WALKER BURTTSCHELL walker@unitycoalition.org
I am a U.S. Marine and I was discharged because of 'Don't Ask, "Don't Tell".
I come from a very religious and ultra-conservative family, from which, many generations have served in the military. It had always been
my goal to one day serve as an officer in the military and hopefully have a life long career doing so.
The day after September 11th, I dropped out of college and enlisted in the Marine Corps. I felt an overwhelming sense of duty and
patriotism and felt a personal responsibility to enlist.
The day I became a U.S. Marine was and forever will be the greatest day of my life. I entered my first duty station very proud and excited
of what laid before me. For the most part, most of my friends in the Marines knew that I was gay and never did I get any homophobic
vibes from them. Sadly, one day a friend of one of my roommates threatened to out me to my Commanding Officer. I took his threats
seriously and realized that if I was outted and discharged because of DADT, my family would be extremely disappointed in me (at that
time, I was not out). I became extremely depressed, reclusive and eventually suicidal. Being discharged and being outted to my family
was just not an option. I was hospitalized at Camp Lejeune's hospital and put on suicide watch. I met with a psychiatrist and felt
comfortable enough to admit my sexual orientation to him, feeling confident that there existed some form of patient/physician
confidentiality. Sadly, it was his comments in my medical records that would out me to the Corps.
Thankfully, with God's help, I was able to crawl out of this dark time in my life and realize that my personal experience could move the
hearts of millions. For years I've lied about who I am and what has happened to me. I've realized that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Now is my time to speak up and put a human face to this unfair policy. ~Semper Fidelis~
I am a U.S. Marine and I was discharged because of 'Don't Ask, "Don't Tell".
I come from a very religious and ultra-conservative family, from which, many generations have served in the military. It had always been
my goal to one day serve as an officer in the military and hopefully have a life long career doing so.
The day after September 11th, I dropped out of college and enlisted in the Marine Corps. I felt an overwhelming sense of duty and
patriotism and felt a personal responsibility to enlist.
The day I became a U.S. Marine was and forever will be the greatest day of my life. I entered my first duty station very proud and excited
of what laid before me. For the most part, most of my friends in the Marines knew that I was gay and never did I get any homophobic
vibes from them. Sadly, one day a friend of one of my roommates threatened to out me to my Commanding Officer. I took his threats
seriously and realized that if I was outted and discharged because of DADT, my family would be extremely disappointed in me (at that
time, I was not out). I became extremely depressed, reclusive and eventually suicidal. Being discharged and being outted to my family
was just not an option. I was hospitalized at Camp Lejeune's hospital and put on suicide watch. I met with a psychiatrist and felt
comfortable enough to admit my sexual orientation to him, feeling confident that there existed some form of patient/physician
confidentiality. Sadly, it was his comments in my medical records that would out me to the Corps.
Thankfully, with God's help, I was able to crawl out of this dark time in my life and realize that my personal experience could move the
hearts of millions. For years I've lied about who I am and what has happened to me. I've realized that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Now is my time to speak up and put a human face to this unfair policy. ~Semper Fidelis~
HERIBERTO J. SOSA herb@unitycoalition.org
A proven track record in verbal & written communications & excellent public relations/cause marketing
successes
Herb Sosa serves as President of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida. Sosa also is Pubisher|Editor-In-chief of AMBIENTE Magazine, the
first & only LGBT publication offered in English, Spanish & Portuguese, produced bi-monthly, offered free of charge, and distributed
digitally around the globe to thousands of our readers each issue.
Mr. Sosa brings over 20 years of corporate and not-for-profit leadership experience in the community.
Previously, Mr. Sosa was Corporate Creative Director for Burdines Dept. stores, was Executive Director of Miami Design
Preservation League and the Art Deco Weekend Festival in Miami Beach.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balu Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, earning the store the unique
distinction of being named one of Conde Nast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996. Mr. Sosa has receive
various career and personal accolades from his peers, including the Up and Comers Business Leaders Award (1996), City of Miami
Beach Herb Sosa Day proclamation (1997), and featured in Cafe Con Leche, a documentary on first- generation Cuban-Americans
(1996). Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on the Board of
Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Miami Beach Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood
HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other organizations throughout South Florida. While president of Dade Heritage Trust, Sosa was
honored to be involved in the restoration and re-lighting of the 1925 Cape Florida lighthouse in Key Biscayne, culminating with a
Gala Re-Lighting Ceremony in July 1996, capping Miami's Centennial.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.S. and in 2005 was
named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV. On April 2008 Sosa was named Terra.com's
Activist of the Month.
