OUR MISSION UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA is the First organization for the So. Fla. Latinx|Hispanic|LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) Community advancing Equality and Fairness through Education, Leadership & Awareness since 2002 - offering tools and programming, like our 4th annual ELEVATE- a day of being Nicer; LGBT Scholarships for the Arts, Design, Education & Cosmetology; 4th annual TRANSART series – showcasing Transgender art & artists; the 8th annual Celebrate ORGULLO Hispanic Pride festival, and various other workshops, services & empowerment for the community.
NUESTRA MISION UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA es la Primera organización en el sur de la Florida para la comunidad latinx|hispanx LGBTQ (lesbianas, gay, bisexual, transgénero, queer/cuestionando) avanzando Igualdad, Liderazgo y Conciencia desde el 2002 - ofreciendo herramientas y programación, como ELEVATE - un día de ser más agradable; Becas para las Artes, Diseño, Educación y Cosmetologia; Serie TRANSART - exhibición de artistas y artistas transgéneros; El octavo Celebrate ORGULLO, festival Hispano LGBT y varios otros talleres, servicios y empoderamiento para la comunidad.
BECOME A UC|CU MEMBER | MEMBRECIA EN UC|CU
SPONSORSHIP | PATROCINIO VOLUNTEER & DONATE NOW
CALENDAR OF EVENTS CALENDARIO DE EVENTOS
ACCOMPLISHMENTS | LOGROS MEET THE BOARD | JUNTA DE DIRECTORES
UC|CU MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS | BENEFICIOS DEL LA MEMBRECIA
TRANSART Conference & Artists Showcase Featuring the Talent, Vision & Possibilities within the Transgender Community, bringing together a collection of talents, individuals & artistic genres to create awareness, nurture aspiring artists and enlighten the general population about the many layers of this community. TRANSART is presented in partnership with the BETSY South Beach, Pridelines, Trans Justice Funding Project, Gaythering Hotel, Care Resource and more.
JANUARY 22-23, 2021 ALL EVENTS ARE FREE Estimated attendance: 300
TRANSART Conferencia Y Exposicion de Arte | Presentando el talento, la visión y las posibilidades dentro de la comunidad transgénero, el 4to anual TRANSART reunirá una colección de talentos, individuos y géneros artísticos para crear conciencia, nutrir artistas aspirantes e iluminar a la población en general sobre las muchas capas de esta comunidad.
TODOS LOS EVENTOS SON GRATUITOS Estimación de la asistencia: 300
ELEVATE. A Day of Being NICER | With a multitude of Workshops, Tools & Inspirations for being NICER, ELEVATE provides an assortment of 45 min. segments with life coaches, nutritionists, yoga instructors, local artists & jewelry makers and more. Being NICER to your Mind, Body, Soul, Planet & Others – THIS is ELEVATE. We are proud to partner with Care Resource, Starbucks, City of North Miami and more.
MAY 2021 Estimated attendance: 300
ELEVATE. Un Dia de Ser AMABLE. | Con una multitud de talleres, herramientas e inspiraciones para ser mas AMABLE, ELEVATE ofrece un surtido de segmentos de 45 min. con entrenadores de vida, nutricionistas, instructores de yoga, artistas locales, fabricantes de joyas y mucho más. Ser MÁS AMABLE a su mente, cuerpo, alma, planeta y otros - ESTO ES ELEVATE. Estamos orgullosos de asociarnos con Care Resource, Starbucks, ciudad de North Miami y más. 16 de mayo del 2020. Estimación de asistencia: 300
MICRO GIVING Fund is about Community Building, (Re)Start Up Support and Hope – not Handouts
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida (UC|CU) brings MicroGiving to the South Florida LGBTQ community, with focus on what individuals need RIGHT NOW, and the opportunity to help you get one step closer to stability, prosperity, giving back and fulfilling your dreams.
Start Ups, Visioning and Community Building Educational Development Personal Well-Being & Needs Based
In 2017 we have given out over $50,000 in scholarships.
Unity Coalition | Coalición Unida (UC|CU) trae MicroGiving a la comunidad LGBTQ del sur de la Florida, con un enfoque en lo que las personas necesitan AHORA MISMO, y la oportunidad de ayudarlo a estar un paso más cerca de la estabilidad, la prosperidad, la devolución y el cumplimiento de sus sueños.
PRIDE U 2020 | A three year Community Initiative Program & Social Challenge, led by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, to better Engage, Inform & Inspire millennials to take on leadership roles in the LGBT community to better serve, & effect positive change for those disenfranchised and underserved. Taking Community Resources, Mentors & Social Discussions to College Campuses, Helping to create and expand Pride Clubs across Dade & Broward, Social Settings & wherever the need is – Informing, Engaging & Inspiring LGBT millennials to Lead in creating a New Rainbow of Activism, Social Change & Leadership.
PRIDE U 2020 | Una Iniciativa Comunitaria y Desafío Social de tres años, dirigida por Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, para mejorar el compromiso, la información y la inspiración de los milenios para asumir roles de liderazgo en la comunidad LGBT, y lograr un cambio positivo para los desposeídos y en necesidad de representación y voz. Tomando los recursos de la comunidad, los mentores y las discusiones sociales a los centros de educación y universidades, Asisitr en la creación de Clubs de Orgullo en Dade y Broward, los ajustes sociales y dondequiera que sea la necesidad - informando e inspirando milenios de LGBT para conducir en la creación de un nuevo arco iris del activismo
LLEGANDO 305 | A TRAVELING BI-MONTHLY SOCIAL EVENT presented by Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, designed to help recent arrivals to better navigate South Florida and its many challenges, resources, and opportunities. ALWAYS FREE, and Always Welcoming to all.
LLEGANDO 305 | Un EVENTO SOCIAL Bi-MENSUAL ITINERANTE - Social de Comunidad y Laborales para navegar una nueva vida en EE UU. - SIEMPRE GRATIS, y siempre acogedor para todos.
