Young Professionals Council Academy Class of 2026

Note: These bios remain static from the time of the participant’s graduation from YPC Academy. Many graduates have moved on to new careers, board service, and other activities since the time of this publication.

Class of 2026

Originally from the Washington D.C. area Dylan Baker (they/them) has lived in California for over a decade. While attending community college they founded and ran Cuesta Pride. Dylan engaged in local activism towards queer acceptance and inclusion in San Luis Obispo. During community college they worked at the Central Coast Queer Archive Project, working to preserve and uplift LGBTQ+ History on California’s Central Coast. Dylan came to San Diego in 2023 and has been here ever since.

Dylan attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in History and a minor in LGBTQ+ Studies. Dylan is currently pursuing their Master’s in Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. Dylan is excited to be part of the 2026 YPC cohort!

Colby Behrends is the founder of Noble Restaurant Success, a San Diego-based consulting practice focused on leadership development and operational systems for independent restaurants. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, he has worked across corporate and independent environments building food concepts, developing managers, and helping operators create businesses that are stable, ethical, and sustainable.

Colby believes well-run businesses can become pillars of their communities and is passionate about leadership that strengthens local neighborhoods and protects opportunity for everyone. Through the YPC Academy, he hopes to deepen his involvement in San Diego’s civic life and contribute to efforts that advance equity, strong institutions, and community resilience.

Dru Blossom (she/her) is a public school teacher and transgender advocate. She writes the I Sing the Body Eclectic newsletter where she dispels myths about transgender people and healthcare, as well as sharing her personal experience as a transgender woman. Dru is a Welcoming Schools ambassador, helping to promote proactive measures in schools to care for LGBTQ+ students and allow them to thrive.

Beau Broughton (he/him) is an activist, organizer, and campaign strategist dedicated to environmental, animal protection, LGBTQ+ and other social justice issues. He is an experienced people manager in the non-profit sector and has spent over a decade recruiting, training, and coaching advocates to hold corporations and legislators accountable while building skills and power in the process.

He was a leadership and service scholar at Lewis & Clark College (B.A. Environmental Studies) and served as a former volunteer Assistant Parade Manager with San Diego Pride. He lives in San Diego with his senior rescue dog.

Anna Caravaggio (she/her) is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine currently completing her clinical training in San Diego. Her work focuses on providing evidence-based mental health care to individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, with a particular interest in expanding access to care for underserved and marginalized communities.

As a queer woman who grew up in a small rural community in Pennsylvania, Anna understands firsthand the impact that visibility, community, and affirming spaces can have on the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Growing up in an environment where LGBTQ resources and representation were limited shaped her commitment to advocacy and her passion for building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Through the Young Professionals Council Academy, Anna hopes to deepen her involvement in local advocacy efforts, connect with other emerging leaders, and contribute to advancing equity, visibility, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the San Diego community.

Gabrielle Garcia (they/he/she), MLIS, currently serves as the Head Archivist of Lambda Archives of San Diego, our local LGBTQ community archives. They earned a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Scripps College. She has a background in community, university, and private archives, in addition to arts organizations and museums. Gabrielle presently serves on the Implementation Board of Homosaurus, an international LGBTQ linked data vocabulary, and is a former board member of the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network. He was a 2023-2024 Spectrum Scholar through the American Library Association and a recipient of the Jeanette M. Privat Fellowship for Librarianship (2023) through the University of Washington and the Broadening Perspectives Scholarship (2022) through the Association of Moving Image Archivists.

They are passionate about critical and reparative description practices, LGBTQ stories and histories, activating archival collections for meaningful use in the present and future, facilitating respectful archival access, and building intentional and reciprocal relationships between archives and their communities. Gabrielle believes in the power of personal and group documentation, organization, and archiving alongside principles of privacy, security, the right to be forgotten, and the rights of communities to steward their own knowledge and histories. In their free time, they enjoy long walks, podcasts and audio books, art museums, playing video games, strength training, and watching too many TV shows at any given time.

Angel Garibay (he/him), originally from Gettysburg, PA, is a dedicated advocate, researcher, and Purple Heart recipient who blends military experience and community work with a global perspective and sociopolitical expertise. He served with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines. Following his service in Afghanistan, he transitioned into the international hospitality industry, managing operations in the hostel sector while traveling extensively, an experience that deepened his cross-cultural adaptability and appreciation for global community dynamics.

A first-generation Mexican-American and the child of immigrants, Angel’s personal journey is marked by the same resilience and determination he brings to his professional work. After settling in San Diego in 2016, he recently earned his Master of Arts in Political Science from San Diego State University. His academic work focused on the intersection of indigenous communities, cartel activity, and federal policy, providing him with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing border regions. This expertise is complemented by his professional background as a Field Representative for San Diego City Council District 9, where he managed constituent casework in housing and transportation.

