Gabrielle Claiborne, Chair
OUT Georgia Business Alliance
Transformation Journeys Worldwide
She/Her/Hers
Gabrielle Claiborne is Co-founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, an inclusion training and consulting firm with a transgender focus. She travels extensively, helping cutting-edge organizations position themselves to attract and retain the best talent, foster collaborative working environments, thus maximizing innovation and directly impacting the bottom line by creating fully trans-inclusive cultures. Some of her clients include Home Depot, Sun Life Financial, Royal Bank of Canada, Comcast, Mercedes Benz, UPS, Kaiser Permanente, Cox Media, WarnerMedia, New York City Pride, the Atlanta Hawks, Georgia Tech and the Centers for Disease Control, among others.
Gabrielle has been an out and active transwoman since 2010. She served on the Executive Board of Atlanta Pride for the past 5 years, and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee on the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s TGX Task Force, as Co-Chair of the Trans Affairs Committee on the City of Atlanta’s LGBTQ Mayoral Advisory Council, as Inclusion Chair and Secretary on the Board of the Out Georgia Business Alliance and as Advisory Board Member of Out Front Theater Group. In 2020, she published her memoir meets self-help book Embrace Your Truth: A Journey of Authenticity. In 2019, the Atlanta business Chronicle acknowledged her as their Diversity & Inclusion “Outstanding Voice” Award recipient and she delivered a TEDx talk for Centennial Park Women TEDx, Building Your Courage Muscles. In 2018, Gabrielle received the Georgia Small Business Administration’s LGBT Small Business Champion Award in recognition of her efforts in advancing LGBT business ownership. In 2015, Gabrielle was chosen as Atlanta’s Best Trans Activist, and her work was featured in Forbes in 2018 and the Atlanta Business Chronicle in 2017.
Recently, Transformation Journeys Worldwide was honored to be chosen as the Out Georgia Business Alliance 2018 Small Business of the Year, and received the Atlanta Hawk’s prestigious 2019 True Comes in All Colors award for their cutting-edge inclusion work. The firm is also proud to be an NGLCC certified LGBT Business Enterprise.
Gabrielle holds a BS in Mathematics from Emory University and pursued a degree in Civil Engineering at Georgia Tech. She is the proud parent of three adult children and lives in Atlanta.
Feroza Syed
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
She/Her/Hers
Feroza Syed (uses She/Her pronouns) is a trans activist and advocate. She is also one of the appointees to Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms historic first LGBTQ Advisory Board for the City of Atlanta. After coming out to a viral facebook post as a trans woman living in anonymity, Feroza has quickly jumped into activism head on. She has worked as a facilitator for PFLAG John’s Creek, and with numerous organizations in the Atlanta area such as THC (Trans Housing Coalition), Asian Q & A (Queer and Adolescent), and DesiQ Diaspora to create a safe space for Asian and Pacific Islander youth. She has spoken at multiple schools and colleges, has been featured in magazines and articles, and recently hosted the Stonewall Pride celebrations in Atlanta in June. In 2018, she was appointed AIDAtlanta Ambassador and in 2019, she was Grand Marshal for Atlanta’s 50th Pride celebrations. She works with groups locally to help with intersectionality, specifically cultural and religious background issues targeting the Asian LGBTQ community, in order to build a safe space for that community. She also spends her time bringing light to the struggles of the trans and LGBTQ community, specifically for people of color and LGBTQ youth.
Personally Feroza is an Associate Broker for Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. She is a Top Producer for them selling millions in real estate annually. She has two lovely fur babies Bella and Teddy. Currently she resides in NE Atlanta, and has been in the Atlanta area for close to 30 years. Contact Feroza Syed at ferozasyed@atlantafinehomes.com, follow her on facebook @ferozasyed, and on Instagram @ferozasyedatl.
Dr. Scholar Lee
T. R. A. N. S.parent Life Conversations
Me/Myself/I
Dr. Scholar Lee is a family-oriented, proud, and loving Husband, and Father of three. Born (assigned female at birth) and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Dr. Scholar Lee currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Scholar Lee demonstrates legendary tenacity and persistence as an Indigenous Two-Spirit Being.
Dr. Scholar Lee is an educator, thought-leader, keynote speaker, creative genius, and serial entrepreneur. Creator of the trademarked acronym T.R.A.N.S., Dr. Scholar Lee continues to Triumph over life’s obstacles, exercise Resilience in the face of adversity, and is the epitome of an Authentic Noble Success. He is the Founder of the nonprofit, T.R.A.N.S. INC., and CEO of T.R.AN.S.parent Life Conversations, an LGBT-Business Enterprise with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), and an award-winning Small Business of 2022. Dr. Scholar Lee is the Director of “The Dr. Scholar Lee Experience” podcast and the Transgender and Nonbinary documentary series, GENDERED., which is also featured on The Dr. Scholar Lee Experience podcast and YouTube Channel. You may visit www.transparentlifeconversations.com , www.drscholarlee.com , and www.drscholarleexperience.com to know more about Dr. Scholar Lee’s services and or support and listen to his podcast.
