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LEGACY COMMITTEE

About the Legacy Committee

The GLIDE Legacy Committee inspires the next generation of Bay Area change-makers to engage in the life-saving work of GLIDE. GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives.

While members of the Legacy Committee have diverse cultural, racial and ethnic, sexual orientation, spiritual, socioeconomic and professional backgrounds, every member of the Legacy Committee brings a shared commitment and passion for social justice and change. Interested in joining the Legacy Committee? Email youngprofessionals@glide.org for more information!

Learn more: youngprofessionals@glide.org

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The Legacy Committee in Action

The GLIDE Legacy Gala

The GLIDE Legacy Gala is the centerpiece of the Legacy Committee's calendar. Each year this black-tie fundraiser celebrates GLIDE’s rich history and looks forward with optimism and commitment to a more just future. Two changemakers who embody the values of GLIDE Co-Founders Rev. Cecil Williams and Janice Mirikitani are selected to receive Legacy Awards, before attendees dance the night away to live music and world-class DJ's. 100% off the evening’s proceeds benefit GLIDE .

Volunteering

GLIDE’s Legacy Committee regularly volunteers with GLIDE programs and at community gatherings like Sunday Streets. Volunteer activities include letter writing, creating Harm Reduction kits, participating in the Holiday Toy Drive and Grocery Bag Giveaway, as well as serving meals at Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Sunday Fundays

Each quarter the Legacy Committee gather for 'Sunday Fundays'. The group volunteers with the GLIDE Meals Program, attends Sunday Celebration at the GLIDE Memorial Church (optional) and has brunch together. GLIDE staff and members of the wider GLIDE family often join in the fun!

Legacy Committee Fundraisers

The Legacy Committee helps raise funds to support GLIDE's programs and services throughout the year. They do this through their own fundraising campaigns, sponsored activities, or their partnerships with local companies like San Francisco bar California Jack’s. Follow the Legacy Committee on Instagram or Facebook to hear about upcoming opportunities to get involved!

Social Justice Film Events

For six years the Legacy Committee has hosted an annual Social Justice Film Festival, a thought-provoking evening of documentary shorts that focus on the resilience and grace of the human spirit and explore issues that align with GLIDE’s work. In 2022 the Legacy Committee also partnered with GLIDE's Center for Social Justice to present their first Justice Movie Night at Piano Fight. This inspiring in-person screening of the critically acclaimed 2016 documentary “13th” was followed by a panel discussion with Prison Rights Activists on ways to fight the prison industrial complex.

Meet the 2023 Legacy Committee

Mia White

Co-Chair

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Mia White
Mia (she/her/hers) is compensation leader in the tech sector. Her passion is to create competitive and equitable compensation programs, and sharing her knowledge with other tech leaders so they can do the same. A California native, Mia attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and holds an MBA from Mills College. She began by volunteering with GLIDE’s Meals Program and joined the Legacy Committee in 2018. Inspired by GLIDE's dedication to radical inclusion, she is driven to introduce more young professionals to the organization, in particular bridging the gap between the tech community and our most vulnerable neighbors. In her free time, you can find Mia at SoulCycle or Barry’s Bootcamp, volunteering, or at the dog park with her pup, Scottie.

Divya Kaushal

Co-Chair

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Divya Kaushal
For the first decade of her life, Divya (she/her/hers) moved around the world with her family while they looked for a place to lead lives full of vibrant experiences, inclusive people, and endless potential. Unsurprisingly, they found the perfect community in the Bay Area and never left. Growing up in the South Bay instilled Divya with a deep love of SF’s indomitable spirit and its commitment to progress and equality. This love was never far from her mind, and after graduating from NYU Stern with a degree in finance, she returned to make SF her home and pursue a career in tech strategy. Coming back to the city also made Divya recognize how much San Francisco was (and is) changing. She began looking for ways to contribute positively to her local community, and form deeper connections to her neighbors. In 2018, Divya found these things in GLIDE's Meals Program, and never looked back. Her time at GLIDE has been deeply rewarding, and she's excited to work with the Legacy Committee to help make SF a place where everyone can thrive. When not dreaming and scheming with her fellow LC members, Divya can be found at Slack where she develops products for their Go - to - Market Strategy & Operations team. She spends any remaining time figure skating with the San Francisco Skating Club or wandering local cafes with her nose in a book and a dessert in her hand.

