Meet the Equality NC Foundation Board

Our board is at the heart of what we do. They help us live up to our mission: building LGBTQ+ power through advocacy, education, and uplifting the stories of queer and trans North Carolinians in pursuit of racial and social justice.

Click here to view the members of the Equality NC board.

Ivan Canada (he/him)

Chair

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.

Adrian Parra (they/he/she)

Secretary

Adrian is a non-binary, latinx individual who uses they, he, and she pronouns fluidly. They currently serve as the executive director of Youth OUTright, and recently joined the C3 board of Equality North Carolina. Adrian feels honored to build power with the LGBTQIA+ youth of WNC, cultivating a culture of consent, equity and compassion. He prioritizes self-determination and facilitating intersectional and intergenerational dialogue within their youth organizing. She comes to social justice work from a background in fine art photography and printmaking, and celebrates creative approaches to organizing for Justice. Outside of youth organizing you might find them on a hiking trail chasing waterfalls with their pup DandyLion, or dancing in their living room to anything from clarinet to dubstep.

Robert Dogens (he/him)

Treasurer

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”.

Orlando Mitchell (he/him)

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.

Collins Saint (they/them)

Collins is an education attorney with a passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work, whether that's in the courtroom, the boardroom, or the classroom. With years of experience in the legal field, they have a strong understanding of the education system and how it intersects with various legal issues.

In addition to their legal background, they also work as a DEI consultant and trainer, helping organizations and individuals create inclusive and equitable environments. They truly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are crucial for success in any industry, and they are dedicated to helping others understand and implement these principles.

In their free time, you can find them exploring the great outdoors, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or deepening their meditation practice.

Join Our Board

We welcome folks from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life to join our board. We especially encourage QTBIPOC people and folks with experience in HR, finance, and fundraising to apply.

If you'd like to join our board, apply here!

Join Our Board
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