Resorts in diversity outreach, and has worked to raise awareness for about issues ranging from prostate cancer to violence against women. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, and had earned a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Delaware. A west coast girl with an east coast heart, Laura loves exploring California's great outdoors with her wife, Dyana and dog, Jackson. Laura’s LGBTQ hero is Jeanne Manford.
Matt Zaslow
Motivated, outgoing, and focused, Matthew Zaslow joined The Trevor Project in 2012 bringing with him expertise in strategic event fundraising after four years of high level event management at the American Red Cross in Greater New York. In his role there he successfully managed more than fifteen annual events for the largest region of the American Red Cross in the United States. Originally from New York, Matthew is a graduate of Hofstra University where he was heavily involved in the Office of Student Leadership and Activities which was responsible for enhancing the co-curricular life of the Hofstra community by helping students become more involved with campus events. When Matt isn’t at the office juggling the many national events Trevor has, you’ll most likely find him driving the Pacific Coast Highway in search of a new beach or coastal retreat to relax.
310-271-8845, ext. 225
Matthew.Zaslow@TheTrevorProject.org
Matthew Wolford
Effervescent, dynamic and always the optimist, Matthew joined The Trevor Project in 2012, managing the Harvey Milk Call Center. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Matthew obtained his B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University. Matthew most recently worked at Larkin Street’s Diamond Youth Shelter; one of the nation’s only emergency housing shelters for youth aged 12-17. While there, Matthew gained invaluable experience in the fields of mental health, family reunification, substance abuse & crisis de-escalation. It was here that Matthew discovered his passion for LGBTQ issues, particularly serving disenfranchised LGBTQ youth and linking them with life improving/saving resources. When not supporting San Francisco’s Lifeline counselors, you can normally find Matthew at the movies, dancing to his favorite pop diva’s or exploring all that San Francisco has to offer. Matthew’s LGBTQ Hero: Randy Shilts.
Matthew.Wolford@TheTrevorProject.org
Nathan Belyeu
Enthusiastic, determined, and insightful, Nathan Belyeu joined The Trevor Project in 2011 with a wide array of experience in providing resources directly to LGBTQI youth and developing and managing programs. Before joining The Trevor Project, Nathan worked at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro where he was the first person to hold the position of Coordinator for LGBTQI Health. In this position he enlarged the university Safe Zone program to include a Train the Trainer program and he served as a resource for LGBTQI students, faculty, staff and their allies. A native of St. Augustine Florida Nathan moved to North Carolina for college and completed his undergraduate degree at Appalachian State University in Boone before moving to Greensboro to pursue a Masters in Education in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education. When Nathan isn’t working at The Trevor Project he can be found in the kitchen cooking a meal for close friends, volunteering his time in his faith community or enjoying one of New York City’s many cultural offerings. Nathan’s LGBTQ hero: The Bishop Gene Robinson.
Nathan.Belyeu@TheTrevorProject.org
Odalis Gonzalez
Charismatic, Thoughtful, and Driven, Odalis Gonzalez joined The Trevor Project in 2012 as the New York/ Randy Stone Call Center Crisis Services Manager. A native Brooklynite, Odalis received her B.A. in Psychology from The University at Albany. Fresh out of college, her career began as a Youth Care Worker with Boys Town. Odalis worked with youth in detention, focusing on independent and daily living skills in preperation for the youth's departure back into the community. Later on, Odalis was promoted as Assistant Family Teacher, focusing in on the family reunification process between these young men in detention and their families. Odalis is now looking to focus her experience and dedication to the LGBTQ community, and serve as a support to our New York Lifeline Counselors. When she is not supporting our Lifeline Counselors and keeping the ball rolling, you can find Odalis roaming the busy streets of New York, planning her next adventure, or spending the day in front of the screen zoned into movies.
LGBTQ Hero: Frank Kameny
Odalis.Gonzalez@TheTrevorProject.org
Porscha Ferguson
Honest, devoted, open-minded, Porscha Ferguson joined the Trevor Project Team in 2011. She comes to us with an extensive background performing Administrative duties. A native of SoCal, Porscha graduated from California State University Long Beach with a BS in Kinesiology-Exercise Science. She has a passion for helping other and fulfills that passion through volunteering with various organizations. When she's not at work, Porscha enjoys scouting out new adventures to experience in Southern California, and spending time with her family.