Educationally, Dr. Scholar Lee obtains a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Justice and Law Administration with a concentration in Legal Studies. He also received a Master of Science in Management and Organizational Leadership (MSMOL) and a Master of Philosophy (MPHIL) in Human and Social Services. Dr. Scholar Lee obtained his PhD in Human and Social Services. Also, he obtained his professional doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Professionally, he has 15+ years’ experience in the human service field working with various underprivileged populations in various settings. Currently, Dr. Scholar Lee expresses his creativity in various forms and manages several businesses in various industries. In addition, he is a proud committee member of the TGX360 committee of Out GA Business Alliance.
Dr. Scholar Lee’s purpose and mission is to passionately educate, enlighten, and empower people to evolve into a greater version of themselves. Moreover, he inspires his transgender and nonbinary community to lead an authentic life and to accept their differences. He encourages his community to develop an INNER-standing of self and to OVER-stand that their differences is what will make a difference in their life and in this world. In conclusion, Dr. Scholar Lee’s personal, educational, and professional experiences has evolved him into a well-versed scholar, compassionate thought-leader, successful entrepreneur, eloquent communicator, and a maverick of his time. He encourages all to Be Great. Be Bold. ALWAYS BE YOU!!!
Alex Santiago
I Am Human Foundation
Destination Tomorrow
He/Him/His
Alex Santiago is Chief Operating Officer of Destination Tomorrow based in Bronx, NY and Founder of the I Am Human Foundation based in Atlanta, Ga and Philadelphia, Pa..
His mission is to create a safe space for individuals who are homeless, living with HIV, and transgenderyouth, with a focus on those who experience discrimination due to their lifestyle or gender identity.
Regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation…..All he sees is Human!
Alex has been involved in the LGBTQ+ community for over three decades as a board member and supporter of various non-profit organizations. Alex serves on the Metro Atlanta Ending the HIV Epidemic Advisory Board. Alex is a member of the ballroom House of Comme des Garcon where he serves in a professional, community advocacy role. Alex also serves on the City of Atlanta’s Mayors LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. Alex has received numerous awards for his work in the community, Georgia Diversity Councils 2022 Leader of the Year, Atlanta Black Pride Communitarian of the Year 2022, A Vision 4 Hope Humanitarian of the Year, Men Engagement Network Transgender Visibility Award 2022, to name a few. He also received a Proclamation from the New York State Senate honoring black, queer and trans advocates.
Last November Alex was the first black Trans man to speak at Harvard University on the lack of Equity in the black and brown transgender community. He has been asked to return to help develop a transgender based curriculum in the spring.
Last January he debuted a campaign that featured billboards with the slogan “Black Trans Lives Matter” against the backdrop of the Trans Pride flag with the hashtag “Stop the Violence” and another billboard that read “Stop Killing Black Trans Women” This campaign influenced organizations across the country to partner with him to place billboards in other major cities to educate and raise the profile of the black transgender and GNC communities.
Alex has been featured in several magazines highlighting his billboard campaigns and most recently developed programming for Black Trans Voter Safety and Rights which has caught the attention of Rock the Vote. Alex has been quoted as saying “I fight for those who can’t or don’t know how to fight for themselves. Everyone has a right to live in their truth without the fear of harm and with dignity and respect. It’s that simple”
Jacob Clifton Albritton
Movement for Black Lives
They/Them/Theirs
Jacob Clifton Albritton is an out and proud Black, genderqueer individual. Jacob Clifton’s professional background is in nonprofit fundraising. They have worked at educational institutions in Rome, Ga., Boston, Ma., and Atlanta, Ga. In 2021, Jacob Clifton transitioned from the academic space into working for social justice movement organizations. Jacob Clifton served as a major gifts officer at Lambda Legal, the country’s largest and oldest legal nonprofit fighting for the full civil rights of the LGBTQ+ and HIV communities. In September 2022, they joined the Movement for Black Lives as the organization’s first major gifts officer, responsible for building a fundraising program for high-net-worth individuals, raising funds to help achieve the liberation of Black people.
In addition to serving on the TGX360 advisory committee, Jacob Clifton is an ambassador for the Georgia OUT Business Alliance, a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta’s commission on LGBTQ+ ministry, and is a 2022/23 participant of the Kay Family Leadership Series coordinated by the Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta. Jacob Clifton is also an executive MBA candidate at Georgia Tech, earning an MBA in Global Business.
