2025 LGBTQ+ Power Players

The Very Reverend Dr. Patrick Malloy joined the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in the  summer of 2016 and was formally installed as the 11th dean in December 2023. Prior, he served as interim dean at St. John’s Cathedral in Denver. He has taught at The General Theological Seminary, New York; St. John’s University, Collegeville; the University of Santa Clara, California; and others. He holds a Ph.D. in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame.

Patrick McGovern is CEO of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, which serves 23,000 patients annually with comprehensive, judgment-free health care, regardless of ability to pay. He is a seasoned and accomplished healthcare executive, having served as chief operations and strategy officer at Amida Care and CEO at Harlem United. Before Callen-Lorde, he was VP of government affairs at Gilead, where his vision was to promote broad access to HIV and HCV testing and HCV cures nationwide.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Nurture your sense of wonder and curiosity. It will serve you well in all aspects of your life. Wonder draws us out of ourselves (and our phones…). Curiosity makes us look at things a little more deeply, spotting connections that reveal solutions. Wonder and curiosity work together for the good in both our personal and professional lives.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Enoteca Harlem: Inspired by the Basque-country tradition of friends sharing tapas over a good glass of wine, Enoteca Harlem is a gay-owned gem in Central Harlem that instantly turns customers into friends. My husband, Calix, and I return time and again for laughter, artful food, and delicious wine. The owners and staff fully represent our LGBTQ community’s love of life, humor, creativity, and inclusivity.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
When I was CEO of Harlem United, Linda was everyone’s favorite program member. She had come through addiction and advanced HIV but always had the kindest smile. Her dream, at nearly 60, was to drive a school bus. My proudest day was when Linda invited me to witness her taking her first busload of kids on a school trip. Linda personified the beauty, resilience, determination, and hope that characterized Harlem United — and the patients of Callen-Lorde.

Terrence Meck is president and CEO of God’s Love We Deliver, the premier New York City nonprofit providing medically tailored meals to people living with serious illnesses. A transformative LGBTQ+ philanthropist and advocate, he is also co-founder and president of The Palette Fund, the private foundation he launched after losing his husband to pancreatic cancer in 2008. Since then, Terrence has directed over $20 million to empower queer youth, expand health care access, and drive social justice nationwide.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
You are not alone, and you are enough…exactly as you are. Surround yourself with people who see your light and always remember that you are not alone. Your identity is your strength, not something to overcome. Be proud, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to lead with love. The world needs your voice, your truth, and your courage. You are part of a legacy of resilience, and your story is just beginning.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) is a vital force in today’s LGBTQ+ movement. As an independent think tank, MAP provides rigorous research, strategic communications, and policy analysis to advance equality and opportunity for all. By fostering collaboration among hundreds of organizations and businesses, MAP equips advocates to drive meaningful change. One of the proudest moments of my career: I had the honor of serving on MAP’s board of directors for 15 years.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Taking the helm of God’s Love We Deliver has been the proudest moment of my life. After 15 years as a supporter and board member, becoming CEO has felt like coming home – to a mission that touched my heart after losing my husband to cancer. Leading this beloved organization at such a pivotal time is both humbling and deeply personal. I truly believe everything in my life has prepared me for this moment.

Frankie Miranda is the first openly gay president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation (HF), the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Since joining HF in 1998, he has played a key role in expanding HF’s member network to include hundreds of community-based organizations operating across the U.S., while also establishing critical programs that empower hundreds of thousands of Latinos. Frankie lives in Queens with his husband, Ricardo, and cat, Valentina.  

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
The journey to find the space where you can express your authentic self can be a winding road, but when you get there, make sure to hold onto it tightly. I have always reveled in the way the arts and community-based organizations provide a safe space, and that is one of the reasons I make sure to strengthen those spaces to make them accessible to as many people as possible.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
For years now, the Hispanic Federation team has had the pleasure of celebrating the holidays with our good friends at Fresco’s Grand Cantina, a Mexican food restaurant owned by an amazing Dominican gay couple in Astoria, Queens. During the pandemic, they kept their drag performers employed by bringing the food to customer’s buildings and lip-synching a song of their choice outside. I highly recommend their popular Drag Brunch. 

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
In 1995 I left Puerto Rico to attend graduate school and search for my true self. I always felt the need to use my skills and passion to give back to my beloved Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria devastated the island, the Hispanic Federation led one of the largest relief efforts focused on supporting local CBOs. Developing that massive effort allowed me to become the leader I aspired to be for my own people.

As CEO of Rising Ground since 2009, Alan Mucatel is a compassionate leader who has more than doubled the size of the human services nonprofit and tripled its budget. Rising Ground now offers 101 programs at 143 sites with 30,000 program participants and supports 72,000 children, adults, and families throughout the New York City area. Alan is also vice-chair, downstate of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA).

