February 4, 2026 — San Diego, CA — The San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center) proudly celebrates CEO Caroline (Cara) Dessert (she/her), who has been named one of five recipients of the 2026 Prebys Leadership Award—one of the region’s most prestigious recognitions for outstanding community leadership. The award, announced by the Prebys Foundation, honors leaders who embody the theme “All In for San Diego” and are driving meaningful, long‑term impact throughout the region. Each honoree receives $100,000 to continue advancing community‑centered work.
Dessert, a queer Latina attorney and lifelong social justice advocate, has spent more than two decades championing equity, belonging, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ people, immigrant communities, and families across the San Diego binational region. Since assuming leadership at The Center in 2018, Dessert has more than doubled the organization’s funding, expanded essential programs, and led the opening of new sites that increase access to life‑changing services.
Under her leadership, The Center has:
- Expanded housing services, including launching San Diego County’s first LGBTQ‑affirming youth shelter, providing safety and stability for LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness.
- Opened the South Bay Youth Center, the region’s first dedicated space for LGBTQ+ youth and families in the South Bay—one of the most underserved areas for queer and trans youth services.
- Grown to seven locations countywide, increasing access to behavioral health, youth programs, senior services, HIV testing and prevention, immigrant support, and community connection.
“We are thrilled to see Cara recognized for her exceptional and visionary leadership,” said Shaun Randall Travers (he/him), Chair of The Center’s Board of Directors. “She leads with courage, compassion, and a deep commitment to LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. Cara exemplifies the kind of inclusive leadership that moves our entire San Diego region forward.”
Upon receiving news of the 2026 Prebys Leadership Award, Dessert shared:
“This honor belongs to our San Diego LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities. Every day, LGBTQ+ people across our binational region show resilience, joy, and power, and I’m proud of The Center’s work to ensure everyone has access to safety, wellness, and belonging. I’m deeply grateful to the Prebys Foundation for recognizing the importance of this work and investing in our shared future of a San Diego where we all belong.”
Now in its third year, the Prebys Leadership Awards celebrate local leaders who are deeply rooted in community and advancing innovative, culturally relevant solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges. Dessert joins fellow honorees representing immigrant rights, youth development, arts and culture, and community storytelling.