New members bring unique expertise to the organization and represent the true diversity of LA’s LGBTQ+ community  


West Hollywood, CA – Today, Christopher Street West (CSW), the non-profit organization that produces the annual LA Pride Festival and Parade, is excited to announce the results of its recent recruitment effort to onboard new members to the CSW Board of Directors. This year, the organization received an overwhelming number of applications to fill only eight open seats. All applicants were highly qualified and represented all facets of LA’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.

“The selection process was more difficult this year due to the sheer volume of applications received,” says Board President, Chris Classen. “I’m excited by the diversity and calibre of the applicants who were ultimately elected and look forward to seeing the unique contributions they will all make to CSW.”

Now, with the voting done, CSW is thrilled to welcome its newest Board members:

  • Gregory Alexander
    Founder, A Club Called Rhonda
  • Mistress Cyan
    President and CEO, Sanctuary Studios
  • Gerald Garth
    Program Operations Manager, AMAAD Institute
  • Kevin Kelly
    Vice President of Creative Development, Propper Daley
  • Alexandra Magallon
    Workforce Development, TransLatin@ Coalition
  • Estevan Montemayor
    Communications Director, City of Los Angeles
  • Julie Neumark
    Marketing Director and Content Strategist
  • Brian Rosman 
    Founder, Dog and a Duck Marketing and PR

They will join current CSW Board members: Steve Andrews (Secretary), Chris Classen (President), Erica Meyer, Raul Rios, Marquita Thomas, and Shayne Thomas.

As the organization onboards new members, it’s also a time to thank a few people who have contributed to the ongoing success and growth of the organization in a big way over the last few years: Craig Bowers, Mike Carriere (Treasurer), and Ashlee-Marie Preston. Even though these Board members are approaching the end of their terms, they will continue to stay actively involved with CSW in a variety of ways. The entire CSW Board thanks them for their service and unwavering dedication to LA’s LGBTQ+ community.

The newly elected CSW Board will continue driving the organization’s mission of creating safe and inclusive spaces for self-expression, inspiring an authentic sense of activism in the continued fight for equality, and celebrating the unique heritage and diverse cultures of LA’s LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

To learn more about CSW and LA Pride or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please visit lapride.org.

 

About Christopher Street West (CSW) & LA Pride

Christopher Street West (CSW), a 501(c)3 non-profit, organized the world’s first permitted parade advocating for gay rights on June 28, 1970, as a response to and in commemoration of the Stonewall Rebellion on Christopher Street in New York City the year prior. Since then, we have built a rich history as an active voice for the LGBTQ+ community across the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Today, we continue to produce the globally-recognized LA Pride Parade and Festival every June in the City of West Hollywood. We also organize a number of events throughout the year with our non-profit, philanthropic, community, and corporate partners. Visit lapride.org for more information.

Media Contacts

Elsa Remak
CK&D Public Relations
[email protected]

Shayne Thomas
CSW Board Member
[email protected]

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