2023 Board of Directors Election

As we have for the last 3 years, SF Pride will conduct the Board Election separately from the Annual General Meeting, utilizing Election Runner for an online election. (This process is outlined in the by-laws under "action by written ballot without a meeting.") Voting online saves time & money and enables SF Pride to better support members who require accommodations to participate.

Nominations

Nominations opened at the July membership meeting — verbal and written nominations from members in good standing were accepted. Nominations closed at the August membership meeting.

Candidates may neither nominate themselves nor second their own nominations.
Nominations open at the July membership meeting — verbal and written nominations from members in good standing were accepted.
Nominations closed at the August membership meeting.

Open Seats

There are currently three (3) seats on the Board of Directors open for election for a 2023-26 term. Seven candidates are running. A candidate will need to receive a majority vote (50%+1) of the votes cast) in order to be elected to a seat on the Board.

Voter Eligibility

To vote, you must be a member in good standing of SF Pride and have become a member or renewed no later than July 11, 2023. A member in good standing is one who has paid current dues and whose membership has not been suspended for any reason.

A Guide to the Voting Process

Eligible voting members may cast their ballots any time during the voting period, which will run from Saturday, Sept. 9 to Tuesday, Sept. 10. The voting period is open for 72 hours, from Noon Saturday to Noon Tuesday.

When the voting period opens, eligible voters will receive a voting code and voter key by email. This will contain all the information needed to participate in the 2023 San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration Committee Board of Directors Election.

Members shall cast their votes by indicating their choices on the electronic ballot. You may vote for as few or as many candidates as you like.

Candidates who receive the highest simple majority votes (50% + 1) will fill the open seats in the order according to the numbers of votes they reached.

The election will be valid only if the number of ballots cast is equal to or greater than a quorum (one-third of SF Pride's total active membership as of the election date.) The number of ballots required will be noted on the ballot itself.

There are 258 eligible voters, and so at least 86 votes must be cast for the election to be quorate.

A voting member must:

Receive their voting code and voter key via email.
Log into the electronic ballot link provided, using the code and key issued.
Select their choices on the electronic ballot.
Check and confirm their votes, then send the ballot in.

Only a voting member in good standing may cast their vote.

Candidate Statements

Candidates for the Board are encouraged, but not required, to submit a written statement in support of their candidacy. Statements and opinions expressed by the candidates do not necessarily reflect the views of SF Pride.

Lost Ballot Information

If you did not get a voter ID or voter key, or did not receive a link to the ballot, you may email us at [email protected] or call us at +1 (415) 864-0831 to request a new one. As stated above, only one voter code and key will be issued per eligible member, and the staff team will verify each request for reissue.

Election Timeline

Date(s)	Action(s)
July 11th	Date of Record Members must have been in good standing by this date in order to vote in this election. Associate members still in their 60 day probationary period do not yet have voting rights.
July 12th to Aug 9th	Nomination Period Nominations begin at the July membership meeting, and close at the August membership meeting. Board members running for a second term must announce their intent to run by the August membership meeting.
August 9th	Members select election officials at the Membership Meeting.
August 20th	20 Day Notice of AGM and Election
August 25th	15 Day Deadline for Candidate Statements
August 31st	Candidate statements available online.
September 9th	Ballot created in ElectionRunner and reviewed with Election Officials
Sept 9th to 12th	Voting Period Election opens the afternoon of the 9th and remains open for 72 hours.
Sept 9th	Annual General Meeting Members have the opportunity to hear the candidates speak, and to ask them questions, at the AGM on the 9th.
Sept 12th	Election results reviewed with Election Officials and announced.

In-Person Voting

For those members who do not have Internet access, a computer for casting their vote can be made available at the SF Pride Offices at 1663 Mission Street, Suite 305, San Francisco, CA by appointment during the 72 hour voting period.

Please contact [email protected] for arrangements.

Election Officials

Election Inspectors
1. Suzanne Ford, Executive Director
2. Chris Robert, Deputy Executive Director
Election Observers
1. TBD
2. TBD
3. TBD

The election officers will meet on the morning of August 9th, 2023 to verify the electionrunner.com setup and launch the election. This meeting is open to the public.

Accommodations

To request ASL interpretation for the AGM, please email us at [email protected] by Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Los materiales de la reunión se prepararán en español.

Adell Hanson-Kahn

they/them

I'm a non-binary person who's been living in SF on and off for almost a decade. I approach conflict first through understanding and believe that holding space for differences—not black or white, but the grey area—is increasingly valuable to us as our co-created culture grows both more networked and our identities more nuanced and, unfortunately, disparate.

I've worked in for-profit organizations of different sizes for a decade and have contributed or participated in non-profit organizations (Bay Area Climber's Coalition, Non-Binary Run Club SF, Saint Joseph's Arts Foundation, and Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County).