Outside of work, school, and civic activities, Jacob Clifton is very involved in their church, All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Midtown Atlanta. They are also a lover of the arts and regularly attend Atlanta’s Symphony, Ballet, and Opera. Jacob Clifton lives in Midtown Atlanta with their two cats, Sir George and Lady Hyacinth. You can connect with Jacob Clifton on LinkedIn.
Dr. Kristen Peter Mork
MITRE Corporation
They/Them/Theirs
Dr. Kristen Peter Mork is a Data Wizard for Trusted AI at the MITRE Corporation in Atlanta, GA. They support data modernization efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prior to moving to Atlanta, they worked for Noblis in Virginia, helping with the original Health Insurance Exchanges (healthcare.gov) and similar Health IT transformations. They received their PhD from the University of Washington, and a Master’s Degree from Stanford University.
Outside of work they love tabletop role-playing games (especially Dungeons & Dragons) and hip-hop dance. They live near Dunwoody with their wife and fiancé—they have a child off at college as well. They are active in several LGBTQ+ groups, including a transgender support group and the Pride Council at MITRE.
Kristen has known they were transgender since 7th grade, but didn’t start publicly transitioning until 2018, when they moved to Atlanta. They are now fully out as non-binary.
Sybastian Smith
National Center for Transgender Equality
He/Him/His
Sybastian Smith is a 40-year-old LGBTQ+ social justice advocate, consultant, Certified Health Educator and Medical Assistant of fifteen years. Mr. Smith has a dual Academic Associates degree in Medical Office Management: Administrative and Assisting, as well as an Associates of Science degree with a health science concentration while currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health degree. Sybastian also possesses many certifications in LGBTQ+ health competencies to include HIV/AIDS health education. His goal is to specialize in transgender patients’ affirmative healthcare and addressing public health factors that affect the lives of the BIPOC transgender and non-binary community. Mr. Smith is also the newest edition to the National Center for Transgender Equality’s (NCTE) team and works as the National Organizer.
Sybastian was born and raised in Jackson, MS. He has now resided in Atlanta, GA for over ten years. He is a member and holds a position on the board of the national organization Black Trans Men Inc. (BTMI) and maintains leadership roles in the Black Trans Advocacy Coalition (BTAC). He also serves as staff during the annual Black Transgender Advocacy Conference held in Dallas, TX and regularly a part of yearly advocacy projects. Sybastian participates in panel discussions, ambassadorship of several Atlanta grassroots organizations, interviews and provides culture competency trainings at schools and businesses nationwide on transgender issues and topics. Mr. Smith also sits on the board of directors for Lost-n-Found Youth and SNAP Co., where he is the board’s treasurer.
Sybastian is a man of many titles and accolades professionally, socially and academically. Sybastian has been crowned Mr. Black Trans International 2018, awarded BTMI Man of the Year 2019 and is a 2020 HRC ACTIVATE program fellow amongst those esteemed achievements and accolades. Sybastian feels as a transgender man himself, he was born to help underserved communities and people who look like him. With the help of BTMI, BTAC, NCTE and several other organizations, he can help make a difference in one of the most underserved communities, the transgender community. Mr. Smith believes that open dialogue and education are the keys to erasing ignorance. The need to educate people about transgender lives and experiences is why he works so diligently to advocate for LGBTQ+ competent healthcare, equal social and economic rights.
Sybastian models his life, work, and advocacy after this famous quote, “If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.” ~Malcolm X
Rev. Kimble Sorrells
United Church of Christ
LifeLine Animal Project
They/Them/Theirs
Rev. Kimble Sorrells (They/Them) is an Ordained Minister in the United Church of Christ as well as an experienced non-profit professional. Kimble has experience working in LGBTQ advocacy with the community here in Georgia, including their work with Reconciling Ministries network, The Atlanta Pride Committee, and the Mayors LGBTQ Advisory Board.
Kimble currently is the Community Programs Manager for LifeLine Animal Project at Fulton County Animal Services.
Aubri Escalera
Georgia General Assembly
Human & Transgender Rights Activist
She/Her/Ella
Aubri Escalera is a Mexican National raised in the United States of America. Aubri is an activist working towards advancing human and transgender rights. She is also an advocate for sensitive immigration treatment for all asylum seekers. Aubri’s focus is to improve the living conditions and sustainability of the Transgender & Gender Non-conforming communities by advocating for the implementation of protection laws to ensure equity and fair opportunities regardless of an individual gender identity or citizenship status. She also works extensively to protect voting rights especially our most marginalized communities and promotes the importance of voting and protecting our democracy. Aubri is an active Trans Leader in the South East GA area and a proud immigrant voice for our LGBTQIA+ families and allie’s. She is currently a Legislative Aide for Honorable Representative Park Cannon for District 58 at the Georgia General Assembly. When she is not working, she enjoys playing spending time with her dachshund, Canela and her partner Leonel.
