Afrika America

Social Justice Warrior, Activist, Producer and Performer!.... These are just a few adjectives that characterize the Absolute Empress 60 of San Francisco, Drag Out the Vote Ambassador and aspiring Queen Mother II of the ICS/ICC.

My leadership skills coupled with vendor negotiation and relationship management experience and community engagement make me a prime candidate to help the organization and by extension, the individual courts move, transform, grow and continue the legacy of Mama José Sarria.

As a Monarch, I was able to, with my Emperor

• Bring 13 leaders/titleholders to our court, which signals new blood and lifeline for the council.
• Re-engage not only with the larger San Francisco LGBTQIA community, but create a real bridge and network within the Leather community.
• Travel to over 27 Coronations, connecting with large and small courts alike to represent San Francisco and create lasting relationships, while raising over $25K for multiple monarchs travel funds with the other I-5 Monarchs. This accomplishment enabled me to break bread and fellowship with so many of our different courtiers. You got to see a little taste of my leadership and joy. Can you imagine if that was harnessed on a grander scale? Think about it!

As a Drag out the Vote Ambassador

• Engaged in both online and in person initiatives around the country that helped grow registrations
• Performed along side many Drag Race artists while utilizing all of our platforms to engage with a wide demographic

It is my belief, and of many, that we are at a crossroads and in the midst of major transformation that will either strengthen our courts and the system, or left as they are, die a most unceremonious death. That we cannot allow. While I was not seeking this, it seems as I have been called to duty to step up, bring joy, unity and continuity to the system, while finding a new balance for our courts. The umbrella has broadened and the tent is BIG ENOUGH for ALL OF US!

I’ve also had extensive leadership experience in the following non-profits:

Cheer San Francisco (1999 - 2016)

• Raised over $500,000 for charities who gave direct care for people living with HIV/AIDS and other life threatening diseases
• Cheer For Life Foundation Board (Secretary 2005 - 2010 & Board Chair 2010 - 2016)

Gay Games (2002 - 2014)

• 2006 - Cultural Manager for Chicago Games
• Oversaw over 700 performing artists in Opening/Closing Ceremonies and concert/events
• 2010 - Cultural Spokesperson & TV Host for Cologne Games
• 2014 - Gay Games Cleveland Medal of Honor recipient and Producer - 1st official Cheerleading competition

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (2006 - 2017)

• Member & Section leader entire tenure
• Chorus Coordinator: Singer management for start and stop of in venue rehearsals and stage placement
• Guest Artists Liaison (Stephan Schwartz, Jennifer Holiday, etc...)
• Music Director of the SWAG music ensemble

Work Experience

• Over 10 years finance & marketing management with Gap Inc., and MillerCoors
• Managed $50M of spend - Rollout coordination, data analysis and cost saving services
• Special Event Production through to execution
• Over 10 year’s aviation experience

In closing, I hope that you will consider me as your candidate for this Titular Head role. May we have a fruitful Queen Mother election season.