I'd love to participate on the SF Pride Board of Directors to connect with our broader queer community here in SF. I also personally delight in co-creating trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results with groups of people and would love to participate in this with the Board.

Adell is a non-binary person in SF. They moved here from Atlanta to be immersed in communities of sociocultural progressives and technological dreamers. They've worked in tech for ten years and continue to believe that sharing access to technology across cohorts is an evergreen pro-social opportunity.

Santana “Rexy” Tapia

No Candidate Information Available

Avery Hines

he/they

I am writing this letter to express my intent to join the Board of Directors for SF Pride. I am Avery Zeus, a','Black trans individual who uses he/they pronouns. I believe my qualifications, professional experience,','community service history, and unique perspective can contribute significantly to the inclusivity and','diversity of SF Pride. Throughout my involvement within the LGBTQ+ community, I have consistently','worked to give back and uplift marginalized voices.

Currently, I am a part of the Community Programs team at Bridge HIV, where I not only contribute to stopping the spread of HIV within our community through recruitment, but also play a role in creating programs and initiatives to ensure our participants feel safe and welcome in our research studies. I proudly served as the Program Director for Oakland Black Pride for three years, being part of the founding team and contributing to the growth and success of the event.

In addition, I have had the opportunity to work alongside the San Francisco Trans March Committee, assisting with volunteer coordination and outreach. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the planning and execution of the Trans March in the years to come.

Considering these factors, I am confident that my qualifications, experience, and dedication to serving the community make me an ideal candidate for the Board of Directors at SF Pride. I am committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that Pride truly represents and celebrates every individual. It would be an honor to contribute my skills and passion to creating a more diverse and welcoming environment for all.

One aspect that I would like to address is the lack of inclusivity and representation for the Black and Brown community within SF Pride. I understand the concerns that many individuals from these communities have expressed, feeling unsafe and excluded from the event. As a member of both the Black and LGBTQ+ communities, I deeply understand the importance of acknowledging and honoring the contributions that the Black and Brown community has made to Pride.

I strongly believe that every person attending Pride deserves to feel safe, represented, and valued. While I appreciate the efforts made to include the Black and Brown community, such as the hip-hop stage and specific events, I believe more comprehensive and sustainable changes are necessary.

As a board member, I will actively work to create additional safety measures, resources, and access for Black and Brown individuals at SF Pride, ensuring that they feel genuinely welcome and celebrated. Thank you for considering my nomination. Please feel free to reach out if you require any further information or have any questions.

Sincerely,
Avery Zeu

Michael Nguyen

he/him

I feel honored to be nominated to join the San Francisco Pride Board. My life's journey has been marked by adaptability, diversity, and an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change. Hailing from the deep south and moving around the United States as the son of Vietnamese refugees, I quickly learned how to connect with individuals of diverse backgrounds. Graduating from a small, predominantly white college has given me a deep appreciation for the diverse perspectives we have in San Francisco. I've seen the profound impact of committed volunteers in the LGBTQ movement; it all starts with Pride.

At age seven, I wrote my first piece of code, igniting a lifelong passion for technology. Yet, music remains the undercurrent of my life, fueling my creativity and humanity. A driving force in pursuing innovative programs and events that amplify LGBTQ voices, I celebrate the vibrancy of our community through technology and song.

My activist journey, however, started with a parade. Singing quite loudly in my inaugural Pride parade with the Gay Men's Chorus of San Diego emboldened me to come out as a Gay man to my parents and ultimately catapulted me towards a legal education. A pivotal conversation with mom's church lady friend centered on the debate surrounding Marriage Equality in 2004. I summoned the power of our LGBTQ ancestors that afternoon by winning that debate, inspiring me to pursue a career in law.

In 2016, winning the title of Miss Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) marked a turning point. Through GAPA, now the GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance, I deepened my understanding of the unique needs of the LGBTQ Asian and Pacific Islander community. I now champion racial equity and inclusivity within the LGBTQ movement. I'm proud to have co-founded Queer and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) Week in 2021, which expanded nationally this year!

Having served on multiple nonprofit boards, I bring expertise in board governance, overseeing new initiatives, and urban planning and municipal law. I hope to foster new meaningful collaborations through Pride 365. Community empowerment drives me, and I will build upon the legacy of San Francisco Pride's exceptional endeavors.

In conclusion, I am thrilled at the chance to join the San Francisco Pride Board. My commitment to foster positive change, amplify diverse voices, and demonstrate our people belong everywhere is how I interpret San Francisco Pride's Mission. Like Harvey Milk said, ya gotta give ‘em hope!

Dr. Nas Mohamed

he/him

To the Board and Members of San Francisco Pride,

It is an honor to be considered for this vital role within an organization that has long been a beacon of hope and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community globally. With deep respect for the history and significance of San Francisco Pride, I am excited to offer my qualifications, experience, and unwavering dedication to the cause.