CAŌBA MEANS MOHOGANY IN SPANISH, AND MUCH LIKE THE MIGHTY TREE, CAŌBA PROVIDES THE STRENGTH, STABILITY AND PRESENCE TO EXIST, THRIVE AND REACH FOR THE STARS.
CAŌBA IS A TRAVELING BI-MONTHLY SOCIAL EVENT, OFFERED FREE, WITH INSPIRING SPEAKERS, TOPICS AND A SAFE SPACE FOR ALL SAME GENDER LOVING MEN OF COLOR.
Celebrate ORGULLO 2021 | South Florida’s first Hispanic LGBT Pride festival - enters its 10th successful year with an International Artists Showcase, Artists’ Studios Bus Tours Music, Writers Salons, Costume Exhibit, and much more.
- 15 days of events & over 80 artists featured
OCT. 1-15, 2021 Estimated attendance: 3,500
Celebrate ORGULLO 2020 | El primer y único festival hispano LGBT Pride del sur de la Florida: entra en su octavo año exitoso, con una muestra internacional de artistas, Viajes en omnibus a estudios de artistas, exposición de trajes, musica y baile...y mucho mas. - 15 días de eventos y más de 80 artistas destacados
OCT. 1-15, 2021 Asistencia estimada: 3,500
TITLE SPONSOR | $ 10,000. –Exclusive • Lead name & Logo listed on all Ads & Promos • Listing on website with weblink. • 6 Social Media promos with name & logo • 4 banner placement opportunities at event • Placement of promo materials in Gift Bags • Donation is tax deductible to extent of the Law.
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR | $ 5,000. • Name & Logo listed on Ads & Promos • Listing on website with weblink • 4 Social Media Promos with name & logo. • 2 banner placement opportunities at event. • Placement of promo materials in Gift Bags
SUPPORTING SPONSOR | $2,500. • Logo listed on select Ads, Web & Promos • Listing on website with weblink • 2 Social Media Promos with name & logo. • Placement of promo materials in Gift Bags
TITLE SPONSOR | $ 10,000. – Exclusive • Lead name & Logo listed on all Ads, Promos • Listing on website with weblink • 6 Social Media promos with name & logo • 2 tables at event • 10 VIP tickets to event • 4 banner placement opportunities at event • Placement of promo materials in Gift Bags • Donation is tax deductible to the extent of the Law
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR | $ 5,000. • Logo listed on all Ads, Promos • Listing on website with weblink • 4 Social Media promos with name & logo • 1 table at event • 5 VIP tickets to event • 2 banner placement opportunities at event • Placement of promo materials in Gift Bags
SUPPORTING SPONSOR | $ 2,500. • Logo listed on all Ads, Promos • Listing on website with weblink • 2 Social Media promos with name & logo • 1 table at event • 2 VIP tickets to event
At UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA, Our work is 100% funded by events, grants and private donations. We are 100% staffed & managed by volunteers. Everything that comes in, goes right back out for programming, community building, leading & assisting. We encourage you to give generously.
MENTOR Level –$5,000. - Funds up to 4 scholarships in our community. - Entitles you to 2 tickets to annual GALA, and name recognition on our website & related materials. GUARDIAN Level –$2,500. - Funds up to 2 scholarship in our community. - Name recognition on our website & related materials. FRIEND Level –$500. - Helps to fund scholarships in our community. - Listing on website.
TITLE SPONSOR | $ 10,000. – Exclusive • Lead name & Logo listed on all Ads, Promos & Press Releases • Shared table at all Pride U 2020 events for 12 months • Listing on website with weblink • 6 Social Media promos with name & logo • 1 banner placement opportunity at event • Donation is tax deductible to the extent of the Law
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR | $ 5,000. • Name & Logo listed on Ads, Promos & Press Releases • Shared table at 3 Pride U 2020 events for 12 months • Listing on website with weblink • 4 Social Media promos with name & logo • Donation is tax deductible to the extent of the Law
TITLE SPONSOR | $ 12,000. – Exclusive • Lead name & Logo listed on all Ads, Promos & Press Releases • Table at all LLEGANDO305 & CAŌBA events for 12 months • Listing on website with weblink • 6 Social Media promos with name & logo • 1 banner placement opportunity at event • Donation is tax deductible to the extent of the Law
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR | $ 6,000. • Name & Logo listed on Ads, Promos & Press Releases • Shared table at 4 LLEGANDO305 & CAŌBA events for 12 months • Listing on website with weblink • 4 Social Media promos with name & logo • Donation is tax deductible to the extent of the Law
PRESENTING SPONSOR – $35,000 • “Presented by” on all media (Celebrate ORGULLO, Presented by…) • 8 VIP tickets to GALA • 4 VIP tickets to ART/DIVA Traveling Party & private meeting with the artist • Logo on all media, Logo with hyperlink on website
PLATA|SILVER – $20,000 • 4 tickets to GALA • 2 VIP tickets to ART/DIVA Traveling Party • Logo on limited media, Logo with hyperlink on website & Logo with hyperlink on social media
BRONCE|BRONZE - $10,000 • 2 tickets to GALA • 2 VIP tickets to ARTISTS STUDIO Traveling Party • Logo on limited media, Logo with hyperlink on website
SPONSORSHIP | PATROCINIOS
UC|CU COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP SPONSOR | $60,000 • Exclusive name & logo listing on events & programs for 12 months, including: Celebrate ORGULLO, Annual GALA, ELEVATE, UC|CU PRIDE Float, TRANSART & MicroGiving Fund Program (…PRESENTED BY). • VIP tickets & Priority Entrance to all UC|CU Events. • Weblinks & regular e-blasts.
