October 8, 2024

For immediate release:

Stonewall Community Foundation Names Elisa Crespo as New Executive Director

Mira Patel elected President of Board of Directors
New leadership team brings historic and diverse representation, paving the way for fresh perspectives

Stonewall Community Foundation’s Board of Directors has named Elisa Crespo as the organization’s new Executive Director. With this appointment, Stonewall Community Foundation (SCF) is entering an exciting new era where trans people of color will comprise the nonprofit’s full leadership team. In November, Elisa Crespo (she/her) will join as Executive Director, succeeding SCF’s longest-serving Executive Director Jarrett Lucas (they/them), who stepped aside after more than a decade leading the foundation, making space for new talent and a fresh vision for its mission. Mira Patel (they/them) was recently elected to serve as President of Stonewall’s Board of Directors. Mira becomes the first trans person and first person of color to lead our Board. Elisa and Mira bring a broad range of lived experiences, complementary professional expertise, and prowess in movement-building, direct services, policy, and philanthropy. 

Elisa Crespo will join Stonewall’s staff after several transformative years as the founding Executive Director of NEW Pride Agenda (NPA). During her time at NPA, she built the emerging organization from the ground up, transforming it into the thriving, state-wide advocacy powerhouse that it is today. Focusing its work on the LGBTQ+ community’s most marginalized individuals, NPA’s successes under Elisa’s leadership include the launch of New York State’s multi-million-dollar Transgender and Nonbinary Wellness & Equity Fund, winning state funding for LGBTQ+ health and human services, securing insurance coverage for PrEP access, and much more. A lifelong New Yorker, Elisa made history in 2020 as the first trans woman to run for public office in the Bronx. In addition to her professional achievements, Elisa’s lived experience as a trans Latina with roots in New York City’s ballroom scene and activist communities will lend invaluable heart to her work as Stonewall’s new ED. 

Stonewall’s Board and staff are honored to have Elisa at the helm of the organization’s trailblazing movement work and look forward to an even brighter future for the foundation under her leadership.

"As I reflect on these past three and a half years, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and friendships I've gained while serving as the first executive director of the NEW Pride Agenda. I am thrilled and excited to enter a new chapter as Executive Director of Stonewall Community Foundation, and harness the love and support I have felt from our community to build on Stonewall’s legacy of uplifting LGBTQ+ people and causes. I am energized by the warm welcome I have received from the Board and staff, and cannot wait to blaze new pathways forward in queer philanthropy.”  - Elisa Crespo

Stonewall’s Board of Directors is also elevating new leadership. Immediate past President Rachel Korberg (she/her) has stepped aside after four impactful years as the first woman to lead the Board, with Mira Patel stepping into the Board President role. Mira joined Stonewall’s Board in 2021, and served as Treasurer before being elected to their current role. As an experienced public policy leader, they have held senior roles in the Obama and Biden Administrations, advancing $350 billion American Rescue Plan grant funding, championing policies and partnerships that bolster marginalized communities, and founding the Global Equality Fund, which supports grassroots LGBTQI+ organizations in over 100 countries. Mira will be supported by Melissa Madzel (she/her) and Medina (he/him), who will continue to serve as the Board’s Vice Presidents in a shared leadership structure. Stonewall is proud to elevate Mira to lead the organization through its next chapter.

“I embrace this role with deep enthusiasm and optimism in Stonewall’s ability to catalyze progress, solidarity, and joy for our community at this critical time. This organization has long been at the forefront of advancing equity and opportunity for the LGBTQ+ movement, and I look forward to working alongside Elisa and my fellow Board members to continue driving meaningful, lasting impact.” - Mira Patel

Stonewall has never been in a stronger position to affect change in the LGBTQ+ community; the nonprofit has enjoyed many years of growth and stability under the leadership of a dedicated staff and Board. With such a complementary range of skill sets, experiences, and networks among these new leaders, Stonewall is poised to accelerate its impact at this critical time and to respond swiftly to threats facing the LGBTQ+ community. SCF’s commitment to LGBTQ+ people – especially those experiencing the greatest vulnerability – remains as resolute as ever.

About Stonewall Community Foundation

Stonewall Community Foundation is a leading funder of LGBTQ+ issues, supporting over 700 organizations since 1990 to advance queer liberation and racial, social, and economic justice. Founded against the tragic backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Stonewall’s mission amplifies the power of collective giving and accessible, equitable philanthropy. In addition to funding, including scholarships and microgrants, Stonewall provides free consulting and training for nonprofit leaders on the front lines of change. The Foundation also offers Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and other products and services to individual, family, and corporate donors interested in creating a better future for LGBTQ+ people by funding the innovators and community organizations on the frontlines of change.

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