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 that is dedicated to supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
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 to further achieve our mission to foster pride and equality through the education and celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture.
We 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 awardee night. We also support the Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at Santa Ynez High School with participation in on-campus events, funding, and mentorship. In addition, we support other LGBTQIA+ non-profits that align with our mission.
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 and creates 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 Yne z Valley Pride was founded as a 501(c)3 in 2022 by Golzar Meamar and the founding Board of Directors.