Board Members
All board members are independent, voting members.
Gabi is a queer and genderfluid Filipinx serving as a Communications Associate. They have offered their skills in digital media to various nonprofits, grassroots projects, and community organizers working towards racial justice and queer liberation.
As Project Manager, Josie Caballero manages the 2021 US Transgender Survey at NCTE. Josie plays a crucial role in organizing and coordinating researchers, academics, and activists across the US to ensure the scientific integrity & efficacy of the USTS.
As Development Associate, August Clayton coordinates fundraising events, stewards donors, manages foundation proposals, and engages individual donors at NCTE. August's previous roles have spanned from community organizing, to institutional policy, research, and grant writing.
John is our Development Database Administrator, and supports the gift processing, data hygiene and fundraising efforts at NCTE.
Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen is a transgender policy, advocacy, and messaging expert. As a Cuban American transgender man, his wide-ranging experience in the LGBTQ movement has covered field organizing, leadership development, fundraising, and media advocacy.
As Senior Policy Counsel, Olivia Hunt works with state and national coalition partners and government officials to craft policies on issues affecting transgender people, such as identity documents.
Sean McCarthy is Development Manager at the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) where they manage a portfolio of NCTE supporters and help connect them to the Center’s critical work.
Lynx M’Chea (pronounced lee-inks UM-cha-ay) (he/him pronouns) is the Deputy Communications Director and a 26 year-old autistic Black trans man from Detroit, MI who’s currently living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Born and raised in Montana, Shane has a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Arkansas State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Montana State University. He has worked as a performer (French horn/trombone) and music teacher in several states throughout the country.
As Senior Strategist, Lisa has various responsibilities based on her 20-year history in the trans movement.
As a policy advocate, D. Ojeda works with coalition partners and federal/state government officials to create structural changes that will improve the wellbeing of the trans community, such as access to adequate health coverage and temporary housing.
Alexis Rangel (uh-LEK-sis rahn-HEL) is a queer trans Latina serving as Policy Counsel, where she builds collaborative relationships with advocates, decision-makers, and issue experts to further our policy goals impacting the criminal legal system.
As Director of Development, Daniel Bahman Shad oversees all aspects of fundraising including engaging individual donors, foundation proposals, corporate partnerships, and fundraising events.
Ames Simmons is a queer white trans man serving as Policy Director at National Center for Transgender Equality.
Sybastian Smith is a 40-year-old LGBTQ+ social justice advocate, consultant, Certified Health Educator and Medical Assistant of fifteen years. Mr.
Leigh Thomas is a Black, queer artist and storyteller. They have worked for over 13 years as a nonprofit communications professional supporting both grassroots and national organizations. Leigh is passionate about using their skills to lift up voices that often go unheard.
As Deputy Executive Director, Jami Westerhold oversees the finance, operations, human resources, and development at NCTE.
All board members are independent, voting members.