Staff & Board

“We are dedicated to creating a safe and affirming space for youth to learn, vibe, and explore.”

Meet Our Senior Staff

  • Marquis (he/they)

    Executive Director

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  • Sutisha (she/her)

    Director of Development & Community Engagement

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  • Rosa (she/her)

    Director of Outreach & Support Programs

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  • Sam Page (they/them)

    Group Coordinator

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  • Cristin (she/her)

    Administrative Coordinator

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What does our Senior Staff do?

At Side by Side, our senior staff is made up of awesome professionals who help steer our organization in a positive direction. They play crucial roles in making sure we’re doing our best to support our community. Here’s how they make a difference:

  • Leading the Work: Our senior leaders are charged with connecting with our staff and youth to help set the vision for Side by Side and are all about teamwork. We have built a flow of communication that works with each member of staff and brings in youth leaders to develop exciting goals and ideas that help us grow and develop the organization.

  • Creating Cool Programs: The senior staff takes the feedback from youth and develops fun and impactful programs tailored to meet the needs of our center. They ensure our activities are fun, informative, and effective, helping everyone reach their full potential.

  • Smart Resource Management: Senior staff has worked hard to build processes to effectively manage our resources, meaning they work to do a whole lot with just a little. They make sure we’re using our money and staff wisely. They also build relationships with different partners to keep our programs running strong.

  • Advocacy and Community Engagement: Our senior staff loves to connect with the community! They raise awareness about our mission and represent Side by Side at events, making sure that everyone's voice is heard. They also work to educate other communities about the best ways to support LGBTQ+ youth.

  • Mentoring Future Leaders: They believe in empowering young people! The senior staff provides guidance, support, and opportunities for growth, helping the next generation of leaders shine.

Together, our senior staff is dedicated to making Side by Side a place where everyone can thrive and succeed. They’re excited to support you on your journey!

Meet Our Support Group Staff

  • Tiffani (she/her)

    Facilitator - Young Adult Group

  • Anita (she/her)

    Volunteer Facilitator - Young Adult Group

  • Dylan (he/him)

    Facilitator - LGBTQ Group

  • Rachel (she/her)

    Facilitator - LGBTQ Group

  • Evelyn (she/her)

    Volunteer Facilitator - LGBTQ Group

  • Emma (she/her)

    Facilitator - Middle School Group

  • Julien (they/them)

    Volunteer Facilitator - Middle School Group

  • K (he/they)

    Facilitator - Trans/NB Group

  • Robin (she/they)

    Facilitator - Trans/NB Group

  • Elizabeth (she/her)

    Volunteer Facilitator

  • Michelle (they/them)

    Drop-In Assistant | Volunteer Facilitator

What does the Support Group Staff do?

At Side by Side, Support Group is our primary program. Our team of facilitators and volunteers are the heart and soul of that program! They play a vital role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for youth and the community. Here’s what they do:

  • Leading Support Groups: Our facilitators guide engaging discussions where young people can share their experiences and feelings in a safe space and get information for resources they may need. They make room for youth to lead and drive conversations but ensure everyone feels heard and valued.

  • Building Relationships: Facilitators and volunteers are approachable and friendly! They take the time to get to know the youth and the community, fostering trust and creating a sense of belonging.

  • Providing Guidance and Resources: They offer helpful information, tools, and resources to empower youth. Whether it’s coping strategies, academic support, or connecting them to other services, they’re always ready to lend a helping hand.

  • Advocating for Youth: Our team champions the voices of young people, ensuring their ideas and needs are represented. They advocate for positive change at the center and within the community and help raise awareness about important issues affecting youth.

  • Promoting Personal Growth: Facilitators and volunteers inspire personal development by encouraging youth to set goals, build confidence, and embrace their unique strengths. They believe in nurturing the potential within every individual.

Our support group facilitators and volunteers are committed to making a difference in the lives of youth at Side by Side. Their passion and dedication create a supportive community where everyone can thrive!

Board of Directors

  • Eric (he/him)

    Board Co-Chair (2023)

  • La Verne (she/her)

    Board Co-Chair (2023)

  • Jordan (he/him)

    Treasurer

  • Ben (he/him)

    Secretary

  • Nicole (she/her)

    Board Member

  • Brittany (she/her)

    Board Member

  • Mahalia (she/her)

    Board Member

  • Marco (he/him)

    Board Member

  • Keri (she/her)

    Board Member

What does our Board do?

Side By Side Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Our Board of Directors is our governing body and in collaboration with our Executive Director, charged with ensuring we succeed in our mission to create supportive communities where Virginia’s LGBTQ+ youth can define themselves, belong, and flourish. A mission centered on racial and gender equity.

Commitments

Side by Side’s Board of Directors asks for a commitment of time and the sharing of one’s experience and expertise in guiding the organization to ensure our success. And, for a shared understanding and passion in supporting LGBTQ+ youth, including the importance of serving Black, Brown, Transgender and Non-Binary youth. We ask all Board members to commit to:

  1. Attending monthly meetings consisting of organizational, staff, programs, fundraising and fiscal updates

  2. Collaborating with staff and youth to provide the environment, tools and funding to accomplish youth-centered and identified services and support

  3. Actively join programming support and fundraising efforts for our Springtime, GiveOUT Day, Glitter Glam Jam and other events

  4. Building the web of donors, volunteers, and community connections for Side by Side.

Interested in board service? We consider and accept new directors at the start of our fiscal year (July). Contact us info@sidebysideva.org for more information. We would love to be connected with you!

Associate Circle

The Associate Circle consists of passionate and powerful people of all backgrounds dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth in our community by raising awareness and, most importantly, working with our Director of Development and Community Engagement to raise funds for Side by Side. (Please note you must be 21 to join the Side by Side Associate Circle).

Application Process

Complete an online application

  1. Short interview with current member of the Executive Committee

  2. Complete background check

  3. Side by Side staff will follow-up with decision and next steps.

  4. Want more info? Contact us at info@sidebysideva.org

Commitments

Side by Side’s Associate Circle asks for a commitment of time, treasure, and talent to ensure our success. We ask all Associate Circle members to commit to:

  1. Joining a committee, actively participating, and engaging regularly to achieve annual goals

  2. Attending monthly meetings that consist of updates of the Associate Circle’s progress and social activities

  3. Actively fundraising for the Glitter Glam Jam by creating a fundraising page and soliciting donations from your networks

  4. Helping to build the web of donors, volunteers, and community connections for Side by Side

Associate Circle Member

Jamaar (he/him)

Associate Circle Member

George (he/him)

Kyle M. (he/him)

Associate Circle Member

Kyle S. (he/him)

Associate Circle Member

About

Side by Side is fortunate to have amazing dedicated staff, board, and associate circle.