In 2009 Sosa received a City Proclamation from Miami Beach – Herb Sosa Day - for his community work, was nominated for a
Glaad Media Award in 2009 for Outstanding Digital Journalism for his work in Ambiente Magazine and was named one of the 25
Most Influential GLBT Latinos by miapogeo.com, currently serves as chairman of the City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation
Design Review Board and on May 2011 was named one of 5 "People To Know" in Miami Beach by the Miami Herald.
A proven track record in verbal & written communications & excellent public relations/cause marketing
successes
Herb Sosa serves as President of Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida. Sosa also is Pubisher|Editor-In-chief of AMBIENTE Magazine, the
first & only LGBT publication offered in English, Spanish & Portuguese, produced bi-monthly, offered free of charge, and distributed
digitally around the globe to thousands of our readers each issue.
Mr. Sosa brings over 20 years of corporate and not-for-profit leadership experience in the community.
Previously, Mr. Sosa was Corporate Creative Director for Burdines Dept. stores, was Executive Director of Miami Design
Preservation League and the Art Deco Weekend Festival in Miami Beach.
In 1995 Mr. Sosa created and developed the Ba-Balu Store concept in Miami & Miami Beach, earning the store the unique
distinction of being named one of Conde Nast Traveler Magazines top 100 destinations in the world in 1996. Mr. Sosa has receive
various career and personal accolades from his peers, including the Up and Comers Business Leaders Award (1996), City of Miami
Beach Herb Sosa Day proclamation (1997), and featured in Cafe Con Leche, a documentary on first- generation Cuban-Americans
(1996). Sosa served as chairman of Miami Beach's Historic Preservation Board for over six years, and has served on the Board of
Directors of the Miami Design Preservation League, Miami Beach Community Development Corp., Shelbourne & Fernwood
HIV/AIDS Housing, and variety of other organizations throughout South Florida. While president of Dade Heritage Trust, Sosa was
honored to be involved in the restoration and re-lighting of the 1925 Cape Florida lighthouse in Key Biscayne, culminating with a
Gala Re-Lighting Ceremony in July 1996, capping Miami's Centennial.
In January 2004, Herb Sosa was named one of Tentaciónes Magazines Top Ten Latina/o activists in the U.S. and in 2005 was
named one of OUT magazines Top 100 LGBT Activists and featured on LOGO TV. On April 2008 Sosa was named Terra.com's
Activist of the Month.
In 2009 Sosa received a City Proclamation from Miami Beach – Herb Sosa Day - for his community work, was nominated for a
Glaad Media Award in 2009 for Outstanding Digital Journalism for his work in Ambiente Magazine and was named one of the 25
Most Influential GLBT Latinos by miapogeo.com, currently serves as chairman of the City of Miami Beach Historic Preservation
Design Review Board and on May 2011 was named one of 5 "People To Know" in Miami Beach by the Miami Herald.
DAVID A.C. TURLEY dturley@unitycoalition.org
David A.C. Turley joined the Human Rights Campaign in October 2009. As a field organizer based in New York City, David is
responsible for field and political activities in the Northeastern U.S. David helps develop and implement field strategies to pass federal,
state and local priorities and works with local HRC volunteer leaders and coalition partners.
Immediately prior to joining HRC, David served as LGBT liaison to Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance during his 2009 election
campaign.
As a political campaigner, activist and community organizer, David has dedicated his career to engaging and empowering the public.
He served as a founding board member for the Young Professionals’ Council for Choice of NARAL Pro-Choice New York back in 2004.
David takes great pride in engaging and organizing young people in the community to embrace and work toward a cause they feel
passionate about.
During his career, David has lived in four other countries — Spain, Argentina, Italy and the United Kingdom. From 2005-07, David
worked for the Ministry of Education in Spain as a consultant in the capital city if Madrid, developing a national pilot project for
bilingual education at all grade levels. Back in the States, David has organized for candidates in California, New York, New Jersey,
Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and South Dakota. By working directly with minority populations in the U.S., he is sensitive to the
cultural nuances that shape our attitudes and decisions. He is especially passionate about issues that affect the LGBT and Latino
communities.
In 2008, David worked for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and then for President Obama and Sen. Udall’s election campaigns
with the Colorado Democratic Party. As the Latino outreach director for the Denver metro area, David was involved in the
unprecedented voter registration drive and get-out-the-vote effort in the Latino community.
David has a B.A. in Latin American studies from Vanderbilt University
David A.C. Turley joined the Human Rights Campaign in October 2009. As a field organizer based in New York City, David is
responsible for field and political activities in the Northeastern U.S. David helps develop and implement field strategies to pass federal,
state and local priorities and works with local HRC volunteer leaders and coalition partners.
