Founder and Co-Executive Director of Programs at the New York Transgender Advocacy Group, Kiara St. James was a tireless activist who helped push the passage of NY State’s Gender Expression Nondiscrimination Act (GENDA) and advocated for funding of trans-led community-based organizations and PrEP/HIV treatment campaigns centered on Black and Brown TGNB New Yorkers. She also worked with other activists to end a New York City loitering law known as the “walking while trans” law, as trans women were disproportionately targeted.
Kiara’s vision encompassed liberation, dignity, and creating real pathways for trans, gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex communities to thrive. Through her leadership, she built a movement rooted in love, resilience, and collective power. Kiara passed away in May 2026; New York Governor Kathy Hochul echoed the feelings of many in her statement, “I was proud to know her and to fight alongside her. She will be dearly missed.”
Since coming to the US at 15 to escape transphobia in Mexico, Bianey García has dedicated herself to uplifting and mobilizing the TGNCNB community. By 19, she was active in transgender support groups and working with community leaders on STD prevention. After witnessing police discrimination against TGNC+ community members, she joined Make the Road NY to confront injustice, build trans leadership, and educate community members about their rights.
She helped launch the TransLatina March in Jackson Heights—the largest of its kind!—and continues to organize against anti-trans violence in Queens. Her advocacy, leadership, and community care strengthen and sustain our movement.
Jennifer Barnes-Balenciaga is Director of Crystal La’Beija Organizing Fellowship, Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, and a Senior pursuing a BA in Political Science/Sociology Minor in Law and Policy at Baruch College. A nationally-recognized community leader, Jennifer’s advocacy has spanned Atlanta—where she was the city’s first LGBTQ+ liaison—to New York City, where she continues her work in civic leadership, education, and the illustrious House of Balenciaga. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Harvard Public Health, The New York Times, POSE FX, and more. Barnes-Balenciaga’s strategic policy engagement, community organizing, and collegiate pursuits are rooted in a legacy forged by elders and ancestors.
Her powerful leadership clears the path for a joyful, powerful, and liberated future.
Mateo is a trans queer man of color, immigrant, and advocate with over a decade of community organizing experience. At Make the Road New York, he leads the Trans Justice and Leadership Program, creating pathways for trans, queer, and migrant communities to thrive and lead. He also teaches Spanish for Lawyers at NYU School of Law, preparing the next generation of attorneys to serve migrant clients with care and dignity.
His work is rooted in resilience, collective power, and the belief that trans futures will shape a more just and joyful world.
Cultural worker, community strategist, and proud trans Latina organizer, Jocelyn Bulas (she/her) works at the intersection of justice and trans visibility. As the Community Engagement and Programs Coordinator at The NEW Pride Agenda, she leads dynamic statewide initiatives centering the rights and autonomy of BIPOC, transgender, nonbinary, and Two-Spirit communities. The Mother of House of Milan in NYC’s ballroom scene, Bula cares fiercely for chosen family while organizing events that fuse education, advocacy, and storytelling.
Her expansive vision is deeply rooted in lived experience and authenticity, building collective strength through community care.
Kei Williams (they/them) is The NEW Pride Agenda’s Executive Director as of April 2025, after serving as the organization’s Director of Programs since 2022. As a queer, transmasculine community organizer, artist, and historian, Kei has been shaping movements for over a decade, whether with the People’s Climate Movement, Rhize, or the Marsha P. Johnson Institute.
Their leadership reminds us that trans leadership is expansive, creative, and liberatory.
Born in El Salvador and a New Yorker for over 16 years, Denise Gutierrez is a fierce advocate for the transgender community. Her advocacy journey began in 2014, when she worked to empower Long Island’s trans community. Now the Program Manager of Community Healthcare Network’s Transgender Family Program, Denise has spent five years connecting TGNCNB people to the health care, legal services, and mental health support they need to thrive.
Her leadership is rooted in her commitment to inclusion, education, and fostering a supportive society for all.
With 25 years of experience in TGNC service provision, HIV prevention, advocacy, and community organizing, Cristina founded Translatina Network in 2007, which has become a vital resource for trans immigrant communities. Cristina has also been featured on numerous panels, committees, and boards. Before founding Translatina Network, Cristina spent over 11 years developing resources and programs for transgender people at The Center.
Her powerful advocacy work has been recognized by the NYC Health Department, the NYC City Council, the Queens Borough President, and more.