Brittnay Tobin

Co-Chair

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Brittnay Tobin
Born and raised in the South Bay, Brittnay (she/her/hers) moved to San Francisco in 2009 to pursue her education and a career in venture capitalism. The City emphasized the things she loved most about the Bay Area: rich diversity and vibrant culture; delicious food and beautiful music; but most importantly interesting and passionate people from ALL walks of life. A "Jill-of-all-trades," she has successfully navigated the fields of client account management, cosmetology, real estate, and small-mid sized business operations before realizing her passion lay within event production. Once graduating San Francisco State University, armed with a BA in Liberal Studies, a Minor in International Relations, and a renewed motivation to "BE THE CHANGE,” she pursued her new path. Currently an Event Producer at Winslow & Associates, Inc. (et al) specializing in planning and executing beautiful, engaging, mission-driven events to support and promote Bay Area nonprofits. It only took one event and she immediately fell in love with GLIDE's mission to serve the marginalized and unjustly treated. Their radical motto of UNCONDITIONAL love for every person who needs it, moved her to action. Utilizing the various networks she has amassed with her wide range of experiences, Brittnay hopes to create fruitful new relationships and resources for GLIDE, the Legacy Committee, and the community it serves. In her spare time, Brittnay enjoys spending time with her partner Jon and their two kitties, exploring the coastline; attending live music shows, getting crafty, and spreading cheer with her infectious giggle. "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” - Ralph Waldo Emerso

Naazneen Essabhoy

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Naazneen Essabhoy
As a Bay Area native, Naazneen Essabhoy (she/her/hers) grew up in the East Bay and the Peninsula before leaving the area for “greener pastures” in Washington, D.C., New York, and Denver. After 8 years away, she was eager to come back to the Bay Area and be closer to family and friends. Returning home, Naaz realized how much San Francisco had changed and how heightened some of the social issues she was noticing were in comparison to the other cities she had lived in. Naaz found GLIDE as she set her mind to finding a way to give back to the community that gave her so much growing up, and in long term hopes of seeing a change in the place she plans to call home for the distant future. She joined the Legacy Committee to not only continue educating herself on the various challenges SF faces, but also spread awareness to her Bay Area network and build a stronger younger presence within GLIDE. Today, Naaz works in Business Development at STG Partners looking for interesting companies for them to invest in. In her free time, you can find Naaz travelling, at Barry’s Bootcamp, or hiking around the Bay Area with her sister and their dog Zitto. Naaz graduated from The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.

John Carpentier

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John Carpentier
John Carpentier's (he/him/his) first ever job was as a community liason at San Francisco Suicide Prevention. Through his work there and his own personal experiences, he developed a steadfast passion for mental health advocacy. This passion led him to study Clinical Psychology at New York University, where he would go on to teach and work in the field of positive psychology. Returning to San Francisco, a proud 3rd generation native, John was drawn to champion the rights and bring light to the suffering of the city's unhoused citizens. His volunteer work at places like St. Anthony's and the SF-Marin Food Bank deepened his empathy for those in need throughout the city and led him to accept the role of GLIDE's Corporate Engagement Lead in 2018. In this role, John worked alongside GLIDE's superstar Fund Development team to build a robust and evergreen corporate donor and volunteer program, which will continue to support the organization for years to come. John now works as a Customer Success Manager at Box. He also sits on the Board of Directors of the Harm Reduction Therapy Center, and consults on social impact strategy for nonprofits and corporations throughout the city. He couldn't stay away from GLIDE, and joined the Legacy Committee the day after leaving his full time role. In his free time, John can be found wandering old bookstores, watching movies of questionable quality from the early 2000's, asking strangers if he can pet their dogs, and in search of the city's next great taqueria.

