Sandra Pérez is a non-profit executive with experience in non-profit management, resource development and special events. A native New Yorker grounded in the Bronx and Puerto Rico, Sandra brings a wealth of lived experience to the work of NYC Pride. In prior roles, she has served as an advocate for Latino/e arts and culture and has deep roots in the philanthropic sector, serving in multiple development roles for the Ms. Foundation for Women and as a consultant to the public and the private sector. Sandra has also served as a program auditor and grant panelist for a variety of entities in the arts and social justice sectors such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Council on the Humanities. As a volunteer, Sandra brings an intersectional lens to her work and has proudly served on the LGBTQ+ Giving Circle with the Chicago Foundation for Women and the YMCA Young Achievers Program, where her efforts centered support to and training of BIPOC youth and leaders. As she begins her journey as executive director for NYC Pride Sandra looks forward to collaborating creatively with other advocates on the issues confronting our diverse communities and mentoring the next generation of young leaders.
Sue Doster has been an LGBTQIA+ activist and community leader for almost 30 years. Currently serving as Co-Chair for NYC Pride for the second time, she has an impressive resume in the community. From 2013 to 2017 she served as the Co-President of InterPride, a membership organization that supports Pride Committees worldwide. Sue’s work at InterPride included her efforts to help grow WorldPride, a global event licensed by InterPride, as well as championing the PrideRadar project, a first of its kind report which cataloged more than 1,200 Prides around the globe. In 2017, Sue was named one of the National Co-chairs for the Equality March for Unity and Pride which took place in June of that year in Washington D.C. and drew over 100,000 of people from around the country. In addition to the many board positions she has held at NYC Pride over the years, she has also been an active member of New Jersey Pride almost since its inception. Sue has worked at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, for nearly three decades, where she is currently The Chief Technology Officer. When she’s not working to change the world, she can be found around town with a camera in the never-ending pursuit of the perfect picture.
Kazz Alexander is an experienced non-profit executive and educator with a demonstrated history of enhancing programs and student experiences, serving in the youth development sector for the past twenty years. He is the Founding Executive Director of Hit The Books, Harlem NY’s first mixed martial arts and tutoring organization, serving youth and teens. As an independent consultant, Kazz founded Teachable NYC in 2019, to help support the mission of creating diverse and inclusive programs for children, and specifically to help other non-profit professionals design safe spaces for boys of color. Kazz holds a B.A. in history and has also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia, and a master's degree in business management from Fordham University. For over a decade, Kazz has also been a facilitator and coach with Ramapo For Children, conducting virtual and in person workshops-- providing leadership coaching for over 50 agencies in the New York metropolitan area. Kazz joined Heritage of Pride in 2019, and proudly serves as the Board Co-Chair, connecting community agencies and HOP's membership to service initiatives and volunteerism in New York City.
Maryanne Roberto Fine is no stranger to the Pride organizing world. She began volunteering with NYC Pride in 1992 and since then has served in almost every executive board position at least once. She took an eighteen-month break after serving her eighth (non-consecutive) year as Co-chair and is now thrilled to return to serve the organization as Governance Director. In addition to NYC Pride, Maryanne volunteers with Jersey Pride Inc., New Hope Celebrates, and InterPride. Maryanne’s travels have brought her to Pride events in the tristate area, as well as Boston, Philadelphia, New Hope, Madrid, London, Stockholm, Cape Cod, Los Angeles, and Asbury Park where she has either volunteered, represented NYC Pride, or at times BOTH! Maryanne works as a realtor in Asbury Park, NJ, where she lives with her wife, Lori, their two rescue cats, Mitzi and Ana, and Nico, their rescue Sato pup. She enjoys fishing, video games, gathering with friends, and has a newfound love for RV travels. Diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer almost three years ago, Maryanne has a thought to share… do what you love, love what you do, and make every single day count, you owe nothing less to yourself or to the world.
Andrew joined Heritage of Pride as a member in early 2020 after volunteering the previous summer for WorldPride in NYC. Andrew worked with the March Committee and supported the committee as secretary. Andrew works in education and prioritizes educational options for students and caregivers to ensure students have equitable access to high quality education. Outside of work, Andrew also serves opportunity youth by volunteering with a wide range of organizations including the Ali Forney Center, Hetrick Martin Institute, and the Petey Greene Program. He is also the founding board chair of Teach for America's NYC PRISM Chapter, an alumni group focused on celebrating LGBTQ+ and queer identities in education. When not engaged in volunteer work, Andrew can be seen running the streets of NYC training for an upcoming marathon or participating in a festival – you can find Andrew with his glitter beard at The March or puppeteering at the Village Halloween Parade!
Afiya Clarke started volunteering with NYC Pride in 2017. Over the years, her participation and roles within the organization grew. In 2021, she was the Volunteer Captain of the March. This role allowed her to learn more about the organization and find ways to use her skillset to move the movement forward. In December 2022, Afiya accepted the role of Co-Director of the DEAI Committee. Afiya has experience with DEAI as a Director and participant in many ERGs within her company. She is a member of her company’s DIAC council and has been since 2018. Afiya is born and bred in NYC by way of Brooklyn. She resides in Washington Heights with her Partner and cat children, She-Ra & Shiloh.
Michele Irimia is currently the Development Director at NYC Pride.