UC|CU COMMUNITY PILLAR SPONSOR | $30,000 • Name & logo listing on events & programs for 12 months of 4 events of your choice: Celebrate ORGULLO, Annual GALA& UC|CU PRIDE Float, ELEVATE, TRANSART and the MicroGiving Fund Program (…SPONSORED BY). • Preferred List on all tickets & Events. • Weblinks & regular e-blasts.
UC|CU COMMUNITY PARTER SPONSOR | $10,000 • Name listing on events & programs for 12 months of 2 events of your choice: Annual GALA, ELEVATE, and the MicroGiving Fund Program (…IN PARTNERSHIP WITH). • Priority List on select tickets & Events. • Weblinks & regular e-blasts.
Receive email updates on current news, issues & programming
Special benefits and perks at select UC|CU social & networking programming
March in the Miami Beach PRIDE Parade with UC|CU each April
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE MEMBERSHIPS TAX DEDUCTIBLE? YES, Memberships are 100% tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida is a Florida based corporation, with a 501c3 non-profit federal status.
CAN BUSINESSES BECOME MEMBERS? Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida Membership is only open to individuals. If you'd like to make a company contribution please consider making a DONATION, or becoming a Corporate Sponsor.
HOW IS THE MONEY I DONATE USED? Our work is 100% funded by events, memberships & private donations, and we are 100% staffed & managed by volunteers. Everything that comes in, goes right back out for programming, community building, leading & assisting our LGBTQ community.
CAN I CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP? Although memberships are usually annual commitments, you can cancel a monthly donation anytime in writing to info@unitycoalition.org or by calling us at 786-271-6982. Because memberships are donations to Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, no refunds will be given for any already processed donation unless it was made in error by the Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida or the donor requested in writing before the charge was processed to cancel his/her membership. For questions about this policy, please contact us.
WE KNOW our members join because they want to make a difference in the LATINX|HISPANIC|LGBTQ community, and to connect with like minded people who care about advancing Equality and Fairness through Education, Leadership & Awareness in our community.
General membership is always FREE, but helping with a contribution can change minds, hearts & lives. Please choose a membership level that is personally meaningful to you.
SABEMOS QUE nuestros miembros se unen porque quieren marcar la diferencia en la comunidad LATINX | HISPANIC | LGBTQ, y para conectarse con personas de ideas afines que se preocupan por avanzar la Igualdad a través de la Educación, el Liderazgo y Conciencia en nuestra comunidad.
Miembrecia en UC|CU siempre es GRATUITA, pero su contribución monetaria alydará a cambiar mentes, corazónes y vidas. Elija un nivel de membresía que sea personalmente significativo para usted.
$50 MONTHLY DONATION or $500 a year| For individuals only
Receive email updates on current news, issues & programming
THREE complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual ELEVATE Event each March ($90 value)
THREE complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual ART/DIVA Bus Tour each October ($90 value)
THREE complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual Celebrate ORGULLO GALA in October ($240 value)
SPONSOR 2 Comp Tickets for LGBT Youth to UC|CU's ELEVATE & 2 Comp Tickets to ArtDiva Bus tour ($120 value)
$25 MONTHLY DONATION or $250 a year | For individuals only
Receive email updates on current news, issues & programming
TWO complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual ELEVATE Event each March ($60 value)
TWO complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual ART/DIVA Bus Tour each October ($60 value)
TWO complimentary ticket to UC|CU's annual Celebrate ORGULLO GALA in October ($160 value)
SPONSOR 2 Comp Tickets to UC|CU's ELEVATE for LGBT Youth in South Florida ($60 value)
$100 MONTHLY DONATION or $1,000 a year
Receive email updates on current news, issues & programming
FOUR complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual ELEVATE Event each March ($120 value)
FOUR complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual ART/DIVA Bus Tour each October ($120 value)
FOUR complimentary tickets to UC|CU's annual Celebrate ORGULLO GALA in October ($320 value)
$500 towards a UC|CU LGBT SCHOLARSHIP, Credited to your name
SPONSOR 4 Comp Tickets to UC|CU's ELEVATE & 4 Comp Tickets to ArtDiva Bus tour for LGBT Youth in South Florida ($240 value)
AWARENESS | CONCIENCIA
Victims of the Orlando nightclub massacre: Who they were
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OUR MISSION UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA is the First & Only organization for the So. Fla. Latinx|Hispanic|LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Community - advancing Equality and Fairness through Education, Leadership & Awareness since 2002.
UNITY COALITION|COALICION UNIDA es la Primera y Unica organización en el sur de la Florida para la comunidad latinx|hispanx LGBT (lesbianas, gay,bisexual, transgénero)- avanzando Igualdad, Liderazgo y Conciencia desde el 2002.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS | SOCIOS DE LA COMUNIDAD
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IN THE NEWS | EN LA PRENSA
A transgender woman was shot to death early Sunday morning, July 2nd in Lynchburg, Virginia. The death of Ebony Morgan, 28, is the 15th reported murder of a transgender person in the United States this year. CLICK HERE to read more...
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA awards 50k in LGBT SCHOLARSHIPS UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN|UNIDA presenta 50 mil dólares en Becas a la Comunidad LGBT CLICK HERE to read more...
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NON DISCRIMINATION POLICY
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
ADMINISTRATIONS DECISION TO END D.A.C.A. IS THE MOST RECKLESS AND SHAMEFUL ATTACK ON OUR HISPANIC & LGBT COMMUNITIES, TO DATE CLICK HERE to read more... DECISIÓN PARA FINALIZAR D.A.C.A. ES EL ATAQUE MÁS RECIENTE Y VERGONZOSO A NUESTRAS COMUNIDADES HISPÁNAS Y LGBT
access to work and the buildings in which people work. Apart from all ethical considerations, the law demands that people with disabilities are accommodated.
Hay más de 54 millones de ciudadanos con discapacidades que desean y necesitan acceso al trabajo ya los edificios en los que trabajan. Aparte de todas las consideraciones éticas, la ley exige que las personas con discapacidades se acomoden.
