InReach’s 2024 Young Professionals Board Year in Review: Expanding LGBTQ+ Resource Access Through Community Action

InReach’s 2024 Young Professionals Board (YPB) has closed out a year of committed service, supporting InReach’s mission to connect LGBTQ+ people facing persecution or discrimination with safe, verified resources. This network of LGBTQ+ and allied young professionals mobilized their communities, raised essential funds, and enhanced resource access for thousands of LGBTQ+ people in need. 

Making a Difference Through Local Impact and Fundraising

Throughout the past year, over 30 YPB members dedicated to strengthen InReach’s work. Through organizing local events, coordinating community outreach, contributing to coding and translation, and researching new service providers for InReach’s platform, they’ve expanded both awareness and access to affirming support. Their efforts also raised over $40,000, helping keep the InReach platform free for everyone and supporting new developments to better serve LGBTQ+ folks across the country. Each micro service project, focused on identifying new safe, affirming providers to add to InReach, has been a valuable step toward building a more inclusive and accessible resource network.

Celebrating Key Contributors

The 2024 YPB Honor Roll recognizes specific members whose contributions went above and beyond:

  • Outstanding Corporate Ally Award: Macquarie Group – Recognizing Macquarie Group’s support through donations, corporate partnerships, and employee engagement, setting an example of corporate allyship in advancing LGBTQ+ equity. 
  • Fundraiser of the Year Award: Pearl Huang (employer: Macquarie Group) – For leading the most successful fundraising campaign, generating crucial funds to reach thousands more LGBTQ+ people in need.
  • Leadership in Action Award: Annika Bassey (employer: Microsoft) – For stepping into key leadership roles, guiding service projects, and inspiring fellow members and her network to actively support InReach.
  • Outstanding New Member Award: Rachel Silverthorn West (employer: Florida International University) – In her first year, Rachel made an immediate impact with her dedication, setting a standard for engagement within the YPB.
  • Commitment to Service Award: Maddisson DeLisle, Kristelle Aisaka (employer: The Jed Foundation), and Tabitha Belshee (employer: SimpleCitizen) – Honoring their dedication to InReach’s mission, Maddisson, Kristelle, and Tabitha have consistently contributed to service projects and community outreach efforts, expanding InReach’s impact and making a tangible difference on LGBTQ+ lives.
  • Community Connector Award: Harper Simpson (employer: Zillow) – For skillfully leveraging personal and professional networks to amplify InReach’s visibility and attract partnerships, Harper showed how individual efforts can drive community impact.
  • Advocacy Ambassador Award: Mallery Robinson – Serving as an ambassador for InReach, Mallery has spread the mission and expanded awareness of LGBTQ+ resource access. 
  • Community Champion Award: Genesis Regalado (employer: University of California, San Francisco) – Recognizing Genesis’s dedication to building community support and advocating for InReach’s work in her community.
  • InReach Spirit Award: Garrett Williams (employer: Achieva) – For bringing unwavering positivity and dedication to the YPB, inspiring others to support InReach’s mission.

Join the Movement: Apply for InReach’s 2025 Young Professionals Board

As InReach works toward reaching 1 million LGBTQ+ people in need by 2030, our Young Professionals Board plays a central role in making this goal achievable. Together, YPB members have shown that small, dedicated efforts can drive meaningful change. 

Are you ready to make a difference and help increase verified LGBTQ+ resources?

Applications for InReach’s 2025 Young Professionals Board are now open! Join a community of young leaders working to ensure that LGBTQ+ people everywhere have access to safe, affirming support.