Immediately prior to joining HRC, David served as LGBT liaison to Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance during his 2009 election
campaign.
As a political campaigner, activist and community organizer, David has dedicated his career to engaging and empowering the public.
He served as a founding board member for the Young Professionals’ Council for Choice of NARAL Pro-Choice New York back in 2004.
David takes great pride in engaging and organizing young people in the community to embrace and work toward a cause they feel
passionate about.
During his career, David has lived in four other countries — Spain, Argentina, Italy and the United Kingdom. From 2005-07, David
worked for the Ministry of Education in Spain as a consultant in the capital city if Madrid, developing a national pilot project for
bilingual education at all grade levels. Back in the States, David has organized for candidates in California, New York, New Jersey,
Texas, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and South Dakota. By working directly with minority populations in the U.S., he is sensitive to the
cultural nuances that shape our attitudes and decisions. He is especially passionate about issues that affect the LGBT and Latino
communities.
In 2008, David worked for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and then for President Obama and Sen. Udall’s election campaigns
with the Colorado Democratic Party. As the Latino outreach director for the Denver metro area, David was involved in the
unprecedented voter registration drive and get-out-the-vote effort in the Latino community.
David has a B.A. in Latin American studies from Vanderbilt University
2012 Board of Directors | Junta Directiva
Herb Sosa
President
Luis E. Gonzalez - Treasurer
Special Events &
Education Committee co-Chair
Finance & Fundraising Comm. Chair
Vanessa Brito
Membership & Fundraising
Ile Morales
Special Events & Education
Cathy Toruño
Special Events & Education
Antonio Lopez Ferez
Special Events & Education
Michael "Moses" Stein
Membership & Fundraising
Darvin "Will" Williams
Sponsorship & Celebrate ORGULLO
Of Counsel - UC|CU
Herb Sosa
President
Luis E. Gonzalez - Treasurer
Special Events &
Education Committee co-Chair
Finance & Fundraising Comm. Chair
Vanessa Brito
Membership & Fundraising
Ile Morales
Special Events & Education
Cathy Toruño
Special Events & Education
Antonio Lopez Ferez
Special Events & Education
Michael "Moses" Stein
Membership & Fundraising
Darvin "Will" Williams
Sponsorship & Celebrate ORGULLO
Of Counsel - UC|CU
In Memory...
| . |
LUIS PENELAS
Mr. Penela was a nationally respected civil activist, preservationist and community leader.
As a spokesperson for LGBT issues, HIV/AIDS and civil rights, Mr. Penelas served on varoius community boards, as well as on the
Board of Advisors of Unity Coalition.
Mr. Penelas passed away July 2006 and will be greatly missed.
Mr. Penela was a nationally respected civil activist, preservationist and community leader.
As a spokesperson for LGBT issues, HIV/AIDS and civil rights, Mr. Penelas served on varoius community boards, as well as on the
Board of Advisors of Unity Coalition.
Mr. Penelas passed away July 2006 and will be greatly missed.
WORKING TO PROTECT ALL OF OUR RIGHTS
THE RIGHT TO FAIRNESS IN IMMIGRATION, HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT
THE RIGHT TO LOVE & MARRY WHOM WE CHOOSE
THE RIGHT TO LOVE AND ADOPT A CHILD
AND FOR THAT CHILD TO BE RAISED IN A STABLE, LOVING HOME
THE RIGHT TO ALL THE U.S. CONSTITUTION PROMISES ALL IF ITS
CITIZENS- EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW
THE RIGHT TO FAIRNESS IN IMMIGRATION, HOUSING & EMPLOYMENT
THE RIGHT TO LOVE & MARRY WHOM WE CHOOSE
THE RIGHT TO LOVE AND ADOPT A CHILD
AND FOR THAT CHILD TO BE RAISED IN A STABLE, LOVING HOME
THE RIGHT TO ALL THE U.S. CONSTITUTION PROMISES ALL IF ITS
CITIZENS- EQUAL PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW
| . |
2002 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa – President, Luisa Rondón-Lassen -Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer “Ron” Saul Brenesky- Secretary, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura
Leyva, Isabel Morgado, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg ADVISORS: Doralba Muñoz
2003 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa – President, Luisa Rondón-Lassen -Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer “Ron” Saul Brenesky- Secretary, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura
Leyva, Isabel Morgado, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg ADVISORS: Doralba Muñoz
2004 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa - President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer, Miguel Trujillo - Secretary, Dahlia Canes, Maria DeLak, Dr.
