Meet the Team

LGBT Tech is a diverse team of experts from multiple backgrounds that belong to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Leadership

Chris Wood (He/Him)

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Chris Wood is the Director & Co-Founder of LGBT Tech. His leadership has been instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals in the realm of technology and policy.

Carlos Gutierrez (He/Him)

Deputy Director & General Counsel

Carlos Gutierrez is Deputy Director & General Counsel for LGBT Tech. He leads the policy work and speaks on the importance of technology for marginalized communities.

Ellie Bessette (She/Her)

Director of Operations & Finance

Ellie Bessette is the Director of Operations & Finance for LGBT Tech. She oversees the day-to-day operations, grant management, and financial activity of LGBT Tech.

Kristen Kelley (She/They)

Director of Programs

Kristen Kelley is the Director of Programs for LGBT Tech. She oversees programming and partnerships for PATHS and PowerOn.

Samantha Sygier Cayax (She/Her)

Program Coordinator

Samantha is the Program Coordinator for LGBT Tech. She oversees the PATHS and PowerOn programs at LGBT Tech.

Tatyana Ithier (She/Her)

Communications & Marketing Coordinator

Tatyana Ithier is the Communications & Marketing Coordinator for LGBT Tech. She oversees external communications, marketing & social media.

Arin Rook (They/Them/Their)

Digital Inclusion Manager

Arin Rook is the Digital Inclusion Manager at LGBT Tech, helping to dismantle barriers to digital access for LGBTQ+ communities by providing training and resources about the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Shae Gardner (She/Her)

Policy Director

Shae Gardner is an LGBTQIA+ advocate and Policy Director for LGBT Tech, working to ensure that the unique needs of her community are being considered and addressed in an increasingly technological world.

Board of Directors

Joseph Kapp, President - National Center for Resource Development

Yuri Sakamaki, Secretary - California State University, Bakersfield

L. Charles Keller - Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP

Beau Whiteman - Rivian

Dr. Imani Woody - Mary's House for Older Adults

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