Equality new york’s Advisory Council

Equality New York’s (EQNY) Advisory Council is composed of 25+ individuals or all ages who are working directly to improve the lives of the LGBTQI community in New York State. This diverse group of leaders play a critical role in centering legislative/budget efforts, campaigns, and leadership programming.

The advisory council functions include, but are not limited to:

  • developing annual priorities for Equality New York initiatives accompanied with their intended impact;

  • identifying community needs that lead to legislative and budget priorities;

  • spearheading special projects and campaigns;

  • serving as an advocate and spokesperson for the coalition;

  • creating mechanisms for communication and opportunities for dialogue between the Advisory Council and the community.

  • Jared Trujillo (He/Him)

    Activist & Attorney

  • CARMEN NEELEY (SHE/HER)

    Harlem Pride

  • Grace Detrevarah (She/Her)

    LGBT Liaison, The Osborne Association

  • Samuel Nemir Olivares (He/Him)

    Activist & Community Leader

  • Dr. Wilhelmina Perry (she/her)

    Equality New York Faith-based Advisor

  • Andy Praschak (He/Him)

    Activist & Community Leader

  • Derek Gaskill (he/him)

    LID Co-President

  • Molly Engelman (They/Them)

    Museum Education

  • Jacob Priley (he/him)

    Policy & Government Expert

  • Anthony Nicodemo (He/Him)

    Description goes here

  • Nadia Swanson (they/them)

    Ali Forney, Technical Assistance

  • Melissa Broudo (she/her)

    Bodily Autonomy & Reproductive Justice Advisor

  • MJ Okma (he/they)

    SAGE Policy & Advocacy

  • Zach Baum (He/Him)

    Union Leader & Activist

  • Clint Okayama (he/him)

    Housing Activist

  • Jennifer Hovestadt-Molloy (she/her)

    Activist

Equality new york’s YOUTH Advisory Council

Equality New York’s (EQNY) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is composed of 8 young people who are working directly to improve the lives of the LGBTQIA2S+ community in New York State. 

Our diverse group of young leaders (14-18 years of age) play a critical role in centering legislative/budget efforts, campaigns, and leadership programming. 

The Youth Advisory Council functions include, but are not limited to:

  • identifying community needs that lead to legislative priorities & local programming geared towards youth;

  • spearheading special projects and campaigns;

  • serving as an advocate and spokesperson for the coalition

  • Amani (They/She)

    16 Years Old: Amsterdam High School

  • Z (He/They)

    15 Years Old: Syracuse Academy of Science High School

  • Julia (SHE/THEY)

    15 Years Old: Copenhagen Central School

  • Noorjaham (She/They)

    16 Years Old: The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria

  • Sam (They/Them)

    16 Years Old: The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria

  • Madyson (all pronouns)

    17 Years Old: Northern Adirondack Central School

  • Brianna (she/her)

    15 Years Old: The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria

  • Ermione (she/her)

    14 Years Old : Urban Assembly of Law and Justice