Porscha's LGBTQ Heroine: Billy Jean King
Rachel Lichtman
Communications Associate
Rachel Lichtman joined the Trevor Project in 2012 after serving as Policy Intern and Communications Intern for PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) National in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. During her time with PFLAG Rachel was the primary author of the new “Hate Crimes Prevention Guide” publication and the main contributor and editor for both national blogs, and created content for several publications, proposals, and website pages. She recently graduated from California Lutheran University with a Sociology B.A., where she sang in the women’s quartet, starred in yearly musicals, and participated in several social justice clubs. Though Rachel is originally from Portland, Oregon and hasn’t let go of her love for stormy weather, she’s grown to like L.A.'s sunny disposition. When she isn’t at one of the greatest LGBTQ non-profits in the country, you can find her working on a half-finished painting, rummaging through records at Amoeba or watching one of her favorite TV shows.
Rachel.Lichtman@TheTrevorProject.org
Richard Rocha
Fancy, decorated and preeminent, Richard Rocha joined The Trevor Project in 2008 as an intern in the program department, was later promoted to the position of administrative assistant and is now the executive assistant to the CEO and Operations Director. He has worked for various non-profit organizations over the course of the past five years, including as the office administrator at Christopher Street West/LA Pride. He previously worked extensively in sales positions, but has enjoyed the transition into the non-profit sector. He now keeps busy at Trevor’s administrative offices, answering the phones, coordinating administrative needs and assisting each department with special projects. A native of Antioch, CA, Richard is also an avid vocalist and a member of the Gay Men’s Chorus in Los Angeles. When he’s not greeting guests with a smile at Trevor, you’ll find Richard singing to his heart’s content. Richard's LGBTQ Hero: Pedro Zamora
Ryan Lombardini
Creative, driven and innovative, Ryan Lombardini has been with The Trevor Project since 2008 as its Digital Marketing Manager. Ryan specializes in creating a cohesive brand identity among digital media channels and nurturing online communities to stimulate growth and engagement. Ryan has built Trevor’s online presence across multiple social networks, amassing an international following of nearly a million and converting hundreds of thousands of fans into advocates and donors. Through innovative digital marketing campaigns, Ryan has established The Trevor Project as a premiere expert and thought-leader in digital best-practices for nonprofits. These efforts have earned several awards for Trevor, including the 2011 Mashable Award for "Best Non-Profit on Social Media" and two Shorty Awards. Ryan has a passion for aligning corporate values with The Trevor Project's mission to amplify awareness, inspire social action and cultivate a deeper connection to LGBT issues. Ryan currently resides in West Hollywood and graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Psychology. When he’s not digitizing all things Trevor, you’re bound to find Ryan indulging in the arts, at the cinema or sampling the fine cuisine in Los Angeles. Ryan’s LGBTQ Hero: Elton John
Sandra León
Daring, empowered, and nerdy, Sandra originally joined The Trevor Project in 2010 as a volunteer while ze was working for a community orientated non-profit as a Small Business Counselor. A native New Yorker, ze still lives in the same neighborhood where ze was raised, and is a tireless community leader, mobilizing local residents into action around the areas of economic development and community revitalization. Sandra’s organization and volunteer management skills were honed while ze was a Producing Member of a traditional women’s theater in the Lower East Side. For 14 years, ze promoted the voices of women, gender non-conforming and transgender people of color which became reflected in the theater’s membership and show calendar. Sandra also assisted with the theater’s transition to a women and transgender people’s theatre, by advocating for and helping to create a trans-inclusive mission statement. When Sandra’s not recruiting super awesome volunteers for Trevor, ze can be found at home cooking spicy pumpkin dishes and watching anime next to zir feline sidekick, Hermione. Sandra's LGBTQ heroes are Sylvia Rivera and Audre Lorde.
Sarina Aguirre
Spirited, thoughtful, loyal, Sarina Aguirre joined The Trevor Project in 2011 after relocating to Los Angeles from Northern California. She comes to us with extensive experience working in the non-profit sector with organizations such as The American Cancer Society and The Arthritis Foundation. Her primary focus has been in the area of Development, working with annual giving, special events and volunteer management, retention and recruitment. She has a clear understanding of both the Development and Program side of organizations giving her the knowledge needed to guide, cross educate and involve volunteers in multiple aspects of an organization. When she’s not working with Trevor volunteers, she enjoys hanging out with her dogs, Marley and Bernie and exploring flea marts and antique fairs.