Laura Leyva
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg ADVISORS: Luis Penelas, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega
2005 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa – President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar – Treasurer, Dahlia Canes – Secretary, Arturo Alvarez, Alex Fernandez,
Axel Javier, Efren Martinez Pulgarón, Dr. Laura Leyva, Miguel Trujillo
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2006 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa - President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer, Dahlia Canes - Secretary, Arturo Alvarez, Alex Fernandez,
Axel Javier, Dr. Laura Leyva, Efren Martinez-Pulgarón, Miguel Trujillo
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2007 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa - President, “Ron” Saul Brenesky - Vice President, Christian Aguilar - Treasurer, Dahlia Canes - Secretary, Dr. Laura Leyva,
Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Alexis Fernandez, Dr. Manuel Laureano Vega, Efren Martinez-Pulgarón, Oscar Medina, Tony Rodriguez
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa - President, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Christian Aguilar, “Ron” Saul Brenesky, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega, Efren
Martinez-Pulgarón, Oscar Medina
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
Unity Coalition|Coalición Unida, Inc.
2008 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa | President, Dahlia Canes, Dr. Laura Leyva, Dr. Arturo Alvarez, Christian Aguilar, “Ron” Saul Brenesky, Dr. Manuel Laureano-Vega, Efren
Martinez-Pulgarón, Oscar Medina
OF COUNSEL: Alan Ginsberg
2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa|President, Dahlia Canes, David Carcache-Guzman, Armando Diaz, Jr.,Efren Martinez-Pulgarón
2010 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa|President, Vanessa Brito, Dahlia Canes, Milan Rodriguez, Luis E. Gonzalez, Eddie I Sierra, David A.C. Turley
2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Herb Sosa | President, Luis E. Gonzalez- Treasurer, Vanessa Brito, Ile Morales, Cathy Toruño,
Antonio Lopez Ferez, Michael "Moses" Stein, Darvin "Will" Williams
BOARD OF ADVISORS | Walker Burttschell, Linda Horton, Milan Rodriguez, Tim Harrises, David A.C. Turley
OF COUNSEL: Darvin Williams
VANESSA BRITO vbrito@unitycoalition.org
She has her B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from Florida International University. During her five year tenure with the FIU
Metropolitan Center, she served as the FIU Project Manager for the Miami-Dade County Metropolitan Planning Organization quarterly
and annual newsletters as well their Citizen's Guide to Transportation. Ms. Brito has also served as the ProjectManager for the 2006,
2007, and 2008 City of Miami EITC Outreach Campaigns, the 2006 Broward County Exit Poll on Hispanic Voter Accessibility, the
2006Transportation Survey for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's 2006 Transportation Summit, the 2007 Miami-Dade
Expressway Authority Market Analysis, and the 2008 Education Compact for the City of Miami Gardens and the Miami-Dade County
School Board.
Vanessa is responsible for designing methodology and managing public opinion surveys and all market research projects undertaken
by MYami Maketing Inc. She also takes the lead on all strategic planning and marketing development for all clients.
Vanessa currently serves as a Board Member on the Miami-Dade County Climate Change Task Force and the Miami-Dade County
Equal Opportunity Board. In addition, she is a contributing writer to Miami.com and Miami.com en Español, committee member to
SAVE Dade Foundation's Communications and Marketing Committee, a Federal Club member of the Human Rights Campaign, a
host committee member of the "Black Crossroads" at the Historical Museum of South Florida, and a Advisory Board member to the
Latin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
Vanessa Brito is Director of MYami Marketing and a contributing writer for Ambiente, and in 2010 led the grassroots local effort -
MIAMI VOICE - to recall several Miami-Dade Commissioners.
She has her B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from Florida International University. During her five year tenure with the FIU
Metropolitan Center, she served as the FIU Project Manager for the Miami-Dade County Metropolitan Planning Organization quarterly
and annual newsletters as well their Citizen's Guide to Transportation. Ms. Brito has also served as the ProjectManager for the 2006,
2007, and 2008 City of Miami EITC Outreach Campaigns, the 2006 Broward County Exit Poll on Hispanic Voter Accessibility, the
2006Transportation Survey for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's 2006 Transportation Summit, the 2007 Miami-Dade
Expressway Authority Market Analysis, and the 2008 Education Compact for the City of Miami Gardens and the Miami-Dade County
School Board.
Vanessa is responsible for designing methodology and managing public opinion surveys and all market research projects undertaken
by MYami Maketing Inc. She also takes the lead on all strategic planning and marketing development for all clients.
Vanessa currently serves as a Board Member on the Miami-Dade County Climate Change Task Force and the Miami-Dade County
Equal Opportunity Board. In addition, she is a contributing writer to Miami.com and Miami.com en Español, committee member to
SAVE Dade Foundation's Communications and Marketing Committee, a Federal Club member of the Human Rights Campaign, a
host committee member of the "Black Crossroads" at the Historical Museum of South Florida, and a Advisory Board member to the
Latin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.
