2025 LGBTQ+ Power Players

Jon R. Del Giorno is a founding member of Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC and manages the firm’s NYC consulting and government relations practice which features a long roster of union, not-for-profit, public affairs, political, and Fortune 500 clients. Del Giorno has also been an activist in the LGBTQ community for more than 40 years. He has hosted numerous fundraisers for LGBTQ candidates and serves on several nonprofit and advocacy boards.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
In light of the current climate of intolerance fostered by the administration, you cannot allow yourself to become complacent or take your rights for granted. A number of states are actively rolling back the rights, protections and programs for LGBTQ individuals. You are going to have to stand and fight for the very rights everyone else in our country enjoys. 

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The Stonewall Community Development Corporation creates safe and affordable housing and health care for NYC’s LGBTQ+ seniors and families and addresses an issue in our community that has received little attention. With HIV no longer considered a terminal illness, LGBTQ+ individuals are living longer, and having to face issues such as isolation, loneliness through loss of a partner, and the need for supportive housing. Stonewall CDC has done much to draw attention and address these issues.    

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
By far I am most gratified by my over 40 years of advocacy on behalf of over two dozen LGBTQ+ organizations and nonprofits. It is a constant fight against discrimination and violence, addressing mental health challenges, and has evolved to access to health care for our youth, transgender individuals barred from military service, and participation in sports. I am so proud to have had the ability to continue to forcefully champion the rights of our community. 

Sarah Kate Ellis is president and CEO of GLAAD. Since 2014, she has refocused GLAAD’s crucial advocacy to accelerate the acceptance of LGBTQ people through innovative new research, campaigns, and programs. Under her leadership, Ellis has evolved GLAAD from a media watchdog organization to one of the most powerful cultural change agents across industries. She has been widely recognized for her leadership, having been named to the TIME100.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
At a time when our community is under attack, I want LGBTQ youth to know that we’ve been in this fight before and won, and we will continue to stand up and speak out in order to build a better future. My advice would be to stay true to who you are and celebrate with loved ones. Our laughter, our dancing and our joy are acts of resistance, and nobody can take that from us.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Equal Pride, Q. Digital, Revry, Gay City News, Gay Ad Network, Washington Blade and all of the LGBTQ media outlets. Not only are they the best way to market to our community, but ensuring these outlets are strong because all too often they are the only journalists watching for news related to our community, whether it’s anti-LGBTQ legislation or a milestone to celebrate.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Having been at GLAAD for over 10 years, there are many moments worth celebrating – but my proudest one is discussing LGBTQ inclusion with Pope Francis. I was honored to meet with him twice, where we were able to advance inclusion in the Church by lifting up transgender leaders and LGBTQ advocates from Uganda and Ghana. It was a powerful conversation that showed us why dignity, understanding and love should never be conditional.

Rachael joined JQY (Jewish Queer Youth) in 2013 and became its executive director in 2019. Under her leadership, the formerly volunteer-run organization now has a team of eight employees, a drop-in center in Times Square, and an operating budget of $2.2 million. She is committed to ensuring that the voices of queer Jewish individuals are heard and celebrated. Rachael is a Wexner fellow who received her MSW from Wurzweiler and her MFA in transdisciplinary design from Parsons.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Growing up queer can feel lonely, but you are not alone. As a young queer Orthodox Jew, I believed I was the only person like me. The more I met and learned about the stories of queer people throughout Jewish history, the easier it became to see myself in the broader narrative. Our stories haven’t all been told yet, but we’ve always been here. You’re vital and you’re powerful beyond your wildest dreams.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
JQY is a mental health organization that empowers Jewish queer teens and young adults to live healthy, joyful lives. Our work is grounded in our deep understanding of Jewish tradition and mental health best practices, enabling us to provide critical services and programs for at-risk youth from historically non-accepting communities. We connect youth to one another, to providers and relevant resources, and to opportunities to see themselves and their futures.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
In 2022, when Yeshiva University suspended all student clubs rather than recognizing the YU Pride Alliance, JQY stepped in when YU stepped away, financially supporting YU students who wanted to gather on campus. All student groups were able to apply for up to $500 per event through JQY’s website. We made it possible for YU clubs to continue and ensured that LGBTQ YU students were able to build community and connect with other queer/ally students.