Sign Language Interpretation is provided for a lecture, tour, film, performance, conference or other program- if requested in writing, 24 hours in advance. Interpretación de lenguaje de señas seofrece para presentaciones, conferencias, giras, películas y otros programas - si se solicita por escrito, 24 horas por adelantado.
All of our events, programs & public meetings have access for individuals with limited mobility, including wheelchair users. Todos nuestros eventos, programas y reuniones públicas tienen acceso para personas con movilidad limitada, incluidos los usuarios de sillas de ruedas.
The Florida Relay Service is the communications link for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf/Blind, or Speech Disabled. Through the Florida Relay Service, people who use specialized telephone equipment can communicate with people who use standard telephone equipment. To call Florida Relay, dial 7-1-1. The Florida Relay Service es el enlace de comunicaciones para las personas sordas, con problemas de audición, sordas/ciegas o con discapacidades del habla. A través del servicio de retransmisión de Florida, las personas que usan equipos telefónicos especializados pueden comunicarse con personas que usan equipo telefónico estándar. Para llamar a Florida Relay, marque 7-1-1.
WE DO OUR BEST to accommodate all needs. If we fail to do so in any way, please help us GET BETTER.
HACEMOS LO MEJOR para acomodar todas las necesidades. Si no lo logramos a su satisfación, por favor ayúdenos a MEJORAR.
Addressing accessibility inquiries, accommodation requests, and/or complaints by members of the public, organization's leadership and volunteers. info@unitycoalition.org 786-271-6982
Consultas sobre accesibilidad, solicitudes de alojamiento y/o quejas de miembros del público, liderazgo de la organización y voluntarios. info@unitycoalition.org
UC|CU Miami Office 777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 500, Miami, Florida 33139 – offering Programs and Services onsite, by appointment only.
In partnership with TransMiami,Trans SOCIAL, Trans Tech Hub & QUEST Workspace.
This past year...
AWARDED | 50k for LGBT College Scholarship program in the Arts, Design, Education and Cosmetology.
SHOWCASED | 80+ artists, writers, dancers, performers & community leaders in year round programming.
ASSISTED | 300+ families & individuals to much needed healthcare, housing & legal representation.
PRODUCED | ELEVATE Workshops - a Day of Being Nicer; TRANSART Artists Showcase and Conference; TransLives Project documentary & 11 personal account videos on Transgender community; launched first Trans TECH Social hub in the U.S.; LGBT College Scholarship Fund; State of Hate Workshop; Human Trafficking, Immigration & Legal Assistance Workshops; Community Resources Online Center; New Year’s Eve Gala; Breakfast Salon with Miss Trans Israel Talleen Abu Hanna; The SARA GALA honoring Sara Montiel, and our 8th annual 15 day Celebrate ORGULLO Festival…over 50 days of Community Programming in 2017.
PARTICIPATED IN | AIDS Walk Miami, TransCon, Miami Beach Gay Pride, OUTShine Film Festival, & PRIDE Collective program.
PARTNERED WITH | the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), City of Miami, Consul General of Britain, Consul General of Israel, CP Productions, The BETSY South Beach, Barry University, Care Resource, Creation Ballet, Florida International University (FIU), Fountainhead Studios, Hiro Sake, Hispanic Cultural Arts Center, HRC, The Hub @ LGBT Visitor Center, Jackson Health, Ma’avarium (Passageways-Israel), Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Miami Beach Police Dept., Miami Beach Community Church, Miami Center for Architecture & Design (MCAD), Miami Dade College, OUTShine Film Festival, Pridelines, Pride Center at Wilton Manors, QUEST Workspaces, Soul Sisters, St Johns on the Lake, Stonewall Museum & Archives, Starbucks, Story Corps, SunServe, University of Miami, Whispering Angels Foundation & more, to produce programming & services.
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, Inc. is a Florida registered 501C3 non-profit organization. We have proudly been serving the South Florida Latino|Hispanic|LGBTQ community since 2002, advocating for Equality, Education & Fairness.
We are fully staffed & managed by volunteer professionals. Our offices are donated space by Quest Workspaces. Imagine HOW MUCH MORE we can serve our community – with YOUR HELP.
Please consider a generous donation today - CLICK HERE
EVERY PENNY.
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WHAT UC|CU DOES WITH 100% OF EVERY PENNY RECEIVED
Our work is 100% funded by events, private donations, private, corporate and government grants, and we are 100% staffed and managed by professional volunteers.
Everything that comes in, goes right back out for Programming, Community Building, Leading & Assisting our LGBTQ community.
GIVE WITH CONFIDENCE... UC|CU has been awarded the 2019 GOLD Seal of Approval for FUNDING by GUIDESTAR! GuideStar is the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations.
Our Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number is 078399525.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA expects that all relationships among persons in the office or any event we produce, will be business-like and free of bias, prejudice and harassment.
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA has developed this policy to ensure that all its employees can work in an environment free from unlawful harassment, discrimination and retaliation. UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA will make every reasonable effort to ensure that all concerned are familiar with these policies and are aware that any complaint in violation of such policies will be investigated and resolved appropriately.
Any employee or volunteer who has questions or concerns about these policies should talk with the Executive Director or a member of the Board of Directors or of the Board of Advisors.
These policies should not, and may not, be used as a basis for excluding or separating individuals of a particular gender, or any other protected characteristic, from participating in business or work-related social activities or discussions. In other words, no one should make the mistake of engaging in discrimination or exclusion to avoid allegations of harassment. The law and the policies of UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA prohibit disparate treatment on the basis of sex or any other protected characteristic, with regard to terms, conditions, privileges and perquisites of employment. The prohibitions against harassment, discrimination and retaliation are intended to complement and further those policies, not to form the basis of an exception to them.