Vanessa Brito is Director of MYami Marketing and a contributing writer for Ambiente, and in 2010 led the grassroots local effort -
MIAMI VOICE - to recall several Miami-Dade Commissioners.
LUIS E. GONZALEZ lgonzalez@unitycoalition.org
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in the small New England town of Guilford, Connecticut,Luis has a theatre, Retail & Visual
Merchandising background.
He worked for Macy's, J.Peters, and Wheel of Fashion before settling down in South Florida as the House Manager at the Coconut
Grove Playhouse.
Gonzalez has also been involved in Historic Preservation and non-profit work for many years, including volunteering for
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida and working as Office manager of Dade Heritage Trust.
Gonzalez is chairman of UC|CU's Finance Committee and co-chair of the Marketing & Education Committee.
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and raised in the small New England town of Guilford, Connecticut,Luis has a theatre, Retail & Visual
Merchandising background.
He worked for Macy's, J.Peters, and Wheel of Fashion before settling down in South Florida as the House Manager at the Coconut
Grove Playhouse.
Gonzalez has also been involved in Historic Preservation and non-profit work for many years, including volunteering for
Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida and working as Office manager of Dade Heritage Trust.
Gonzalez is chairman of UC|CU's Finance Committee and co-chair of the Marketing & Education Committee.
MILAN RODRIGUEZ mrodriguez@unitycoalition.org
Milan Rodriguez is one of Miami’s leading graphic designers, owner of the popular website “Milancita.com” and a successful
nightclub promoter. As a graphic designer she has designed for top 10 companies such as the Carlisle Development Group
among others. Her website, Milancita.com, has had over 120,000 hits since its launch three years ago. Milancita.com was recently
named “Website of the Year” at the Latino Press Awards. With the creation of this website, a dream was born that
someday Milan would be recognized as having contributed something positive to the gay community through a work that
she has done, and loved, all of her life. The long hours, the sleepless nights and the thousands of pictures have all contributed
to this accomplishment.
Milán Rodríguez, creativamente reconocida como Milancita.com
Cubana-Brasilera
Estudio Comunicaciones, Diseño Grafico y Luego estudio Diseño de Website en el Miami Dade Community Collage, especializándose
en Flash, una técnica novedosa para crear impresionantes sitios de Internet.
Esta certificada por Microsoft como Especialista de Software que produce esta gran Empresa, también Milancita es certificada por
Adobe, la Poderosa compañía de Software como, Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive, Premiere, In Design, After Effects, Encore, Audition y
muchos mas, Milancita tiene una tercera certificación por la Mundialmente conocida empresa de Software Macromedia, como
especialista en Flash.
Hoy por hoy podemos decir que Milancita y su reconocido website Milancita.com son un Orgullo de nuestra comunidad Latina.
Milan Rodriguez is one of Miami’s leading graphic designers, owner of the popular website “Milancita.com” and a successful
nightclub promoter. As a graphic designer she has designed for top 10 companies such as the Carlisle Development Group
among others. Her website, Milancita.com, has had over 120,000 hits since its launch three years ago. Milancita.com was recently
named “Website of the Year” at the Latino Press Awards. With the creation of this website, a dream was born that
someday Milan would be recognized as having contributed something positive to the gay community through a work that
she has done, and loved, all of her life. The long hours, the sleepless nights and the thousands of pictures have all contributed
to this accomplishment.
Milán Rodríguez, creativamente reconocida como Milancita.com
Cubana-Brasilera
Estudio Comunicaciones, Diseño Grafico y Luego estudio Diseño de Website en el Miami Dade Community Collage, especializándose
en Flash, una técnica novedosa para crear impresionantes sitios de Internet.
Esta certificada por Microsoft como Especialista de Software que produce esta gran Empresa, también Milancita es certificada por
Adobe, la Poderosa compañía de Software como, Photoshop, Illustrator, GoLive, Premiere, In Design, After Effects, Encore, Audition y
muchos mas, Milancita tiene una tercera certificación por la Mundialmente conocida empresa de Software Macromedia, como
especialista en Flash.
Hoy por hoy podemos decir que Milancita y su reconocido website Milancita.com son un Orgullo de nuestra comunidad Latina.
| . |
| . |
| . |
SPECIAL EVENTS & EDUCATION
All the responsibilities relating to upcoming and future events that UC|CU will host and/or will participate in. They will organize and
set-up the event, as well as handle all procedures prior to the event. This can include contacting vendors, determining locations for
events, and ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. Committee will oversee Leaders. Legends & Lovelies Lecture Series,
Exhibits, Workshops and all other UC|CU Events.
