Meet the Equality NC Foundation Board

Ivan Canada rejoined the board of the Equality NC Foundation in 2018, after having served a 3-year term over ten years ago. He lives in Greensboro where he is involved in numerous community efforts and organizations. Ivan currently serves as the executive director of NCCJ of the Piedmont Triad, a human relations organization that promotes understanding and respect among all cultures, races, and religions through education, dialogue, and advocacy. As a native North Carolinian, he is committed to making his home state a more welcoming and inclusive place for all people.

Canada holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been recognized by the Triad Business Journal as a "Forty Leader Under 40" as well as the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce with the "Change Agent Award". He also serves as Vice-Chair of the board of directors for the Center for NC Nonprofits.

Robert is a retired banking executive who spent more than 36 years in financial services. Robert is originally from Louisiana but has lived in North Carolina for 24 years, currently residing in Charlotte. He most recently served as Board Treasurer of Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, where he also co-chaired two AIDS Walk Charlotte & received the Red Ribbon Award for more than 15 years of dedication to the organization. Robert also served on the Board of Governors for the Human Rights campaign for 5 years, co-chaired two HRC galas, and was named Steering Committee Leader of the Year. Robert is a founding member of the Charlotte Lesbian & Gay Fund and a past President of the FTS Foundation, providing more than $2 million to LGBTQ organizations. When not working for equality and justice, Robert enjoys traveling, dining out and spending time with friends. He is an avid Carolina Panthers fan and you will find him at every home game and entertaining friends on the “Sipping Porch”.

A native of Kittrell, North Carolina and a 1998 graduate of Livingstone College with a degree in Sociology. He devotes his life to his family and friends and the advancement and development of young people. Ray is the current Director of New Student Orientation and Transition Programs at Winston-Salem State University where he serves as the advisor to the Student Government Association, the Class of 2022 and PRISM (LGBTQ Organization) on campus. He also serves as the Founder and Advisor for the NASAP Student Leadership Institute National HBCU SGA Presidents Consortium. He holds active memberships with Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity and Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated where he is a financial member of the Beta Mu Lambda Graduate Chapter in Salisbury, NC and is the Southern Region Alpha Advisor Chair. He also is an active member of the Winston-Salem Chapter of the Livingstone College Alumni Association where he is chapter treasurer.