Queer Changemakers

Paul Marengo is changing the world through consulting and fundraising with a variety of non-profits. As CEO of Promethean Fundraising, Paul has worked with a number of film festivals, arts organizations and LGBTQ+ non-profits in the DC area and beyond. 

In this conversation, Paul shares his journey from New York to DC as well as his love of travel. We also discuss the importance of community, travel, and pride.

Finally, we loo...

J. Henry is changing the world through music focused on love, authenticity and knowing we are enough. 

In this conversation, we talk about his journey into hiphop and music, creativity, and self-acceptance. He discusses the transformative power of love in his music, his unique wedding experience, and his album "Love J. Henry."

Check out his album on Spotify or Apple.

You can connect with J. Henry in the following ways:

Justin Ayars, he/him, is changing the world through his current startup EqualityMD— a tech-enabled healthcare platform for LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, businesses, nonprofits, professional organizations, and universities. This low-cost healthcare alternative includes a network of providers who have all received cultural competency training, to understand the needs and concerns of our LGBTQ+ community, as well as mental health servic...

Raj Korpan is changing the world by championing inclusivity in the field of robotics and AI. 

He co-founded the Queer In Robotics organization in 2023, to uplift projects and build community for Queer people in the robotics field.

In this conversation, we talk about a variety of projects Raj is working on. We discuss themes of community building, ethical AI, and the necessity of human-centered research. 

Raj Korpan is an Assist...

Magda Stegda, she/her, is changing the world by advocating for trans-inclusive workplaces. 

In this conversation, we talk about her career in HR and life journey.  We discuss themes of inclusion in business, supporting marginalized communities, and the importance of mentorship and seeing the beauty and value in others, even if people may not see it fully in themselves. 

Magda shares vulnerable stories of her personal journey and ha...

Josie Caballero, she/her, is changing the world through professional Trans advocacy. She performs multiple roles with a few different hats advocating for trangender rights, dignity and LGBTQ+ equality. 

In this conversation, Josie shares her journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming a progressive leader. We discuss themes of resilience, community support, the power of representation and also reminders of the need for sel...

Michael continues to share his story, journey and perspectives in part 2 of this conversation. 

In this conversation, we talk about themes of gratitude, resilience, and the importance of unity within the LGBTQ+ community.

We talk about diversity, the value of hard work, pride (both good and bad), and our relationships with church. We also talk about his work with the Rainbow History Project and a number of DC black LGBTQ+ pioneers...

Sampson McCormick, He/Him, is changing the world through black queer comedy, storytelling and speaking his truth. He is a a DC native, a stand up comedian for over 20 years, and also a actor, producer and director.

In this conversation, we talk about his journey in comedy and media over the past 24 years. We discuss themes of perseverance, community activism, and creating space for black queer voices. 

The discussion also touches o...

Bishop Allyson Abrams is changing the world by advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and fostering a sense of community and healing.

In this conversation, we talk about her journey as an openly gay bishop, her work through the Empowerment Liberation Cathedral and Empowerment Justice Center, and themes of spirituality, resilience, and healing. From founding an inclusive church in Washington D.C. to tackling issues such as hate crimes, Abrams...

Tonio Ellison (He / Him) is changing the world by advocating for the community and providing peer support through the HIV Prevention Trials Network, and is also a certified life coach. 

In this conversation, we talk about the Importance of community and allyship,  challenges for people of color in the queer community, and themes of resilience, being our true selves, and the value of listening to everyone’s story.

Tonio is creatin...

Robin McHaelen (she/her) is changing the world by working with LGBTQ+ youth and other gender and sexual minorities for about 30 years. She founded an organization called True Colors in Connecticut and ran it for 26 years, retiring in 2020. 

In this conversation, we talk about empowering young people, supporting the systems around youth,  and  the importance of openness and continuous learning. 

Robin is co-organizing the True C...

Daniel Garza (He / Him) is changing the world through a variety of entertainment and advocacy work. By sharing his story, and journeys, he advocates for awareness of HIV, anal cancer, and HPV with Cheeky Charity, and LGBTQ cancer support group.   

He also creates and shares media content through his production company, Lilmesican Productions Inc., which has three shows on the air, including a talk show, a card reading spiritual s...

Finding Your Fit with Keira Harbison

Keira Harbison (they/them) is changing the world by showing people that everyone is on a unique health journey and deserves an authentic plan as a fitness and nutrition coach. They are especially focused on supporting the unique needs of queer and neurodivergent individuals and helping create customized health plans.

In this conversation, we talk about challenging traditional fitness norms, ...

Michelle Archable (she/her) is changing the world by helping everyone see how GREAT they already are, by planting seeds of self-confidence everywhere she goes. She does this through her motivational speaking, books for adults and children and her confidence coaching services. 

In this conversation, she shares a few confidence strategies, and maintaining confidence and authenticity in 2025.

Michelle will be hosting an exclusive ...

Cassie (They, She, He, All) is changing the world by increasing the participation of LGBTQ+ individuals in health research as participants, researchers, advocates, and policymakers, as the LGBTQIA+ regional engagement coordinator for the Midwest at PrideNet. Cassie shares how she implements and more community-engaged model so that individuals can be heard and have a say in the full research process.m 

In this conversation, we tal...

JT  “German Chocolate”  (He/Him) is changing the world by advocating for a more holistic approach for LGBTQ+ health and healthcare. In his role as LGBTQIA+ Regional Engagement Coordinator (South), he finds a variety of ways to do outreach and connect with individuals and organizations on behalf of the Pride Study and the All of Us Research Program. Outside of that, JT also mentors youth supporting their journeys to grow, glow and g...

Alex Armira (they/she) is changing the world by expanding the ways LGBTQ+ individuals are seen in research as Communications Coordinator at PRIDEnet. They create graphic design, social media, and email content for PRIDEnet’s collaborations. 

Through their high school and college years, they worked to create safe community spaces at schools for LGBTQIA+ youth through clubs like Gay-Straight Alliance – later changed to Gender and...

Ana Rescate, MBA (she / her / ella) is changing the world by supporting LGBTQ+ research as Communications Manager at PRIDEnet. In this conversation, she describes what the Pride Study is all about, why LGBTQ+ participation in research is important and other initiatives PrideNet is engaged with. 

• Learn more about The PRIDE Study: pridestudy.org