MARKETING, MEDIA & PROMO
Overseeing & ensuring that UC|CU is presented in a positive light and ensuring that UC|CU is associated with individuals & orgs that
will endorse and promote our cause and mission.
coverage, Board Member & Donor recruitment, UC|CU Member Card promotion and all other forms of public relations.
Chairperson: Luis Gonzalez
Committee Members: Vanessa Brito, Herb Sosa, Tim Harrises
FINANCE & FUNDRAISING
Oversees all financial & accounting for UC|CU. Chair & committee handle all money related issues such as contacting prospective
donors for sponsorship, and the development of a budget that will allow UC|CU to properly manage their finances and for new funding
ideas to be developed for the organization.
Chairperson: Luis Gonzalez
Committee Members: Eddie Miranda, Herb Sosa
VOLUNTEERS
Communicate with all members and potential members who support UC|CU and are interested in helping with our mission.
Committee will oversee all aspects of volunteering including event volunteer recruitment, scheduling and logistics.
Chairperson: Luis Gonzalez & Vanessa Brito
Committee Members: Moses Stein
POLITICAL ADVOCACY
Committee is responsible for all distribution of UC|CU Questionnaires, their mailing & collection, presentation to board for
consideration, and coordinating of phone banks, promos & special events relating to political endorsements.
Chairperson: Vanessa Brito
Committee Members: Eddie Miranda, Antonio Lopez
BOARD OF ADVISORS
This elected group serves as advisors to the UC|CU Board of Directors on issues of policy, mission, education & membership, and
will assist on fundraising & promotion of UC|CU programming & mission.
Board of Advisors: Milan Rodriguez, Tim Harrises, David AC Turley
All the responsibilities relating to upcoming and future events that UC|CU will host and/or will participate in. They will organize and
set-up the event, as well as handle all procedures prior to the event. This can include contacting vendors, determining locations for
events, and ensuring a smooth and successful outcome. Committee will oversee Leaders. Legends & Lovelies Lecture Series,
Exhibits, Workshops and all other UC|CU Events.
MARKETING, MEDIA & PROMO
Overseeing & ensuring that UC|CU is presented in a positive light and ensuring that UC|CU is associated with individuals & orgs that
will endorse and promote our cause and mission.
coverage, Board Member & Donor recruitment, UC|CU Member Card promotion and all other forms of public relations.
Chairperson: Luis Gonzalez
Committee Members: Vanessa Brito, Herb Sosa, Tim Harrises
FINANCE & FUNDRAISING
Oversees all financial & accounting for UC|CU. Chair & committee handle all money related issues such as contacting prospective
donors for sponsorship, and the development of a budget that will allow UC|CU to properly manage their finances and for new funding
ideas to be developed for the organization.
Chairperson: Luis Gonzalez
Committee Members: Eddie Miranda, Herb Sosa
VOLUNTEERS
Communicate with all members and potential members who support UC|CU and are interested in helping with our mission.
Committee will oversee all aspects of volunteering including event volunteer recruitment, scheduling and logistics.
Chairperson: Luis Gonzalez & Vanessa Brito
Committee Members: Moses Stein
POLITICAL ADVOCACY
Committee is responsible for all distribution of UC|CU Questionnaires, their mailing & collection, presentation to board for
consideration, and coordinating of phone banks, promos & special events relating to political endorsements.
Chairperson: Vanessa Brito
Committee Members: Eddie Miranda, Antonio Lopez
BOARD OF ADVISORS
This elected group serves as advisors to the UC|CU Board of Directors on issues of policy, mission, education & membership, and
will assist on fundraising & promotion of UC|CU programming & mission.
Board of Advisors: Milan Rodriguez, Tim Harrises, David AC Turley
| . |
COMMITTEES
2011 Board of Directors|Junta Directiva
2011 Board of Advisors|Junta de Asesores
TIM HARRISES After graduating from the Ft. Lauderdale Art Institute with a BS in Advertising & Graphic Design,
Tim Harrises began his career inAdvertising andMarketing in South Florida. Serving in administrative positions from Designer to
Creative Director, Tim worked for many prestigious agencies including Wexler, McCarron & Roth, BBDO South, TMP, Inc., and
Marketing Magic.
For the last twenty years,Mr. Harrises has operated his ownMarketing andAdvertising firm.Working as an extension of his client’s own
marketing departments, Tim provides advertising and graphics solutions to clients in such diverse fields as medical, retail, publishing,
construction, education and non-profit. His creativity encompasses graphic design, branding, illustration, web design, social
networking, and event production.
Tim has received numerous awards in the industry including three Addy awards and an International
Design Conference award.
