Dear Pride Family,
As I step into the role of Executive Director at San Diego Pride, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement, responsibility, and gratitude. This opportunity is not just a professional milestone; it is a deeply personal journey for me. San Diego Pride has long been a beacon of hope, celebration, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community, and I am honored to be entrusted with the leadership of this impactful organization.
San Diego Pride is more than an annual celebration; it is a year-round force for good, dedicated to fostering inclusivity, equality, and justice for all. One of the aspects that excites me most about joining this organization is the vibrant and diverse community it represents. San Diego is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, identities, and experiences, all of which come together to create a unique and dynamic environment.
Outreach and connection with this community across our region (and beyond) is at the forefront for me as the new Executive Director for San Diego Pride. We are currently inviting YOU, our community members, to share your feedback and ideas for the 2025 Pride Festival. Please take some time to give us your ideas and what you would like to experience next year in our community-wide festival survey. The link is included below and will be live until September 13. This is just one of the ways we will seek your feedback as we begin strategic planning in the coming months. We will be providing multiple opportunities for you to help build the next evolution of San Diego Pride. Stay Tuned!
The work that has been done over the years by the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community members has laid a strong foundation that I am eager to build upon.
I am inspired by the resilience and strength of our community, and I am committed to ensuring that San Diego Pride remains a space where every voice is heard and valued.
As the new Executive Director, my vision for San Diego Pride is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. I believe that together, we can continue to expand our reach and impact, within San Diego and beyond. I am particularly passionate about creating more opportunities for intersectional engagement, where the diverse experiences of our community members are recognized and celebrated. This includes strengthening our partnerships with other organizations, advocating for policies that protect and uplift our community, and ensuring that our events and programs are accessible and welcoming to all.
I look forward to working alongside each of you to continue the legacy of progress and to create new opportunities for growth and empowerment within our community. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] to volunteer, make a donation, become a sponsor, partner or just to say “hi”. I would love to hear from you!
In Pride,
Leane Marchese
[pronouns: she/hers]
Executive Director
San Diego Pride
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