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA está comprometida con un ambiente de trabajo en el que todas las personas sean tratadas con respeto y dignidad. Cada individuo tiene derecho a trabajar en un ambiente profesional que promueve la igualdad de oportunidades de empleo y prohíbe prácticas discriminatorias ilegales, incluido el acoso. Por lo tanto, UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA espera que todas las relaciones entre las personas en la oficina o cualquier evento que produzcamos, sean comerciales y libres de prejuicios, prejuicios y acoso.
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA ha desarrolló esta política para garantizar que todos sus empleados puedan trabajar en un entorno libre de acoso, discriminación y represalias ilegales.
UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA hará todos los esfuerzos razonables para asegurarse de que todos los interesados estén familiarizados con estas políticas y sean conscientes de que cualquier queja en violación de dichas políticas será investigada y resuelta adecuadamente. Cualquier empleado o voluntario que tenga preguntas o Las inquietudes sobre estas políticas deben hablar con el Director Ejecutivo o un miembro de la Junta de Directores o de la Junta de Asesores. Estas políticas no deben, y no pueden, usarse como base para excluir o separar a personas de un género en particular, o cualquier otra característica protegida, de participar en negocios o actividades sociales o discusiones relacionadas con el trabajo. En otras palabras, nadie debe cometer el error de incurrir en discriminación o exclusión para evitar acusaciones de acoso. La ley y las políticas de UNITY COALITION|COALICIÓN UNIDA prohíben el trato desigual sobre la base del sexo o cualquier otra característica protegida, con respecto a los términos, condiciones, privilegios y requisitos del empleo. Las prohibiciones contra el acoso, la discriminación y las represalias pretenden complementar y promover esas políticas, no constituir la base de una excepción a ellas.
LEADERSHIP | LIDERAZGO
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UC|CU COLOMBIA Respaldo y Ayuda para nuestra comunidad LGBTQ+
CAŌBA | INSPIRING SPEAKERS, TOPICS & SAFE SPACE FOR SAME GENDER LOVING MEN OF COLOR
WORKSHOPS | TALLERES STATE of HATE & BULLYING
PRIDE U 2020 | ENGAGING & EMPOWERING MILLENNIALS IN SOCIAL ACTIVISM & LEADERSHIP
MICRO GIVING Fund Community Building, (Re)Start Up Support & Hope | Scholarships & Mentoring
EDUCATION | EDUCACIÓN
VIDEO LIBRARY | ARCHIVOS
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES RECURSOS COMUNITARIOS
BECOME A UC|CU MEMBER MEMBRECIA EN UC|CU FINANCIALS | FINANCIAS ACCOMPLISHMENTS | LOGROS MEET THE BOARD | DIRECTORES
A proven track record in verbal & written communications & excellent public relations/cause marketing successes
Herb Sosa serves as Founder, President & CEO of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida. Sosa also is Pubisher|Editor-In- chief of AMBIENTE Magazine since 2003. Sosa brings over 25 years of corporate and not-for-profit leadership experience in the community in the Arts, Retail Design & Management, Branding & Marketing, Historic Preservation, and Equality issues.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.S. and in 2005 was named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV. In 2009 Sosa received a City Proclamation from Miami Beach – Herb Sosa Day - for his community work; was named one of the 25 Most Influential GLBT Latinos by miapogeo.com; served as chairman of the City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation Design Review Board; was named one of 5 "People To Know" in Miami Beach by the Miami Herald (May 2011); and was part of the documentary The Day It Snowed in Miami, about LGBT rights in South Florida.
2021 Board of Directors | Junta Directiva
Herb Sosa CEO, President & Founder
John O. Buckley Vice President CAOBA Program Director
Kishi Chad Diversity & Healthcare Programming
Rev. Houston R. Cypress Indigenous and Environmental Programming
Samantha LeTroy Riquett Director of Transgender Experience and Programming
Diego Cifuentes
Luis JT Flores
Melba DeLeon
Fay Carmona-Albernas
In Memory...
LUIS PENELAS Mr. Penela was a nationally respected civil activist, preservationist and community leader. As a spokesperson for LGBT issues, HIV/AIDS and civil rights, Mr. Penelas served on varoius community boards, as well as on the Board of Advisors of Unity Coalition. Mr. Penelas passed away July 2006 and will be greatly missed.
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2002 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa – President, Luisa Rondón-Lassen -Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer “Ron” Saul Brenesky- Secretary, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Isabel Morgado, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg ADVISORS: Doralba Muñoz 2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa – President, Luisa Rondón-Lassen -Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer “Ron” Saul Brenesky- Secretary, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Isabel Morgado, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg ADVISORS: Doralba Muñoz
2004 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa - President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer, Miguel Trujillo - Secretary, Dahlia Canes, Maria DeLak, Dr. Laura Leyva OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg ADVISORS: Luis Penelas, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega
2005 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa – President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar – Treasurer, Dahlia Canes – Secretary, Arturo Alvarez, Alex Fernandez, Axel Javier, Efren Martinez Pulgarón, Dr. Laura Leyva, Miguel Trujillo OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa - President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer, Dahlia Canes - Secretary, Arturo Alvarez, Alex Fernandez, Axel Javier, Dr. Laura Leyva, Efren Martinez-Pulgarón, Miguel Trujillo OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa - President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer, Dahlia Canes - Secretary, Dr. Laura Leyva, Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Alexis Fernandez, Dr. Manuel Laureano Vega, Efren Martinez-Pulgarón, Oscar Medina, Tony Rodriguez OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa - President, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Christian Aguilar, “Ron” Saul Brenesky, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega, Efren Martinez- Pulgarón, Oscar Medina OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, Inc.
