On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Diversity Center, I am pleased to announce that we have hired Ashlyn Adams and Deanna Zachary as Interim Co Directors of The Diversity Center.
We are delighted that these two immensely talented individuals have stepped up to co-lead the Center at this critical time during the pandemic. They each bring deep knowledge of the organization, excellent leadership abilities, strong experience in creating successful programs, and continuity of leadership for the Center.
Ashlyn Adams has been the Youth Coordinator for the last two years and has expanded the youth program in altogether new ways. As soon as Covid-19 hit, she created a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online youth platform with daily activities which are helping youth, many of whom are living with families that don’t accept them for being LGBTQ+. She has also led our IT efforts during this pivotal time when we have had to move all of our programs online. Ashlyn brings a wealth of experience to the position from her work at the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Santa Cruz Public Libraries where she was the Digital Literacy Coordinator, and her business as the owner of Westside Video.
Deanna Zachary has been the Development and Community Relations Director for the last 2 ½ years. She has helped to lead a successful Capital Campaign which raised over $1.1 million dollars and allowed us to buy the building. She has expanded the public and private grants that we receive, and has acted as a liaison to elected officials and community organizations. Deanna has over 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, a decade of experience in public radio and television, and 4 years of legislative experience at the state and federal levels.
Sharon Papo, our Executive Director for the last 8 years said, “I am thrilled that Ashlyn and Deanna are Interim Co Directors. They are excellent thinkers, visionaries, problem solvers, and hard workers.”
Ashlyn and Deanna have big plans for the Center. They would like to elevate the voices of people of color in the LGBTQ+ community, expand outreach in South County, strengthen our programming for youth, seniors, and the transgender community, and ensure that all of our programs also serve Spanish speakers.
It is my pleasure to welcome these exceptional leaders as Interim Co Directors of The Diversity Center.
In Service,
Marc Zammit
Chair of the Board of Directors