Kiyana Merritt

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Kiyana Merritt
Originally from San Francisco, California Kiyana is a multifaceted creative possessing a masters in social work from Washington University in St. Louis. From coordinating events to 1:1 therapy Kiyana enjoys working with diverse groups of people. As a change agent Kiyana is very passionate about helping others enhance their projects from concept to completion. With a range experience and transferable skills Kiyana started her journey in Social Work at Glide memorial services in 2013 as an Emerging Leader intern. Having a genuine love and connection for Glide; Kiyana returned as a Legacy member in 2016 spearheading the social media department. Kiyana is currently an ACSW licensed under the Board of Behavioral Sciences, with aspirations of having her own private practice servicing creatives, helping them manage their craft & mental health simultaneously. Kiyana has served her community in various sectors such as medical social work, community organizing and philanthropy. In 2020 Kiyana started her own Non-Profit called Sneaker Babe in hopes to give back to her community in a tangible and intentional way. Sneaker Babe collects new and gently worn shoes then distributes them back out to communities who need them. Sneaker Babe has partnered with companies such as Netflix, Larkin Street Youth Services & Boost West Oakland Mentorship Program. Kiyana hopes to continue to leave her footprint at Glide for generations to come

Sasha Sommer

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Sasha Sommer
Sasha (she/her/hers), a Seattle native, has lived in the Bay Area for over 10 years. With family roots coming from the San Francisco area, it felt only natural for her to move here for her undergraduate degree and start her adult life in the city. It was Sasha's uncle that introduced her to GLIDE in 2012 - he lived in San Francisco for over 25 years and frequently attended GLIDE's Sunday Celebrations before passing away. GLIDE's mission of unconditional love and radical acceptance is what made Sasha keep coming back, even after her uncle was gone. Sasha started her SF career in marketing for a small tech start up, but quickly realized that her heart wasn't in it. With her passionate love of dogs, she became a dog walker for 3 years, exploring the city by foot and bike, with many 4-legged friends by her side. It was during this time that she discovered her true passion was in the San Francisco community and decided she knew she needed to be working for a nonprofit. For the last 3 years she has worked for a small women's program that provides intensive medical case management services and life-enriching programs to women suffering with chronic illness and experiencing low income or homelessness. In her spare time, Sasha loves to cuddle with her dog, Hamilton, cook, bake elaborate cakes, get her hands dirty on a pottery wheel or in her garden, and spend time with her partner in Lake Tahoe.

McKenzie Joseph

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McKenzie Joseph
McKenzie (she/her/hers) is a Director of Development & Communications at Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control. She grew up in Central California and attended Colorado State University-Pueblo on an athletic scholarship for softball. After graduating with her BA in Communications, McKenzie made her way back to California to begin her career. She moved to the Bay Area in 2018 and began working in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood where she was introduced to GLIDE’s mission. McKenzie is passionate about making a difference in others’ lives and is grateful to have built her career doing exactly that. In her spare time, she enjoys trail running with her dog, Grey, snuggling with her cat, Sloan, and taking hikes with her partner, followed by a trip to a local brewery.

Kate Andre

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Kate Andre
Originally from the Washington, D.C. area and after spending her life on the East Coast, Kate Andre (she/her/hers) moved to San Francisco in 2022. Kate quickly fell in love with the city and sought ways to contribute to the community in her new home. When she discovered GLIDE, she was inspired to join the Legacy Committee by the group's commitment to radical inclusion and bringing awareness to the issues currently affecting San Francisco. Kate works in product analytics at LinkedIn and, in her free time, you can find her running through Golden Gate Park or traveling to explore new places.

Ian Bright

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Ian Bright
Ian (He/Him) is a global real estate consultant in the ever evolving technology industry. Ian moved to San Francisco's "Tender-Nob" neighborhood two years ago from his hometown of Seattle, WA. Ian holds degrees in Anthropology, Education and International Relations from the University of Washington and Seattle University. He is most passionate in the areas of mental health awareness and empowerment, under addressed populations and developing solutions for the unemployed. Ian was introduced to GLIDE through participation in community events and connecting with current and former LC members. GLIDE's tenants of Radical Inclusivity, Celebrating Community and being in the Service of others has steered him toward serving with his fellow LC colleagues. In his leisure time, Ian enjoys travel, family, hiking, sailing and catching up on his love for reading.