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Christian Aguilar, “Ron” Saul Brenesky, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega, Efren Martinez- Pulgarón, Oscar Medina OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa|President, Dahlia Canes, David Carcache-Guzman, Armando Diaz, Jr.,Efren Martinez-Pulgarón
2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa|President, Vanessa Brito, Dahlia Canes, Milan Rodriguez, Luis E. Gonzalez, Eddie I Sierra, David A.C. Turley
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Luis E. Gonzalez- Treasurer, Vanessa Brito, Ile Morales, Cathy Toruño, Antonio Lopez Ferez, Michael "Moses" Stein, Darvin "Will" Williams BOARD OF ADVISORS | Walker Burttschell, Linda Horton, Milan Rodriguez, Tim Harrises, David A.C. Turley OF COUNSEL: Darvin Williams
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Luis E. Gonzalez- Treasurer, Ile Morales, Cathy Toruño, Antonio Lopez Ferez, Michael "Moses" Stein, Darvin "Will" Williams BOARD OF ADVISORS | Walker Burttschell, Linda Horton, Milan Rodriguez, Tim Harrises, David A.C. Turley OF COUNSEL: Darvin Williams
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Luis E. Gonzalez- Treasurer, Ile Morales, Cathy Toruño, Maria Lago, Antonio Lopez Ferez, Michael "Moses" Stein, Darvin "Will" Williams (0f counsel) BOARD OF ADVISORS | Linda Horton, Milan Rodriguez, Tim Harrises, David A.C. Turley
2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Luis E. Gonzalez- Treasurer, Maria Lago, Max Brava, David Kessler, Antonio Lopez Ferez, Michael "Moses" Stein, Ken Carrington BOARD OF ADVISORS | Linda Horton, Ile Morales, Milan Rodriguez, Tim Harrises, David A.C. Turley
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Angel Camacho, Michael Gongora - Of Counsel, Aryah Lester, Christopher Padron, Michael "Moses" Stein, Sasha Westerman-Keuning, Ken Carrington BOARD OF ADVISORS | Max Brava, David Kessler, Maria Lago, Milan Rodriguez, David A.C. Turley
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Heather Susan Carr | Treasurer, Michael Gongora - Of Counsel, Aryah Lester, Christopher Padron, Harold Sloan-Marrero, Michael "Moses" Stein, Sasha Westerman-Keuning, Ken Carrington, Weslee Lim, Mari Zapata BOARD OF ADVISORS | Max Brava, David Kessler, Maria Lago, Milan Rodriguez, David A.C. Turley
2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Heather Susan Carr | Treasurer, Michael Gongora - Of Counsel, Mari Alexander, Holam Antonetti, Aryah Lester, Christopher Padron, Ariel Morel, Harold Sloan-Marrero, Mil Ocampo, Sasha Westerman-Keuning BOARD OF ADVISORS | Sandra Holiday, Milan Rodriguez, Angela Salter, Hernan Valverde
2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, Michael Gongora - Of Counsel, John O. Buckley, Aryah Lester, Jose Aybar, Morgan Mayfaire, Christopher Padron, F. Jouseph Sliba, Harold Sloan-Marrero, BOARD OF ADVISORS | Sandra Holiday, Milan Rodriguez, Hernan Valverde
2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, John O. Buckley | Vice President, Harold Marrero | Secretary, Jose Aybar, Ella Marques, Morgan Mayfaire, Christopher Padron, BOARD OF ADVISORS | Sandra Holiday, Aryah Lester, Ashley Mayfaire, Milan Rodriguez, Hernan Valverde
2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, John O. Buckley | Vice President, Jose Aybar | Secretary, Dr. Houston R. Cypress, Robert Duggar, Samantha LeTroy, Christin James, Morgan Mayfaire, Christopher Padron BOARD OF ADVISORS Anthony Cabrera, Houston Cypress, Victor Diaz-Herman, Sandra Holiday, Aryah Lester, Ashley Mayfaire, Hernan Valverde,
2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, John O. Buckley | Vice President, Jose Aybar | Secretary, Dr. Houston R. Cypress, Samantha LeTroy, Christin James, Kishi Chad BOARD OF ADVISORS Sandra Holiday, Aryah Lester, Ashley Mayfaire, Morgan Mayfaire, Ella Marques, June Raven Romero, Hernan Valverde,
2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Herb Sosa | President, John O. Buckley | Vice President, Jose Aybar | Secretary, Kishi Chad, Dr. Houston R. Cypress, Samantha LeTroy, Diego Cifuentes, Luis JT Flores, Melba De Leon, Fay Carmona-Albernas BOARD OF ADVISORS David Fernandez, Sandra Holiday, Aryah Lester, Ashley Mayfaire, Morgan Mayfaire, Ella Marques, June Romero, Christin James, Hernan Valverde,
MILAN RODRIGUEZ | pronouns: she, her, hers Milan Rodriguez is one of Miami’s leading graphic designers, owner of the popular website “Milancita.com” and a successful nightclub promoter. As a graphic designer she has designed for top 10 companies such as the Carlisle Development Group among others. Her website, Milancita.com, has had over 120,000 hits since its launch three years ago. Milancita.com was recently named “Website of the Year” at the Latino Press Awards. With the creation of this website, a dream was born that someday Milan would be recognized as having contributed something positive to the gay community through a work that she has done, and loved, all of her life. The long hours, the sleepless nights and the thousands of pictures have all contributed to this accomplishment.
Milán Rodríguez, creativamente reconocida como Milancita.com Cubana-Brasilera Estudio Comunicaciones, Diseño Grafico y Luego estudio Diseño de Website en el Miami Dade Community Collage, especializándose en Flash, una técnica novedosa para crear impresionantes sitios de Internet. Esta certificada por Microsoft como Especialista de Software que produce esta gran Empresa, también Milancita es certificada por Adobe, la Poderosa compañía de Software como, Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive, Premiere, In Design, After Effects, Encore, Audition y muchos mas, Milancita tiene una tercera certificación por la Mundialmente conocida empresa de Software Macromedia, como especialista en Flash. Hoy por hoy podemos decir que Milancita y su reconocido website Milancita.com son un Orgullo de nuestra comunidad Latina.
