MEET OUR STAFF & BOARD
Suzette Lopez (she/her/hers) — Executive Director
Born and raised in Santa Maria, Suzette is a proud daughter of Mexican parents who prides herself in being an active community member and an entrepreneur. Having worked for multiple nonprofits, she has a strong desire to see her community thrive and is always dedicating herself to a good cause. She is a DJ & co-founder of an entertainment company with a focus on creating cutltural inclusive events and safe spaces. With her amazing event production skills, DJ abilities and love for service, Suzette has contributed to local political campaigns and community outreach events that support women’s rights, the LGBTQ+ community, the environment, and many other social justice organizations. Suzette’s passion for people and human kindness reflects in the hopes and dreams she has for House of Pride and Equality.
John Shade (He/Him/His) — President
Anais Diaz (she/her/hers) — Vice President
Anais, a Santa Maria native, is deeply committed to giving back to her community. Raised by immigrant parents in agriculture, she understands the value of hard work and the challenges of achieving the American Dream. As the Outreach Coordinator for Good Samaritan Shelter, Anais connects Veterans with essential services and advocates for survivors of human trafficking. She is passionate about working with the homeless, offering support to those others may overlook. Certified in HIV and Hepatitis C testing, Anais also helped run a syringe exchange program and is an advocate for the North County Rape Crisis Center. Along with her brother, she strives to create a safe space for the LGBTQ+ Latinx community and raise awareness about substance abuse in POC and LGBTQ+ communities. With more than 5 years of sobriety, Anais leads by example, using her own struggles to inspire others. If you're struggling, reach out!
Anna Boren (she/her/hers) — Secretary
Anna is passionate about making a difference in her community. She has worked in the nonprofit sector in northern Santa Barbara County for the last 12 years, and is currently the Development Manager for the Santa Barbara Foundation. Anna is also the co-founder of Mírame Entertainment, organizing events by and for the LGBTQIA+ community. She was raised here on the Central Coast, and strives to see everyone in her community thrive. Anna has been volunteering with HOPE since 2019, and is dedicated to HOPE’s vision of working through collaboration towards a more equitable Santa Maria Valley for all.
Gina Picard (she/her/hers) — Treasurer
Gina came to the Central Coast as a young girl, the daughter of an immigrant single working mother. She raised her own daughter here as well and is a long term employee of an agricultural business in Santa Maria. Gina has been active in the local LGBTQ community for years and has seen the community evolve. She would like to see even more social equality here and hopes that someday Santa Maria will have an office or center with services and space for LGBTQ youth and adults. To help achieve her vision, she became a founding member of HOPE / ESPERANZA. When she isn’t working to pay her bills or on social change, she is spending time with her family and friends, camping or hiking.
