ORGANIZATION(S) YOU VOLUNTEER FOR: Fraternity House, Inc.
NUMBER OF YEARS VOLUNTEERING FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION(S): 17
HOMETOWN: Los Angeles
SINGLE OR TAKEN: Married
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN SAN DIEGO? 26
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION(S)?
I believe strongly in our mission. It’s meaningful because I can see the direct impact we have on the lives of the men and women who live with us.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VOLUNTEERING MEMORY?
The landscaping project at Michaelle House, shortly after we acquired the property. This was my introduction to the organization. My daily interaction with the residents during the project, and seeing their joy as we made their home a beautiful place to live, got me hooked.
WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO?
Knowing that if my life had taken even a slightly different path, I could be the one needing our services. This gives great personal meaning to my work there.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I’m a closet opera singer.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE LOCAL LGBT COMMUNITY?
I’m stuck out in the country, so apart from occasional major events like AIDS Walk SD, I don’t have a lot of interaction with the LGBT community.
WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO YOU DO TO ENRICH YOUR SOCIAL LIFE OTHER THAN VOLUNTEERING
I sing every chance I get, in several choral ensembles around town. I also have a wonderful garden that I frequently open for tours and fund-raisers.
Fernando Lopez is the Executive Director of San Diego Pride. Lopez’s years of LGBT advocacy, nonprofit management, public education, diversity consulting, media relations, guest lectures, and organizing have made them a consistent presence ensuring the struggles of the LGBT community are ever visible.