SPECIAL EVENTS & EDUCATION All the responsibilities relating to upcoming and future events that UC|CU will host and/or will participate in. They will organize and set-up the event, as well as handle all procedures prior to the event. This can include contacting vendors, determining locations for events, and ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. Committee will oversee Leaders. Legends & Lovelies Lecture Series, Exhibits, Workshops and all other UC|CU Events.
MARKETING, MEDIA & PROMO Overseeing & ensuring that UC|CU is presented in a positive light and ensuring that UC|CU is associated with individuals & orgs that will endorse and promote our cause and mission. coverage, Board Member & Donor recruitment, UC|CU Member Card promotion and all other forms of public relations.
FINANCE & FUNDRAISING Oversees all financial & accounting for UC|CU. Chair & committee handle all money related issues such as contacting prospective donors for sponsorship, and the development of a budget that will allow UC|CU to properly manage their finances and for new funding ideas to be developed for the organization.
VOLUNTEERS Communicate with all members and potential members who support UC|CU and are interested in helping with our mission. Committee will oversee all aspects of volunteering including event volunteer recruitment, scheduling and logistics.
ADVOCACY Committee is responsible for all distribution of UC|CU Questionnaires, their mailing & collection, presentation to board for consideration, and coordinating of phone banks, promos & special events relating to political endorsements.
BOARD OF ADVISORS This elected group serves as advisors to the UC|CU Board of Directors on issues of policy, mission, education & membership, and will assist on fundraising & promotion of UC|CU programming & mission.
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COMMITTEES
2021 Board of Directors | Junta Directiva
Board of Advisors | Junta de Asesores
Board of Advisors | Junta de Asesores
Sandra Holiday LGBT Scholarship
Aryah Lester TransArt Program Advisor TransTech Program Advisor
Milan Rodriguez Equality, Women & Trans Issues
Joel Balmaceda UC|CU Colombia
Ella Marques
Morgan Mayfiare
June Raven Romero
David Fernandez
Willis Resendes Roy
Michael Gongora Legal Counsel
Celebrate ORGULLO 2021 Board of Advisors | Junta de Asesores
Herb Sosa John Buckley Kishi Chad Houston Cypress Samantha LeTroy Fay Carmona-Albernas Melba DeLeon David Fernandez Luis JT Flores
MICHAEL GONGORA, Esq. - Of Counsel | pronouns: he, him, his
Gongora has been Lead community association litigator in the Miami office of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A. since 2005. He served as the first & only openly gay elected commissioner in the city of Miami Beach from Nov 2009 to Nov 2013, representing the interests of Miami Beach residents in good government.
He is a graduate of the University of Miami, Class of 1994 · J.D., Law, Cum Laude · Coral Gables, Florida, and attended Lakewood High School in Saint Petersburg, Florida
SANDRA HOLIDAY | pronouns: she, her, hers | Founder - Anita Priest Whispering Angles Foundation Born & educated in London, England. Sandra Holiday has been a resident of the USA since 1974.
Trained as a Professional Championship Ballroom & Latin American dancer, Sandra taught dance in London for 10 years as well as performing with her dance partner Geoffrey Clapham on cruise ships based in New York. After returning to London, her career brought her back to the USA where she continued teaching. In 1985 while living in South Florida she partnered with Anita Priest both personally & professionally.
For 23 years Sandra was the project manager for the Anita Priest Interior Design Co. and the Administrator for her successful school for Interior Decoration & Design.
Sandra established the ANITA PRIEST “Whispering Angels” Memorial Scholarship Foundation, a legacy scholarship in memory & honor of her. Anita’s mission in life was to help people, as she had overcome so much in her life.
Sandra has a dream that one day she will be able to help more members of the LGBT community continue and to advance their dreams in the Design & Arts fields. The possibilities are endless.
JOHN O. BUCKLEY -Vice President | pronouns: he, him, his
A Native of Florida, John was born in Vero Beach to parents who came to US from Honduras back in 70s.
An only child from a large extended family, he is currently a Client Advisor at RIMOVA in Miami's Design District and Bal Harbour Shops, and has been in retail over 15 years. Buckley also has over 8 years of Banking Experience.
John believes in giving his time and efforts to build a strong resource for our LGBT Community than will leave a lasting footprint in history.
Aryah Lester, speaker/author/educator, is a Transwoman of color from New York that was a Miami-Dade resident from 2005-2018. She now serves as the Deputy Director for the Transgender Strategy Center, a non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Lester also serves as chair for the State of Florida Health Department's Transgender Work Group, and a member of: the Miami-Dade HIV/AIDS Partnership, Prevention Committee and County Trans Work Group. She also sits as a member on the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) Transgender Networking Group. This year, Aryah Lester opened the Trans-Miami Center, as well as continuing the network of her National Alliance of Transgender Advocates and Leaders (NATAL) and advisor to Arianna's Center.
ELLA MARQUES | pronouns: she, her, hers
Ms. Marques is and extremely accomplished, educated and well-traveled individual, and author of “I was born a boy, from Venus.” A Transwoman’s memoir. Born in Portugal, Marques transitioned at 60, after a traditional relationship with a woman, married 21 years and together and raised four children.
- I am in the process of transitioning from male to female (MTF) at the age of sixty. I would like to share with you my extraordinary life, not only because I am transgender, but because I am an international person who has lived in many countries, gone to some of the best schools in the world, worked at management levels within international companies, and had many different, wild, and wonderful experiences. Mostly, I would like for you to understand what it means to be transgender, the courage it takes to become who we really are, and that we can be very positive people for society at large. Yes, transgender people have to go through many different challenges and dangers. I tried to escape my feelings all my life, and still, they found me. I am only one person. There are many men and women like me, with the same feelings and similar experiences. Though I have had a very blessed life, many other transgender people have very difficult ones, and for all of us, awareness is lifesaving. All I ask is that you open your eyes.