Gabrielle Struckell

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Gabrielle Struckell
Growing up in the flat landscape of landlocked Texas, Gabrielle Struckell (she/her/hers) always dreamed of living in a city where the opportunity for nature adventures is limitless and the water views are ubiquitous. She was ecstatic when a job opportunity in finance led her to San Francisco in the summer of 2019. She immediately fell in love with the city and developed a desire to experience everything the city has to offer – including understanding the needs of the communities within it. She found Glide while looking for opportunities to further engage with the San Francisco community and is looking forward to continue her efforts volunteering, building community, and raising awareness around the injustices in the Bay Area. Today, Gabrielle works as a Corporate Strategy Lead at Bodily, a start up that offers judgment-free, inclusive, evidence-led resources and design-forward products to women at often ignored points of their healthcare journey. Gabrielle graduated from University of Virginia with a BA in Neuroscience and an MS in Commerce.

Adrian Napolitano

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Adrian Napolitano
Adrian Napolitano (he/him) is a Glide member and has been attending Sunday celebration since he was a teenager. A proud alum of Oakland public schools, Adrian believes in working together with people from diverse backgrounds to make the world a better place. His love for his hometown inspired him to study urban studies at UC Berkeley. After graduating, Adrian moved to San Francisco and started working in affordable housing lending at Wells Fargo. After a year there, he moved on to affordable housing development at Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC). While there, Adrian worked on both a rehab of a historic building and high-rise new construction. He is starting a new role as Housing Development project manager for UC Berkeley in February. Adrian is excited to continue to serve the Glide community and the Tenderloin as a member of the Legacy Committee. He also serves on the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California’s Emerging Leaders Peer Network (ELPN) Steering Committee. Outside of work, Adrian enjoys sunrise walks, petting cats, and live music.

Lauren Jamiolkowski

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After growing up and attending college in NC, Lauren Jamiolkowski (she/her/hers) arrived in San Francisco in 2013, eager to grow her career in such a progressive and vibrant city. It wasn’t long until she realized that her long hours as an investment banker left something to be desired. Lauren found GLIDE as she was searching for both perspective and community. Nine years later, she continues to be involved with the meals program, annual toy-drive and Legacy Gala. She has made the bay area her home and is invested in seeing it become a more equitable, just and loving place. Today, Lauren runs a strategy team at Intuit and spends her free time preparing for her little one, adventuring with her partner and pup, making a mess in the kitchen and trying to squeeze more than is physically possible into any given day. Lauren graduated from Duke University as a Benjamin N. Duke Scholar with degrees in Psychology and History.

Past Legacy Committee Events

The 2022 GLIDE Legacy Gala

On August 19, 2022 the GLIDE family gathered together​​​​ to celebrate the Annual GLIDE Legacy Gala in-person for the first time in three years – and what a night it was! The event honored the incredible work of 2022 Legacy Awardees Aimee Allison and Dr. Connie Wun. We heard inspiring speeches from both of them along with Host Priya David Clemens and our beloved Rev. Cecil Williams. Attendees were also treated to the world-renowned GLIDE Ensemble, led by Musical Director Vernon Bush, the rhythms of DJ KingMost, and a rousing performance by poet Ramona Webb.

'Women Leading Change' Panel

On August 11, 2022, Priya David Clemens moderated a powerful virtual conversation with our 2022 Legacy Awardees Aimee Allison and Dr. Connie Wun and GLIDE President and CEO Karen Hanrahan. The participants grappled with recent decisions on Roe v. Wade and other timely topics surrounding equity and fundamental freedoms. Re-watch this incredible conversation here.

The 2020 Virtual Legacy Gala

On Saturday, August 15, 2020 the GLIDE community gathered together virtually for the first time to celebrate the 11th Annual GLIDE Legacy Gala! Over 500 attendees  watched 2020 Legacy Award Honorees, Michael Franti and Amanda Gorman in conversation with GLIDE President and CEO Karen Hanrahan and Minister of Celebration Marvin K. White. Everyone then danced the night away to the intoxicating rhythms of DJ KingMost. Re-live the night here!

10 Years of the Legacy Committee!

In 2019 the GLIDE Legacy Committee celebrated their 10 year anniversary! Watch this commemorative video to learn more about their decade of activism and the legacy of unconditional love they are helping build in San Francisco and beyond!

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