Ben Garcia (he/him) has worked for 25 years helping museums become places of welcome and belonging for all people. He worked in art, history, and anthropology museums in California and Ohio before joining the American LGBTQ+ Museum. He has presented and published regularly on creating structural equity in museums through transparency, accountability, fair labor practices, and by adding missing voices and perspectives.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Your queer ancestors love and cherish you. Many died dreaming of a future that looks just like you. You show my generation, daily, what queer possibility, strength, and magic is. Keep living the incredible power of fluidity. You are the best representation of the true natural order – the best reflection of the fluid and queer universe in which we all live (in which we have always lived).

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
There are too many to name, but I will shout out a few of my fellow queer museums and monuments. The Leslie-Lohman Museum is doing extraordinary work platforming queer artists, emerging and established. The Stonewall National Monument Visitor’s Center is courageously centering the trans history that the federal administration is trying to erase. And the NYC AIDS Memorial is keeping that beautiful site heart-centered through thoughtful and soulful programs.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Attending the dedication for the start of our museum’s construction in December 2025 was a moment of fierce pride. The incomparable Raquel Willis, Saeed Jones, and Jenn Colella seeded our museum with passion, poetry, and song. And the Governor, Attorney General, Mayor, and many leaders from the legislature, city council, and other museums showed up to stand with our community and to welcome this new, needed, cultural institution to New York.

Steven Garibell leads Community and LGBTQ+ Business Development for TD Bank in Metro NY, driving economic empowerment for diverse-owned businesses. He chairs the NGLCC Certification Committee, leads TD’s NYC Community Advisory Council, and serves in various leadership roles advancing LGBTQ+ and community development. A recognized connector and advocate, Steven has been honored by City & State, Crain’s, and PoliticsNY for his impact in corporate responsibility and inclusive economic growth.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
My advice to young LGBTQ+ individuals is to never give up. Progress isn’t always linear, and that’s okay. Surround yourself with supportive members of the community who can uplift and guide you. Take time to learn, grow, and get involved – activism comes in many forms. Whether through advocacy, education or simply showing up as your authentic self, you have the power to be part of meaningful change. Your voice and presence matter.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Lambda Brands is one of my favorite LGBTQ-owned businesses. I’ve had the honor of working with them for years and have seen firsthand their strong sense of purpose and commitment to giving back. They consistently uplift the community through their work and values, making a meaningful impact. Their dedication, creativity, and generosity set a powerful example of what it means to lead with pride and purpose in business. I’m proud to support them.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’ve had many proud moments in my career, but what brings me the most pride is seeing others succeed. Whether it’s a colleague I’ve mentored thriving, a business I’ve supported growing, or a nonprofit I’ve partnered with making a real impact – I feel proud knowing I played a small part in their journey. Their success is the most rewarding reflection of the work I do and the purpose that drives me every day.

As a representative of Lower Manhattan for over 30 years, Deborah Glick has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights, reproductive freedom, animals and environmental preservation, the arts, and tenants’ rights. A long-standing advocate for the environment, Glick was appointed as chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee in 2023. She also serves on the Ways and Means, Rules, and Government Operations Committees.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Find a community of support – either at school, work or in your neighborhood – to counter the negative political rhetoric attacking us.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
As a chocolate lover, I can honestly say that Li-Lac Chocolates are the best and they began in my district a century ago. While the personal lives of the owners are not known, for decades Li-Lac has been a leader in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and organizations working with those with AIDS.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
I’ve actually had several so it’s hard to narrow it down – from the passage of the basic civil rights bill banning sexual orientation discrimination to GENDA (the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act), to Marriage Equality – all critical markers for our community.

New York State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas represents the 34th Assembly District, which includes the diverse communities of Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Woodside in Queens. She has dedicated her life to fighting for immigrant rights, racial justice, LGBTQ liberation, health care access, labor power, and gender equity while forging connections between various progressive movements. Jessica is a progressive champion and brings her advocacy and organizing expertise to her work as an assembly member.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Be your bold, beautiful self! Make your mark on this world with everything you’ve got. As a lifelong advocate and now elected official dedicated to the work of liberation, I believe that each and every one of us deserves to shine our light. But we have to fight for liberation every day. And sometimes that means being defiant in our joy, creating art, writing a law, or simply existing. You’ve got this!