Serving as the Adjutant for the Veteran Democrats of San Diego County, he is a former Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart (Ch. 49), and has worked and volunteered extensively with NGOs and unions around San Diego. Multilingual and skilled in ethnographic research, he is uniquely equipped to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and legislative bodies, driving inclusive, community-centered solutions. By working with The Center, Angel wants to expand an intersectional lens to policy. This means understanding how a person’s various identities overlap to create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege.

With a passion for helping immigrant and minority populations, Edgar Hernandez (he/him) has dedicated his career to serving youth in educational settings. His trajectory took him to The Preuss School UC San Diego, where he has been serving as a full-time Spanish teacher and substitute teacher. He is enthusiastic about supporting multicultural and underserved populations every day by treating the students who attend this institution with compassion and by offering a safe space in the classroom.

Edgar started volunteering at The San Diego LGBT Community Center in October 2025, where he serves as a front desk attendant. Here, he learned about the YPC Academy, which will prepare him for his future career and professional goals. Edgar plans to transfer into the field of Social Work, where he will continue promoting mental health and social justice. His ultimate goal is to become a therapist and empower the Latino, immigrant, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Emily Houlsworth (she/her) is Navy veteran who found her way to San Diego Young Professionals Council after growing up in the Midwest. Having navigated her identity in environments where LGBTQ+ community wasn’t always visible or celebrated, Emily knows firsthand how transformative it is to find a space where you truly belong. Having recently completed her Master’s in Public Health, addressing health equity for those who’ve historically been left out is a core part of her mission. She joined YPC because community matters to her, and she’s here to help build one where that’s actually true.

Kate is an advocate and program coordinator with the youth services team at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. In this role they help queer youth build resilience and community leadership skills, ensuring they have access to the resources, safety, and dignity they deserve. Their dynamic experiences in social services and non-profit work are driven by a commitment to prevention and the empowerment of underserved populations, supported by their educational background in sociology and child development.

Stevie Juarez (he/she/they) is a 37-year-old native San Diegan who works as a Bilingual Community Health Educator at The San Diego LGBT Community Center. When they aren’t providing testing and education for community members, they’re most likely spending time with their husband and four-year-old Husky rescue. He’s a big gamer and has a very eclectic taste in music ranging from Pop, House, and Hip Hop to Hardcore, Death Metal, and Trance.

Ashton Keenberg (he/him) is a San Diego native and dedicated health navigator specializing in HIV prevention, with over 12 years of experience in the healthcare field. A three-time cancer survivor, Ashton brings resilience, compassion, and lived experience to their work supporting and empowering the community. In addition to their healthcare advocacy, Ashton is actively involved in organizing and coordinating local transgender community events, including Trans Day of Empowerment, the Big Trans Picnic, and other community gatherings. Outside of their advocacy work, Ashton enjoys traveling and attending music festivals and spending time with his three fur babies.

Marla King (she/her) is a clinical psychologist and graduated with a PsyD in 2024, received her Master’s degree in Human Behavior from National University in 2018, and graduated from San Diego State University in 2015. She has spent the majority of her life studying and would like to continue to provide education to the community in order to raise awareness. She currently works in the worker’s comp field where she provides individual therapy and conducts assessments for those that have chronic pain and mental health symptoms related to stress or trauma.

Charley Lapomardo (they/them), who performs as Sparkle, is a dynamic speaker, singer, and facilitator known for their magnetic stage presence, effervescent energy, and soulful expression. They founded Sparkleworks in service of a joyful world where all beings are free to sparkle. Charley’s career is driven by the question, “How might we design experiences that activate and recharge sparkle?” The resulting Sparkle Methodology is rooted in ongoing testing and refinement with participants, friends, and colleagues. Before freelancing for two years as an Event Host, Facilitator, and Emcee, Charley spent five years as a Lead User Researcher and Community Culture Manager at Wayfair and two years as a Retail Analyst at TJX. They hold a BBA in Marketing, Theater, and Media Literacy from UMass Amherst.

Classically trained from the age of five, Sparkle has performed solo and ensemble pieces in genres including musical theater, a cappella harmony/barbershop, rock, and pop. Charley is a proud member of the Covve Connection Crew Founder Team, The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Young Professionals Council (YPC) Academy, and Community Partner for San Diego Women’s Chorus. Today, Charley is based in San Diego, CA where they perform, speak, and facilitate events and workshops. They sing with the San Diego Women’s Chorus, Encore Vocal Ensemble, and Sonic Bloom Quartet.

Diana Martinez (she/her) has over ten years of experience working in trades. She has an eye for detail and lives for the hustle. Whether she’s painting houses, lifting at the gym, or hiking a new trail, she likes to stay moving. Family is her everything, so you’ll usually find her with her family on the weekends. She’s a hardworking woman who thrives on good vibes and fresh air.

