Stephen Chavez – CEO of ChavezPR appointed Chair of Latino Equality Alliance (LEA)

The Latino Equality Alliance (LEA), a leading Latinx LGBTQ+ social justice and nonprofit advocacy organization in Los Angeles, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephen Chavez, CEO of ChavezPR, as the new Chair of its Community Advisory Board.

In this leadership role, Chavez will spearhead the organization’s strategic initiatives and vision to provide unwavering support for LGBTQ+ Latino youth and families across Los Angeles County.

“I am honored to take on the role of Chair for the Latino Equality Alliance Community Advisory Board,” expressed Chavez. “The intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities is a place of resilience, strength, and innovation. I am excited to work alongside the dedicated members of the organization to create meaningful programs, initiatives, and partnerships that will uplift and empower our youth and families.”

Also joining the LEA Advisory Board Executive Committee for 2023-24: Matthew Inouye, vice chair from TransLatin@ Coalition; Lisseth Flores, secretary from Franco Insurance Agency; Felipe Osorno, treasurer from Keck Medicine of USC.

Board members at-large include Luis Andrade from Bank of America, James Aragon from Glendale Community College, Ari Gutierrez Arambula, founder and from the Daily Journal Corporation, Deanna Ductoc from Los Angelitos Bakery, Corp., Marco Gonzalez of MaGoPR, Marco Valadez of EY, Liliana Perez-Palacios of Los Angeles Chargers, Tony Bayardo Hernandez of Adventist Health White Memorial Hospital, and Ronn Ruiz from ApartmentSEO/IZone Marketing.

“LEA aims to provide a safe and inclusive space that offers a wide range of resources and programs to LGBTQ youth, promoting their empowerment, education, and overall well-being,” said Eddie Martinez, executive director of the Latino Equality Alliance.

“We are so appreciative of the leadership and support we receive from our Advisory Board and look forward to working with them as we celebrate our upcoming 15th Anniversary,” Martinez said.

LEA’s journey began in response to the aftermath of the 2008 Proposition 8, which denied marriage rights to same-gender couples. The organization was founded by Latinx LGBTQ grassroots leaders who recognized the need for culturally sensitive advocacy and public education within their communities. After a successful campaign to educate Latino families, LEA turned its focus to Southeast Los Angeles, a region that previously supported Proposition 8 by over 60%. After several years of community organizing, this summer, LEA celebrated the opening of Mi SELA, the first LGBTQ community center in the region. Mi SELA marks a pivotal moment in LEA’s commitment to fostering family and community acceptance while supporting LGBTQ individuals.

By focusing on LGBTQ youth empowerment, family acceptance, educational equity, public health, and civic engagement, LEA strives to elevate equality and equity while amplifying LGBTQ+ voices within the Latinx communities of Los Angeles.