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Friends Tavern, which is the longest serving LGBTQ bar in the borough of Queens and the owner, Eddie Valentín, is my constituent and local community leader. It has been opened since 1989 and it was honored in 2023 by the Queens Historical Society for its longevity and the incredible and powerful impact it has had in the community as a safe space for all New Yorkers, especially the vibrant queer Latinx community in Queens.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
While it’s hard to decide my proudest moment, I am incredibly proud that we got Universal School Meals passed in this year’s budget. This monumental piece of legislation is a huge step in ending childhood hunger in New York State. Getting this passed was a big lift with the help of my colleagues across party lines. Doing this work is a testament to the power we have when we work together for the greater good.

Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of Food Bank For New York City assumed the role in 2020, with a focus on addressing food insecurity in NYC. Under her leadership, Food Bank’s annual food distribution increased from 70 million pounds to 150 million pounds. Thanks to Leslie’s unwavering commitment to protecting the dignity of all New Yorkers, countless families have been able to put food on their tables and feed their families. 

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Know that those who came before you see and support you. Be proud of who you are, use your voice for good, and lead with kindness – even in the face of hate. Kindness is powerful and contagious. As you grow, remember to hold the door open for those coming after you. We each have a responsibility to uplift one another and create a world that embraces every member of our community as they are.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I recommend that people do research and support LGBTQ farmers. We very likely have a mental visual of who is a farmer producing nutritious food for our communities – let’s raise up and support LGBTQ producers.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Creating a workplace that prioritizes helping every employee bring their whole self to work and that celebrates differences. This resulted in Food Bank For NYC being recognized as a 2025 Top Workplace by amNewYork. 

Aundaray Guess has worked in the LGBTQ field for 26 years. His current tenure at GRIOT Circle includes enhancing GRIOT’s mission of lifting the life experiences of LGBTQ seniors and confronting ageism throughout various communities. Aundaray has two degrees from New York University. He holds a Bachelor of Science in media studies and a Master of Science in public relations and corporate communications.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Fight! Over the last few months, young people have experienced and witnessed so much hate directed at our communities from this administration. As overwhelming as it is, don’t give up the fight. This fight is not new as many of us older adults can share. But we’re reminded that our freedom is not free and most importantly we all must fight for the rights of all LGBTQ and not simply for our cause. Fight!

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I shout out the names of many POC smaller LGBTQ initiatives that don’t get the same recognition as other well-known organizations. There are too many to name, which itself highlights the numerous overlooked organizations with limited resources that do the most impactful work. As donors refocus their giving strategies, just know that smaller organizations are still addressing the issues affecting LGBTQ communities and don’t have the luxury to pause.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Helping to secure a new home for GRIOT Circle. Due to COVID and the shift in real estate, in 2022 our organization lost its permanent home. As the new executive director, I made it my mission to make sure LGBTQ elders of color had a place they could call their own. Although our members are resilient, just seeing the looks of uncertainty was too much to bear. But we did it!

As chief executive officer at Hetrick-Martin Institute, Amy leads the strategic vision and operations of the world’s oldest organization serving LGBTQ+ youth. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, Amy’s mission is to drive meaningful impact by fostering inclusive programs, securing critical funding, and amplifying HMI’s advocacy efforts. Her work emphasizes collaboration across teams and stakeholders to create sustainable solutions for marginalized communities.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Your voice matters, your truth is powerful, and your joy is revolutionary. Keep showing up as yourself –  we see you, we believe in you, and we’re building this world together.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Our evaluation partner Strength in Numbers Consulting. They have helped us unlock a deeper understanding of our impact.  

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Every day I get to spend with our young people is the proudest moment of my career. I feel so honored that I get to work every single day with the most passionate, resilient and incredible young people and colleagues to help curate a space for this community. The unrelenting commitment to queer joy is inspiring.