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Surround yourself with people who have your best interests at heart, and who challenge you to grow beyond what you think is possible. I think it’s important to find mentors and communities that will support your growth while encouraging you to be your authentic self. Remember that your voice and perspective matter, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and others.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
There’s a broad network of LGBTQ+ owned businesses and organizations doing important work across different sectors. Rather than highlighting one, I think it’s valuable for people to know that these resources exist and to seek out ones that align with their specific interests and needs.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Having the position I hold now, leading a vast organization with caring and hard-working colleagues that is having such a constructive impact on the lives of so many individuals and families and the communities in which they live, in my native and favorite city, is both humbling and a source of immense pride.

David W. Neagley is a strategic education leader focused on equity, talent development, and instructional excellence. As principal of UCHS Humanities II, he led a successful turnaround, earning a five-year charter renewal and exiting state oversight. A Harvard graduate and former TFA corps member, he expanded arts, launched Civics and Multilingualism capstones, and secured key grants. An LGBTQIA+ advocate since Gettysburg College, Neagley has led schools in NYC, Boston, MA, and Prince George’s County, MD.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
Stand in your truth. Being LGBTQ+ offers a unique perspective and deepens your capacity for empathy — powerful tools for personal growth and leadership.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The Covenant House organization has been essential in supporting homeless youth across the NYC region, including many LGBTQIA+ students in crisis.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
When our school exited Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) status, it marked a turning point. It was powerful to see our hard work translate into meaningful, measurable change for staff, students, and families.

Kazz Alexander is a nonprofit executive and educator with 25 years in youth development. He is the founding executive director of Hit The Books in Harlem and founder of Teachable NYC, supporting educators and creating safe, inclusive spaces for marginalized children. Kazz facilitates leadership trainings for New York State and serves as board co-chair of NYC Pride, connecting community agencies to advocacy efforts and volunteerism supporting the nation’s largest celebration of queer rights and visibility.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
To every young queer person coming up today: your uniqueness is your power. There’s no race, no rush – take your time discovering who you are. Protect your joy with all your heart. My Black boy joy has never waned. When you find your tribe – the ones who truly see you – you will laugh, then exhale. You never need to shrink or explain yourself to belong. You already do. Trust your spirit, your timing, and your right to be free.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Volunteering is a powerful way to grow, connect, and lead. When young people give their time, they step into community and help build the safe, joyful spaces WE ALL deserve. Serving with NYC Pride means honoring our shared history while actively shaping a more inclusive, loving future for everyone. Please join us!

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
Many of the proudest moments of my career occurred while leading the Boys’ Club of New York, where we created a safe, nurturing space for young boys to grow, dream, and thrive. Helping them feel seen and supported every day has been truly transformative. Their growth has sparked my growth. Their achievements feel like my own.

Michele Irimia has been involved in the pride movement for over 20 years. She is a long-time member of Heritage of Pride, Inc. (HOP), aka NYC Pride. She is currently the co-chair of the board. She has also served on the boards of InterPride and Capital Pride Alliance. In her professional life, Michele is an elementary school teacher. For fun, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling the world.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
The world changes slowly; however, it does change for the better. Keep standing up for each other and recognizing that we all are responsible for each other. It is up to us to call out bad behavior and stand up for each other. Know that you belong and that you have the right to live your life authentically. We got this together…in community.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I would like to highlight the Stonewall Inn Gives Back initiative for all the work they are doing to make a difference in the community.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment in my career has always been giving folx the opportunity to celebrate, protest, and feel the power of community for the last 20 years.

As a longtime strategic executive at Related Companies, Charles O’Byrne leads all federal, state and local government affairs, oversees a range of labor and litigation matters and provides strategic counsel on numerous projects within the Related portfolio. O’Byrne also maintains a management role with energyRe, a Related-founded renewable energy company. He has served in several key public roles, including as secretary to former Governor David Patterson. He is native and resident of Manhattan.

What words of advice would you offer to a young LGBTQ+ individual growing up today?
My advice would be to stay well informed on the ways in which our world is changing. There are many challenges this generation is facing from immigration status to educational opportunities to being comfortable in one’s own skin. Find a way to help those in need and make a difference in your community. Don’t be afraid to protest what you know to be wrong.

Is there an LGBTQ+ owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The Hetrick-Martin Institute – which supports LGBTQ+ youth, who often come from difficult socio-economic circumstances – is a first-rate organization. They are currently partnering with the Harvey Milk High School to provide students with counseling, access to programs and more.

What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
In my current iteration, I am particularly proud to have worked on Willets Point, one of the largest all-affordable housing developments in the history of New York City. I am equally proud to be on the team that will bring brand-new apartments to all residents of the NYCHA Fulton and Elliott-Chelsea campuses.