Who We Are & What We Do
Mission
To create a safe, supportive, and empowering home for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Santa Ynez Valley through the education and celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture.
Vision
We envision a world free of bias and prejudice- one heart, one community at a time.
About
Our foundation is the first registered 501(c)3 nonprofit in the Santa Ynez Valley dedicated to supporting and celebrating the local LGBTQIA+ community.
To achieve our mission, we create the annual SYV Pride Parade & Festival; collaborate with local partners; organize, sponsor, and support other community events; and bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses. We also offer scholarships to local Santa Ynez Valley High School seniors who have shown leadership in supporting the LGTBQIA+ community and are proud to participate in the annual scholarship award night. In addition, we support other LGBTQIA+ non-profits that align with our mission.
SYV Pride is powered solely by volunteers and has no paid staff. All donations go directly to our events and initiatives as described above.
How is SYV Pride different from other local LGBTQIA+ organizations?
Other local organizations aim to develop as service providers – i.e. offering programming and services. SYV Pride is focused on community-based events, such as the landmark annual Pride Parade and Festival, as well as numerous events throughout Pride Month. In addition, we partner with local community organizations, businesses, and groups to bring visibility, support, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Lauren Lastra (She/Her)
President
Mama/Outdoor Enthusiast
Higher Ed Administrator, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Laura Newman (She/Her)
Secretary
Farmer
Activist
Owner Lefty's Coffee Co.
Alyce Barrick (She/Her)
Vice President
Mom of 2
Master in Human Behavior
Cancer sun, Taurus moon
Plant Lady Goals
Owner
Queen Cup Coffee
Adriana Reyes (She/Her/Ella)
Case Manager / Inclusion Program Director
People Helping People
Harry Mullin (They/Them)
SYV local and student at University of California, Santa Cruz.
Ken Sorenson
(He/Him)
Treasurer
CPA, Sports handicapper, Tax advisor, Consultant, Owner Sorenson & Associates
Santa Ynez Valley Pride was founded as a 501(c)3 in 2022 by Golzar Meamar and the founding Board of Directors.