Tagline: Until the Work Is Done
Equality California and Equality California Institute Welcome Six New Board Members
May 5, 2025 at 1:31 pm

In This Section


Connect

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2025

CONTACT: Jorge Reyes Salinas, Equality California
PHONE: (213) 355-3057/MOBILE: (213) 355-3057/EMAIL: press@eqca.org

LOS ANGELES — Equality California and Equality California Institute are pleased to announce the appointment of six new members to their Boards of Directors, broadening the leadership of the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. The appointments were confirmed during the organization’s Quarter Two Board Meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in San Francisco.

“These new board members bring a wealth of expertise, lived experience, and deep commitment to LGBTQ+ equality,” said Tony Hoang, Executive Director at Equality California. “As we face mounting threats to our civil rights and liberties across the country, their leadership will help guide our work to protect and uplift LGBTQ+ communities in California and beyond.”

New Appointees to the Equality California Board of Directors:

  • Spencer Jones – Associate General Counsel, Meta Platforms, Inc.
    A seasoned attorney and former Chief of Staff to Assemblymember Robert Rivas, Spencer brings deep legal expertise in digital commerce, trust and safety, and regulatory compliance, alongside a long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
  • Melissa Cosio – Government Relations Representative, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
    With a community organizing and public policy background, Melissa brings extensive experience in legislative affairs, advocacy, and coalition-building. She has worked in both government and nonprofit sectors, advancing social justice and equity.
  • Tyler (Tye) Gregory – Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC Bay Area)
    A respected nonprofit CEO, Tye has led statewide and national efforts to combat antisemitism and advance LGBTQ+ rights. His leadership connects LGBTQ+, Jewish, and broader civic communities.
  • Dr. Humberto Temporini – Associate Chief Medical Officer, Mental Health & Wellness, Kaiser Permanente
    A board-certified psychiatrist and healthcare executive, Dr. Temporini has been a powerful advocate for accessible, affirming mental health care for LGBTQ+ people and brings decades of leadership experience in healthcare and advocacy.

New Appointees to the Equality California Institute Board of Directors:

  • Christie James – On-Air Host, iHeartRadio; DJ & Founder, Heart of Gold DJs, Inc.
    A proud queer veteran and media personality, Christie uses her platform to uplift LGBTQ+ visibility and create inclusive, celebratory spaces throughout the Bay Area and beyond.
  • Sara Malan – Pro Bono Manager, Perkins Coie LLP
    A dedicated public interest attorney and former managing attorney at the AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Sara brings decades of legal and nonprofit experience, with a lifelong focus on serving LGBTQ+ communities.

These appointments reflect the organization’s continued commitment to diverse leadership and community-rooted governance. Each member brings vital skills and perspectives that will help further Equality California and the Equality California Institute’s shared mission to achieve full, lived equality for all LGBTQ+ people.

For more information about Equality California and to view the full list of board members, visit www.eqca.org.

###

Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org


Share This Story