JOEL BALMACEDA | pronouns: he, him, his
Balmaceda heads our UC|CU Colombia division, overseeing the training and management of our local Ambassadors - who promote UC|CU programming & services, and offer local guidance on issues of Rights, Health & Wellness.
He is also a licensed stylist and certified L'Oreal International representative.
Rev. HOUSTON R. CYPRESS | pronouns: they, them, thiers
Grew up in the Everglades swamps, blazing trails thru the bush – 1st Miccosukee, 2nd English, 3rd Spanish – with guidance and support, I’ve assisted Miccosukee Tribe’s efforts: Cultural Preservation, Environmental Protection, Community Outreach, Business Development & Sovereignty. As a Miccosukee, the living narrative flows thru you as an ancient, healing Breath.
My work in the area of film preservation is quite an honor and responsibility. The legacy that I’m contributing to helps to extend the cultural assets of my community into a future where the magical rhythms and images resonate among a society in harmony with nature.
I work in tandem with key people in our community to create adaptable asset management systems and infrastructure that best serve their archival needs. This is an on-going task, especially so when one considers the evolving nature of digital media.
As a curator, I am also concerned with creating appropriate contexts whereby cultural exchange is enhanced – portals between worlds.
JUNE RAVEN ROMERO | pronouns: she, her, hers
June Raven Romero is a professional actress, performance artist, and activist based in Miami. She has Performed in over 25 full-scale Musical theater productions with the Area Stage Company, both as a student in the conservatory, and more recently, as a professional performer, in works such as Cabaret, She kills Monsters and The Little Mermaid. She is also a company member of The Pioneer Winter Collective, an innovative, Miami-born dance troupe, with which she has appeared in two full-length dance productions. entitled Forced Entry and Reprise. Her experiences as a performer and a young trans-woman of Cuban and Nicaraguan descent inform her work as an activist. She woks with TransSocial, a trans-led non-profit organization, as an LGBTQ+ Cultural Sensitivity and Competency training facilitator, and also serves as the Project Coordinator/Liaison for Unity Coalition's PRIDEU2020, a social and civic leadership initiative aimed at encouraging high-school and college-age LGTBQ students and their allies to become effective leaders in their communities. June is also pursuing a Constitutional Law degree and hopes to launch her news-oriented media platform: The Transcript by 2019.
Originally from Baranquilla, Colombia, LeTroy has a passion for Healthcare, Women's and transgender rights.
She is employed at Project Pulso in Community Outreach. LeTroy is also the Director of Transgender Experience and Programming for UC|CU.
CHRISTIN JAMES | pronouns: she, her, hers
MORGAN MAYFAIRE | pronouns: he, him, his
Dr. Morgan Mayfaire is a Jewish Trans man who was born in New York to a Cuban father and Dominican mother. He earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Morgan has a personal history of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, starting as a young Feminist and a member of Act Up and the Names Project. He is a passionate advocate for HIV prevention and treatment programs in South Florida, serving on multiple advisory groups for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County. He was named one of the Out 50 by South Florida Gay News for 2017 for his role as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of TransSOCIAL, Inc. Morgan and his wife, Ashley, founded TransSOCIAL to help build unity in the local Trans and LGBTQ+ communities. TransSOCIAL is providing name change and gender marker change assistance, LGBTQ+ competency training, and facilitating social and support groups for the Trans community. Morgan is also committed to using his visibility as a multi-racial Trans man to educate others about the Trans experience. In 2018 Mayfaire was the recipient of Latinos En Accion's Bishop SF Makalani-Mahee UNITY Award for his work.
Kishi Chad | pronouns: he. him, his
Kishi was born in Brooklyn, New York to immigrants from Jamaica and the United Kingdom. Growing up in Fort Lauderdale, he devoted his early years to dance, student council, cultural events, and sickle cell disease awareness.
During college, he began to volunteer with and support several LGBT organizations in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
For the past six years, he's worked for Care Resource, providing sexual health education and linkage to affordable medical services for the underserved and uninsured. Some of his long term goals include counseling for substance use and trauma as well as more rights and visibility for queer individuals of Caribbean backgrounds.
DAVID FERNANDEZ | pronouns: he, him, his
Born and raised in the beautiful City of Miami to Cuban immigrants I had a restricted yet happy childhood. Having lived all throughout the Magic City I currently reside in West Kendall with my husband and two fur babies. I began my relationship with Unity Coalition 18 years ago and throughout the years it has been a pleasure assisting UC through volunteer work or writing for Ambienté Magazine. I am both overjoyed and humbled to join the Board of Advisors at Unity Coalition.
Currently Fernandez is Account Manager at Global Excel (healthcare), and has a unique relationship and bond with the drag community of South Florida.
WILLIS RESENDES ROY | pronouns: he, him, his
Residing between Colorado & Mexico, Resendes is Absolute Emperor, La Corte Imperial de la Corona de Borbon y Vizcaya Mexico - one of the most respected and longest thriving LGBT organizations in the world.
Born in Caguas Puerto Rico and raised in the city of Chicago Illinois, I knew I was headed for a life of service. Started my journey in The US Army were I learned the importance of leadership and preparing me for my career in retail. I came to Miami 12 years ago and was introduce to Unity Coalition by my husband David Fernandez to whom I share my life with and our two fur babies, Dart and Sophie.
I feel proud, but most of all blessed in serving for the board of directors of this incredible organization paving the advancement of fairness and equality for our community.
DIEGO CIFUENTES | pronouns: he, him, his
Diego Cifuentes, 23, of Miami Florida, is a first generation college student from East Central University in Oklahoma. He has shown community involvement through his work and is passionate about making a positive difference at the local level. Published in the New York Times, and SunSentinel, Diego brings a unique, energizing, and redefining perspective to the table.
Cifuentes is a full time student, double major in Political Science and Communications. He is also a Committee Member for the Elderly Affairs in Miami Lakes.