Melania Armenta
RangeWater Real Estate
She/Her/Ella
Melania Armenta is an Experience Marketing Manager for RangeWater Real Estate. She is responsible for the creation and implementation of event marketing initiatives of each asset with cultural influencers, artists and the RangeWater Experience team, as well as staying abreast current cultural trends and competitor conditions that may impact a community’s overall performance.
Melania joined RangeWater in 2017. Her experience includes lease-ups and stabilized properties across the Southeast, Florida, and Texas. Shs is also responsible for the creation, solicitation, and stewardship of a globally award winning Artist-In-Residence program in a 5-state focus which includes Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina.
Melania worked in the multifamily industry for more than 14 years. In her spare time, she enjoys leading philanthropic initiatives and collaborative conversations with artistic creatives in various markets. She currently resides in Atlanta.
Dorian Rhea Debussy
Equitas Health
Ace and Aro Alliance of Central Ohio
She/Her/Hers
Dorian Rhea Debussy, Ph.D. (she/her) is the inaugural Director of External Affairs at Equitas Health, which is a federally designated community health center and one of the largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS serving healthcare organizations in the country. In her role at Equitas Health, Rhea is responsible for setting the government and community relations agenda for the agency.
Prior to joining Equitas Health in June 2022, Rhea enjoyed a decade of service in higher education, which began in public university settings in Connecticut. Most recently, she jointly served as the Associate Director for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Kenyon College—where she specialized in fostering LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity on campus—and as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at Kenyon College. For two years, Rhea also concurrently served as the founding Executive Director of the Ace and Aro Alliance of Central Ohio, which is the state’s first organization focused upon serving the asexual and aromantic community.
Rhea actively writes about issues affecting LGBTQ people in the military and LGBTQ+ politics more broadly. Most recently, Rhea served as the lead author for the newly updated and expanded third edition of Freedom to Serve: The Definitive Guide to LGBTQ Military Service (forthcoming; Washington, D.C.: Modern Military Association of America), which is the most comprehensive guidebook on issues affecting LGBTQ service members across all branches of the military.
Passionate about accessible academic writing, Rhea frequently publishes non-academic articles on LGBTQ+ political issues. Her work has been published by The Conversation, The Associated Press, BUST Magazine, and The Gay & Lesbian Review among others. Additionally, her forthcoming book project is currently under contract with Columbia University Press.
As a nationally recognized advocate for trans-inclusive athletic spaces, Rhea was selected for the inaugural cohort of the NCAA’s Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program, which is the organization’s first nationwide LGBTQ+ inclusion program. For nearly three years, she served as one of less than 55 facilitators across the country, and she facilitated trainings for hundreds of coaches, athletics administrators, DEI professionals, fellow facilitators, and student-athletes across multiple colleges and states during that time. In January 2022, she resigned in protest from that role, following changes to the NCAA’s transgender participation policy.
In addition to her role with Equitas Health, Rhea also currently serves as a Lecturer in the Dept. of Political Science at The Ohio State University at Newark, where she teaches courses on international relations; a member of the Greater Columbus LGBTQ Health Coalition, which is a community-led working group that is focused on improving health outcomes for LGBTQ+ people living and working in Columbus, Ohio; a member of the Advisory Board for the TGX360 Initiative of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance, which is the Georgia’s first transgender-focused economic empowerment initiative; and an organizational representative to the Public Policy Council of AIDS United, which is a national non-profit organization dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States.
Aaron Baker
Coca-Cola Company
She/Her
Aaron Baker is a dedicated transgender activist and social media influencer. She focuses on sharing the joy of the trans experience, along with clarifying the history, science, and origins of the concepts of gender and sex. Her profiles, @aaronbaker and @aaronbaker.joy, have earned her a significant following, with her videos reaching over 5 million views. Her most popular videos are about parenting LGBTQ children and the problems with Georgia SB 140 (the bill that bans gender affirming care for minors.)
Aaron has worked at The Coca-Cola Company for 9 years and is on the leadership team of Coca-Cola’s LGBTQ Resource Group. Like her online activism, Aaron works to spread awareness of the trans experience at Coca-Cola by giving groundbreaking presentations and creating informative videos. Vocationally, Aaron works on the Digital Workplace team at Coke and focuses on researching and implementing business applications for artificial intelligence.
In her free time, Aaron enjoys playing games with her kids including Fortnite, Zelda and just about anything made by Nintendo.
Aquila Brennan
Comcast
She/Her
Aquila is a 13-year Veteran of the U.S. Army where she spent most of her time assigned to units at the 101st Airborne Division. During her time in the Army, she completed three combat tours, one to Iraq and two to Afghanistan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Kennesaw State University and works in owned media for Comcast. She is an avid photographer and swimmer. She has been married since 2011.