Sarina’s LBGTQ Heroine: Beth Ditto
Shawn Ingram
Shawn brings more than 20 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience in the arts, higher education, the environment and social services and has a strong background working with LGBTQ youth. During his tenure at The San Diego LGBT Center, he helped establish the first drop in center and permanent supportive housing project for LGBTQ youth in San Diego. He then served as the Executive Director of My Friend’s Place, a drop in center for homeless youth in Los Angeles. In addition, Shawn has been a member of the development team at Harvard University, the American Repertory Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Equality California and, most recently, The Nature Conservancy. A native Vermonter, he earned his B.S. in Communications from Boston University.
Shawn.Ingram@TheTrevorProject.org
Shirley Vilca
Passionate, Caring, Positive, Shirley comes to the Trevor Project after working at two separate non-profits in Seattle; Neighborhood House & The Seattle Art Museum. Shirley earned her degree in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA and credits her education there for invoking her passion towards Social Justice and LGBTQ studies. Originally from Corona, CA; Shirley is excited to be back in SoCal working for an organization that captures her two passions and that is filled with so many amazing people that share her same enthusiasm. In her free time Shirley loves walking her pup, Captain Carlos, bike rides, and vegan cooking/baking.
Shirley’s LGBTQ Heroes: Larry Milton Locke & Kate McKinnon
Steve Mendelsohn
Steve Mendelsohn received his MBA from Harvard Business School and worked for 10 years at American Express in a variety of marketing and management positions, and 3 years at Razorfish, a diversified internet consulting company. But he felt the need to do something meaningful and switched direction to work in the non-profit arena. As the Executive Director of cultural and human rights organizations, he has managed programs that help youth, refugees, LGBT people, women and more. Before coming to the Trevor Project he was the Executive Director of Arts Engine, an organization that creates, distributes and supports social-issue film and video. He also worked at Project Rebirth, which produced the Peabody Award winning documentary film, “Rebirth.” He is the board co-president of NewFest, and was instrumental in crafting their new strategic direction. At the Trevor Project Steve oversees Community Engagement, Marketing, Communications and Government Affairs as part of Trevor’s management team.
Tom Dow
Passionate, dedicated, fun-loving, Tom Dow joined the Trevor Project in 2011 after working as a Development Strategy Consultant at CCS Fundraising, where he structured multi-million dollar capital campaigns for several non-profit organizations. Before joining CCS, Tom worked in Major Gifts at Harvard University for several years, developing solicitation strategies, gift proposals and stewardship for six- and seven-figure donors. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Harvard Alumni Association an active volunteer for the College Fund. He is also a member of the Leadership Council for The Resolution Project, an organization that provides funding for social venture projects around the world. When he’s not raising money to fund Trevor’s life-saving programs, Tom is either learning a new language (he’s up to six) or exploring some of the amazing art and theater New York City has to offer. Tom grew up in Boston and received his AB with honors from Harvard in Spanish, French and Italian Language and Literature. Tom’s LGBTQ heroine: Rachel Maddow
Wes Nemenz
Charismatic, energetic, and thoughtful, Wes Nemenz joins the Trevor Project following an extensive history of advocating, empowering, and supporting the LGBTQ community. Wes’s previous experiences include presenting hundreds of workshops and trainings on creating safer spaces for LGBTQ individuals in New York schools and professional environments, coordinating youth programs at an LGBTQ community center and developing social media strategies for non-profit organizations. Prior to moving to New York, Wes worked with Equality North Carolina on their grassroots campaign to successfully pass the School Violence Prevention Act, the South’s first-ever LGBT-inclusive anti-bullying bill. Wes graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a BA in Communication Studies and Public Relations. With a passion for social media, strategic communication, pop culture, comedy, writing, and performance, Wes brings a varied background of experiences to the table and is proud to be a voice for social change. When he’s not coordinating the East Coast education efforts, Wes can be found in a museum, confessing on a dance floor, writing his blog or exploring New York City. Wes’ LGBTQ Hero is Keith Haring.
Shivani Ray
Tyler Hatchel
