Before joining the Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, I spent several years creating and advising organizations dedicated to LGBTQ social justice. For over a decade, I was contracted to help strengthen organizations in Seattle, Nevada, Miami, Atlanta, New York and of course, Los Angeles.
In 2009, I was nominated to join the board of the Los Angeles LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (LAGLCC) by the late prolific LGBT film and television producer, gay rights and animal activist JD Disalvatore. After years as president, I became the organization's Executive Director and for over a decade, I have worked to grow LGBTQ+ and allied businesses through business development, marketing and networking as well as legislative strategy incorporating LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBE®) in corporate and governmental supply chains. In 2019, I secured LGBTBE Inclusion in the City of Los Angeles, making Los Angeles the largest city in the nation to do so. Later, I helped launch Los Angeles County's LGBT certification and provided two years of testimony to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) during the LGBTBE rule making process that resulted in a decision that will yield $600M of diverse spend with LGBT small business owners. In my 10 years in my role, I have helped thousands of businesses thrive. I am motivated by knowing that a thriving business is not just a legacy for the owner but is important for job creation as well as local philanthropy. Because of my work with the chamber, the LAGLCC won the prestigious "Affiliate Chamber of the Year" award, a recognition of global significance, from the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
I am endorsed by West Hollywood City Councilmember John D'Amico, have been a resident of the City of West Hollywood for 27 years and have proven my commitment to serving my community through service. I served on the Lesbian Visibility Board for the City, helping to plan, program and also emcee the historic West Hollywood Dyke March. In 2015, I was appointed and served as Co-chair for the Lesbian & Gay Advisory Board to advise city council on matters affecting LGBTQ residents including the execution of the City’s Rainbow Key Awards and was later appointed at-large to the Human Services Commission which vets and provides recommendations on the City of West Hollywood's social services agencies. In 2021, I was appointed by Councilmember John D'Amico to the West Hollywood Planning Commission where I serve as Vice Chair. The West Hollywood Planning Commission provides recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and Director of Planning on land use policies and proposed development projects.
Because I have been a staunch advocate of LGBTQ rights, I was one of the first recipients of KCET’s LGBT Local Hero Award and I also received the Pat Parker Award from Christopher Street West and a L.A.C.E (Lesbians Active in Community Empowerment) Award from the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