Last year, Tim opened Events Without Borders, Inc., a party and events company that provides event services and related promotional
materials. The company is particularly active in the LGBT community, with emphasis on fundraising for non-profit gay organizations
and producing LGBT events that draw attention to newsworthy gay issues, such as same-sex marriage.
Mr. Harrises is active in the LGBT community and formerly served as Chairman of the Board for Sanctuary House of S. Florida, Inc., a
non-profit sober living facility that provides a safe haven and substance abuse treatment to gay men, many of whom are HIV+. Tim is
a member of the Rainbow Business Coalition and the GLCC in South Florida, and the Rainbow Network in New England. Other
affiliations in the LGBT community include the IGLTA, Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida and the
MBA of Orlando.
Tim also volunteers with two non-profit organizations working to end homelessness in South Florida.
Tim Harrises began his career inAdvertising andMarketing in South Florida. Serving in administrative positions from Designer to
Creative Director, Tim worked for many prestigious agencies including Wexler, McCarron & Roth, BBDO South, TMP, Inc., and
Marketing Magic.
For the last twenty years,Mr. Harrises has operated his ownMarketing andAdvertising firm.Working as an extension of his client’s own
marketing departments, Tim provides advertising and graphics solutions to clients in such diverse fields as medical, retail, publishing,
construction, education and non-profit. His creativity encompasses graphic design, branding, illustration, web design, social
networking, and event production.
Tim has received numerous awards in the industry including three Addy awards and an International
Design Conference award.
Last year, Tim opened Events Without Borders, Inc., a party and events company that provides event services and related promotional
materials. The company is particularly active in the LGBT community, with emphasis on fundraising for non-profit gay organizations
and producing LGBT events that draw attention to newsworthy gay issues, such as same-sex marriage.
Mr. Harrises is active in the LGBT community and formerly served as Chairman of the Board for Sanctuary House of S. Florida, Inc., a
non-profit sober living facility that provides a safe haven and substance abuse treatment to gay men, many of whom are HIV+. Tim is
a member of the Rainbow Business Coalition and the GLCC in South Florida, and the Rainbow Network in New England. Other
affiliations in the LGBT community include the IGLTA, Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida and the
MBA of Orlando.
Tim also volunteers with two non-profit organizations working to end homelessness in South Florida.
| 2012 Board of Advisors | Junta de Asesores Linda Horton Spiritual & Youth Advocacy Walker Burttschell Community Outreach & Education Milan Rodriguez Equality, Women & Trans Issues Tim Harrises Membership Development David A.C. Turley State & National Issues of Interest |
ILE MORALES ile@unitycoalition.org
Ile Montanchez is the Executive Director at Connect Mind & Body Inc. and has been a successful freelance Musician/Entrepreneur
for most of her career.
Ile Montanchez is the Executive Director at Connect Mind & Body Inc. and has been a successful freelance Musician/Entrepreneur
for most of her career.
CATHY TORUÑO cathy@unitycoalition.org
With over 16 years experience as a certified personal trainer, as well as fitness and nutrition expert, Cathy Toruño is singular in her
field. Coach Cathy has personally overcome the challenges her clients face, as she confronted and surmounted weight issues as a
child and teenager. She sensitively and adeptly diagnoses similar weight issues potentially faced by children, women, and men.
Coach Cathy is extremely energetic, inspirational, motivational and exceptional at reaching out and making a difference in others’
lives.
Aside from her extensive credentials, Coach Cathy is a frequent guest on radio and television programs, has been featured in varied
newspaper articles, and recognized in self-improvement seminars for her unique & successful program. Coach Cathy’s areas of
expertise include nutrition, sports physiology, personal growth techniques, hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming and more. She is
always looking for opportunities to get her message of hope to those who may be struggling with nutrition and weight control or those
who already have balance but are looking to take it to an optimal level.
Con más de 16 años de experiencia como entrenadora personal certificada, experta en nutrición y en formación corporal, Cathy
Toruño es única en su campo. Cathy entiende las dificultades que se le presentan a sus clientes, ya que ella misma experimentó
problemas de peso cuando niña y adolescente. Ayuda a identificar problemas similares que puedan estar confrontando niños,
mujeres y hombres con paciencia y empatía; Cathy es extremadamente energética, inspiradora, motivadora, y su propósito es hacer
la diferencia en la vida de las personas.
Experta en nutrición, fisiología deportiva, técnicas de crecimiento personal, hipnosis, programación neuro-lingüista y mucho más.
Además de estas credenciales ha sido destacada en programas de televisión de la cadena Telemundo, en periódicos, y en
seminarios de mejoramiento personal.