As a physician and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, I have devoted both my life and career to advancing the health and well-being of our community. My medical practice, Osra Medical, is a testament to my commitment to providing LGBTQ+ individuals with comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services. Through Osra Medical, I have worked tirelessly to create a safe and inclusive space where all individuals can receive the care they deserve by navigating their lived challenges.

I also have the privilege of supporting the LGBT community now through my nonprofit organization, the Alwan Foundation. This organization, the first in the world to focus on LGBT issues in the Gulf region in the Middle East, stands as an embodiment of my vision for a world where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination or bias.

My journey has been inspired by a profound desire to foster understanding, acceptance, and equality for all. I grew up in Qatar and have experienced the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in restrictive environments. I know firsthand the importance of creating platforms for change. My coming-out journey and subsequent groundbreaking activism have been featured in reputable publications such as BBC News, NPR, CNN, TIME, and the San Francisco Chronicle, reflecting my dedication to raising awareness and driving meaningful conversations about LGBTQ+ rights.

If granted the privilege to serve on the board of directors, I aim to bring my unique blend of medical expertise, advocacy experience, and global perspective to further strengthen San Francisco Pride's impact. Being part of San Francisco Pride aligns naturally with my absolutely fierce drive to humanize our community despite all of our differences. I am committed to upholding the values of inclusivity, diversity, and resilience that define San Francisco Pride. I am also excited to add more diversity to it with my background from the Middle East.

I am deeply honored to be considered for this position and am excited about the prospect of collaborating with fellow board members and the broader community to continue advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nas Mohamed
Founder, Osra Medical
Founder, Alwan Foundation

Joshua Smith

he/him

(incumbent)

This election is pivotal for our community, and I'm confident I can positively influence SF Pride's future. With three decades of diverse roles within the organization, I possess a unique understanding of our opportunities and challenges.

In the early 2000's, I helped facilitate San Francisco Pride's groundbreaking community “wrap sessions”. Emerging from these wrap sessions, we saw the development of community stages and venues that reflected the diversity of our community.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Board, alongside staff, will shape the festival's atmosphere. I'm committed to ensuring historically marginalized communities have a strong presence on the board and visibility at the event, particularly through community stages and venues.

Nightlife has had a hand-in-glove relationship with nightlife, providing a safe space for our community to express itself. Today, I help facilitate meetings consisting of a good portion of SF's large scale Queer nightlife promoters. I would like to leverage my nightlife relationships to further SF Pride's reach.

SF Pride has taken significant strides in ensuring festival safety. With your support, I'll champion community-led safety strategies, prioritizing conflict resolution within our community rather than involving the police.

As a lifelong Burning Man participant, I embrace the principle of Decommodification. If reelected, I'll collaborate with the Board and Staff to reduce our reliance on corporate sponsors. While pursuing revenue diversification, I will work to safeguard our financially marginalized communities.

Vote for me to ensure a safe, inclusive and sustainable future for SF Pride.

In Pride,
Josh bio:

Austin Worden

he/him

QUALIFICATIONS

Austin is no stranger to Robert's Rules of Order and has served on many local boards, committees, and organizations, including the Gary Soto Foundation, Cheer San Francisco, and the San Francisco Bare Chest Calendar Organization. Austin first joined San Francisco Pride as a member in 2012 and proudly received the Spirit Volunteer of the Year award for his help with that June's Pride celebration.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Austin recently started his nineteenth year in education and is a high school director for a school district in San Mateo County and thoroughly enjoys the academic community in which he works for. In hopefully joining the SF Pride Board, Austin looks forward to bringing his inclusive brand of community service to this esteemed organization.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

San Francisco Pride Volunteer, June 2012 and 2013
Oakland Pride Volunteer, June 2013
United States Peace Corps Volunteer, China, 2007-2029
Cheer San Francisco, 2013-2014
SF Bare Chest Organization, Mr. June 2021 & Leadership Team Member, 2022-2024

SF PRIDE BOARD
Along with possessing strong organizational and communication skills, Austin does his best to value all members and facets of communities found around him. Through inclusion and equity, members of a community, including the LGBTQ+ community, Austin will work to ensure everyone has a place and space to be a part of decision-making conversation and action, along with positively promoting the mission of SF Pride throughout the region and beyond!

Though born and raised in California's Central Valley, Austin's love for San Francisco was born at a very young age, as his parents and sister would find themselves driving or BARTing into the city for a day of sightseeing and attending live theatre. Austin has lived in the Bay Area since 2019 and calls the costalside town of Pacifica home. Professionally, Austin is the Director of Communication and Staff Housing for the Jefferson Union High School District and holds a master's degree in education. Personally, Austin enjoys anything theatre-related and has recently performed with San Francisco Playhouse and Pop Culture Immersives.