Latino Equality Alliance Official Statement
on the Selection of Mr. Roland Palencia
For Executive Director of Equality California
For Executive Director of Equality California
May 16, 2011
“The Latino Equality Alliance congratulates the Board of Equality California, the largest LGBT advocacy organization in California, on its selection of Mr. Roland Palencia as its next Executive Director. In a post Proposition 8 world, the selection of aperson of color with executive experience and professional fundraising skills coupled with an extraordinary trajectory as a community leader is a bold move and a “game changer” in our struggle for LGBT justice, “ said Ari Gutierrez, Co-Chair of the Latino Equality Alliance.
We know Mr. Palencia to be a pioneer activist and a highly respected community leader for the LGBT and Latino communities. As an activist, Mr. Palencia is passionate in his advocacy for the disenfranchised and never hesitates to take a public stand for an affected community in times of crisis. In these times, when coalition efforts and executive experience across diverse communities is desperately needed, Mr. Palencia brings the precise blend of diverse background, deep community ties, and organizational expertise that make him uniquely suited to lead Equality California.
As a business executive, we know Mr. Palencia to be a visionary leader that challenges the status quo to grow the organization and in an effort to serve its constituents best. Whether its legislators, government officials, funders, or community members Mr. Palencia helps them understand the challenge at hand and secures needed support. He has a successful track record in developing sustainable multi-million dollar non-profit organizations that have impacted thousands of lives, including those of underserved LGBT communities, immigrants, youth and persons impacted by HIV/AIDS.
“Roland Palencia is a coalition leader adept at weaving many communities and movements together, especially where they intersect, and is able to connect with leaders from various movements in an effort to gain community-wide support. He is an excellent choice to lead EQCA and our LGBT movement,” said Eddie Martinez, Associate Director of the Wall/Las Memorias and Co-Chair of the Latino Equality Alliance.