With over 16 years experience as a certified personal trainer, as well as fitness and nutrition expert, Cathy Toruño is singular in her
field. Coach Cathy has personally overcome the challenges her clients face, as she confronted and surmounted weight issues as a
child and teenager. She sensitively and adeptly diagnoses similar weight issues potentially faced by children, women, and men.
Coach Cathy is extremely energetic, inspirational, motivational and exceptional at reaching out and making a difference in others’
lives.
Aside from her extensive credentials, Coach Cathy is a frequent guest on radio and television programs, has been featured in varied
newspaper articles, and recognized in self-improvement seminars for her unique & successful program. Coach Cathy’s areas of
expertise include nutrition, sports physiology, personal growth techniques, hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming and more. She is
always looking for opportunities to get her message of hope to those who may be struggling with nutrition and weight control or those
who already have balance but are looking to take it to an optimal level.
Con más de 16 años de experiencia como entrenadora personal certificada, experta en nutrición y en formación corporal, Cathy
Toruño es única en su campo. Cathy entiende las dificultades que se le presentan a sus clientes, ya que ella misma experimentó
problemas de peso cuando niña y adolescente. Ayuda a identificar problemas similares que puedan estar confrontando niños,
mujeres y hombres con paciencia y empatía; Cathy es extremadamente energética, inspiradora, motivadora, y su propósito es hacer
la diferencia en la vida de las personas.
Experta en nutrición, fisiología deportiva, técnicas de crecimiento personal, hipnosis, programación neuro-lingüista y mucho más.
Además de estas credenciales ha sido destacada en programas de televisión de la cadena Telemundo, en periódicos, y en
seminarios de mejoramiento personal.
ANTONIO LOPEZ FEREZ "Nino The Chef" nino@unitycoalition.org
Antonio Lopez Ferez – Owner & chef of Nino’s cuisine and catering services, a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and very
socially & politically active in the community
Antonio Lopez Ferez – Owner & chef of Nino’s cuisine and catering services, a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and very
socially & politically active in the community
JUNTA DE DIRECTORES
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MICHAEL " Moses" STEIN mstein@unitycoalition.org
Michael “Moses” Stein has been an active & productive volunteer for UC|CU for many years, culminating in his appointment to
our board in 2010. As a community activist & business owner, Stein has been involved in local issues for over a decade, and
been passionate about equal rights, immigration and historic preservation for most of his adult life.
Michael “Moses” Stein has been an active & productive volunteer for UC|CU for many years, culminating in his appointment to
our board in 2010. As a community activist & business owner, Stein has been involved in local issues for over a decade, and
been passionate about equal rights, immigration and historic preservation for most of his adult life.
LINDA HORTON lhorton@unitycoalition.org
Linda was involved in the campaign to defeat the 1977 Dade County ordinance sponsored by Anita Bryant. On June 7, 1977,
Bryant and her christian soldiers led to a repeal of the anti-discrimination ordinance by a margin of 69 to 31 percent. Since
then Linda has been involved with LGBT faith issues and has studied how through the years involvement of unloving God
fearing people have left our communities feeling spiritually rejected.. Sadden and heartsick that teenage suicides are up Linda
is working on our HELL NO project in hopes of bringing our community together in hope, difference and love in support of our
LGBT youth. The conference is to empower faith, embrace our differences and dismissing hate.
Linda was involved in the campaign to defeat the 1977 Dade County ordinance sponsored by Anita Bryant. On June 7, 1977,
Bryant and her christian soldiers led to a repeal of the anti-discrimination ordinance by a margin of 69 to 31 percent. Since
then Linda has been involved with LGBT faith issues and has studied how through the years involvement of unloving God
fearing people have left our communities feeling spiritually rejected.. Sadden and heartsick that teenage suicides are up Linda
is working on our HELL NO project in hopes of bringing our community together in hope, difference and love in support of our
LGBT youth. The conference is to empower faith, embrace our differences and dismissing hate.
DARVIN "Will" WILLIAMS dwilliams@wtptravel.com
Founder and President at Worldwide Medical Partners, Worldwide Travel Partners, Phoenix Healthcare Foundation and owner
of Inferno D.R. & P.R., Will has been involved in the LGBT Community of South Florida for some time now. Most recently he
was instrumental in the development of th firts-ever Celebrate ORGULLO Festival in Miami Beach.
Founder and President at Worldwide Medical Partners, Worldwide Travel Partners, Phoenix Healthcare Foundation and owner
of Inferno D.R. & P.R., Will has been involved in the LGBT Community of South Florida for some time now. Most recently he
was instrumental in the development of th firts-ever Celebrate ORGULLO Festival in Miami Beach.