Bryah Odom (she/her) is a multimedia artist hailing from San Diego, CA. Though she’s only 23, a large portion of her life was taken over by grief, bleeding into her art and the focus of her advocacy. But today as she sits and ponders about all the things she has done, she gently reminds herself that again, she’s only 23! Which means there’s still more life, more love, and more community out there waiting just for her.

Philip Preston (he/him) is a Community Outreach Specialist with the UC San Diego Mother, Child, and Adolescent Program (MCAP). His work centers on building meaningful community partnerships, supporting outreach initiatives, and coordinating educational events and presentations that promote engagement and access to care. Philip began his work in the HIV field in 2023 after being hired to support an AIDS United initiative, “2iS.” Prior to joining UC San Diego, he worked in diabetic healthcare and research. Philip holds a Bachelor of Science in Film Production from St. John’s University, bringing strong communication and storytelling skills to his advocacy and outreach work.

One Reks (pronounced Oh-Nee Rex) (he/they) is a local artist and advocate. He graduated with both a Bachelor’s in Sociology as well as Gender & Sexuality Studies from Cal State San Marcos and is currently working as an assistant supervisor for a before- and after-school care program at an elementary school. As a passion, One pursues his art career as a portrait artist at local markets, a painter and sculptor, and a performer in the local drag scene, known as Fruit Punch the Drag Clown. One uses his art and authenticity to make space for others to be who they truly are. Through his work within academia and working alongside nonprofits, he aims to make community something worth fighting for; a home to come back to.

Jenna Rose (she/her) is a young professional, researcher, advocate, and local community member dedicated to advancing equity and opportunity for LGBTQ+ communities, particularly transgender individuals. As a trans woman, she brings lived experience and a strong commitment to uplifting trans voices and addressing systemic barriers.

Jenna earned her B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in American Politics, cum laude, from California State University, Bakersfield, where she was recognized as her department’s Outstanding Graduate. A first-generation college graduate from a blue-collar family, she draws on both academic training and lived experience, including her background in recovery and harm reduction. She also completed legislative internships with the U.S. House of Representatives (CA-21) and the California State Senate (SD-14), where she gained experience in legislative research, bill tracking, and constituent services.

She is a Master of Public Administration (MPA) candidate at National University, graduating in August 2026, and a HEART Fellow with the Homelessness Hub at the University of California, San Diego. As a co-researcher, she contributes to community-engaged research on housing instability, public health access, and structural barriers impacting LGBTQ+ communities, translating findings into policy-relevant insights and system-level recommendations.

Professionally, Jenna works downtown at The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Housing Our Youth (HOY) program, providing 2SLGBTQ-affirming, trauma-informed peer support to transition-age youth experiencing homelessness. Her work focuses on housing stabilization, benefits navigation, and cross-system coordination to improve long-term outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth. She previously lived in Hillcrest and now resides in El Cajon, maintaining strong ties across San Diego communities.

Jenna brings strengths in community-informed research, peer-based advocacy, systems navigation, and policy-informed practice. She is dedicated to advancing progressive policies that empower marginalized communities and help shape more equitable, inclusive futures, and is deeply committed to improving the quality of life for the trans community locally and wherever she can make an impact.

Magaly Sosa (she/her) is a resident and community organizer in North County. She is passionate about serving her community and supporting progressive values across San Diego. She is a volunteer at the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and the neighborhood clean-up group Guerrer@s en Acción por un Vista Limpio, as well as a Board Member for Pilgrim United Church of Christ. She previously worked for the Offices of Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Laphonza Butler. She is a graduate of UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Master’s in International Affairs.

Magaly also serves as Director of Community Outreach for the North County San Diego Young Democrats Club. She is excited to join the YPC Academy and create partnerships to build a more equitable future for all San Diegans.

Cai Thomas (they/he) is an educator, community builder, and LGBTQ+ advocate who believes leadership is about creating spaces where others can belong, grow, and lead. With over 14 years of experience in education and nonprofit program leadership, Cai has worked to empower youth, strengthen inclusive learning environments, and build partnerships grounded in equity and care. After years working in global programs, they are especially excited to invest their energy locally in San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community. Through the Young Professionals Council Academy, Cai hopes to grow as a community leader, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a future where every LGBTQ+ young person feels supported and valued.

Efraín Zepeda (he/they) is a Salvadoran migrant who arrived in the United States in 2025. He has over 12 years of experience in HIV prevention and advocacy for the rights of LGBTIQA+ people in El Salvador. Throughout their career, they have served as a makeup artist, drag queen, presenter, broadcaster, and coach. Since moving to California, he has developed a passion for mental health and became an accredited Peer Support Specialist in December 2025. He currently volunteers for T4T Empowerment, where he is dedicated to healing alongside his community and beginning this new chapter of his life.

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