FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nala Toussaint works with African descendants of diverse backgrounds to support their health goals and well-being. She has extensive experience as an outreach liaison and in coordinating educational and job development services at renowned LGBT public service organizations. Nala is dedicated to addressing racial and gender-based violence and fostering healing within BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. She is the Black Trans Advocacy Coordinator at the National Black Justice Coalition and has provided consulting work and public speaking engagements for organizations and universities, such as Black Women Radicals and Skidmore College. Her impactful work has been featured in various publications, including Essence, Out, and The New York Times.

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION

Rev. Yunus Coldman is an Interfaith Minister and a Transgender community activist. He is also the Eastern Regional Minister of Trans Saints, a Board Member at Rivers of Living Water NY UCC, and a faith leader for New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray’s Unity Project Faith Network Team. He participates in various panel discussions and was awarded the Humanitarian Award in 2018 and the 2019 Inaugural National Trans Visibility March Torch Award for his ministerial work. He is also CEO of Soulful Touch Services, providing both ceremonial services and Reiki healing practices.

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS

A. J. Scruggs, a Black trans man hailing from the East Coast, grew up in Trenton, NJ, was shaped in Baltimore, MD, and refined in Philadelphia, PA during college. In 2016, his life took a turn when he tested positive for HIV. This pivotal moment led him to connect with fellow advocate Achim Howard, a Black trans man, inspiring him to become a voice for those hidden in the shadows of stigma. In late spring of 2018, A. J. Scruggs launched Visible Truth 365, which later evolved into a movement known as #purple365—a social media campaign where he wore purple for 365 days. This movement has since grown into a direct service, resource, and consulting organization. In addition to leading VT365, AJ serves as the Civic Engagement Fellow for PA with TAKE Resource Center in Birmingham, AL. He is also a member of Positively Trans with the Transgender Law Center and a national trainer and certified coach for NMAC's ELEVATE program. A proud member of the Philadelphia HIV Integrated Planning Council, Mr. Scruggs is actively involved in planning and prevention efforts.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

X (they/them) is a Dallas native now based in Harlem, NY. They are a multifaceted artist, poet, facilitator, and community organizer, specializing in BIPOC queer and trans advocacy, design justice, social justice, and arts program management. They co-founded House of Rebirth in Dallas, a transitional center for transgender individuals, where they work closely with youth and adults of color, nurturing their life journeys. Passionate about creating inclusive spaces that encourage creativity and challenge norms, X believes in the power of youth agency and adult advocacy. They use their artistic and technical skills to highlight our shared aspirations and unlock our community's creative potential to shape the future we desire.

COMMUNICATION FOCAL PERSON-EAST AFRICA

Jacob Israel Awity, (They/Them) is a passionate and dedicated Gender Non-Conforming individual and LGBTQ+ Rights Activist. With a proven track record of advocating for equal rights, social justice, and inclusivity, they are deeply committed to advancing the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, with a specific focus on the East region of Africa. Their primary areas of concentration include education, policy reform, and community engagement. Jacob is determined to harness their skills and experience to create a positive impact as an LGBTQ+ Rights Activist.

CO-LEAD FOR GRANT INITIATIVES (Volunteer)

Konjit Avent has served the Midwest for over 20 years through community and behavioral health wrap-around systems for children and families. She will serve as co-lead for sustainable grants and strategic planning while capturing funding opportunities for The R.O.A.D Project. Konjit is an aborisha and lay practitioner of the Lucumi tradition and is an initiated Awo of the Isese tradition-Elegbe. As a cultural liaison in art and culture, she combines her arts background and evaluation skills to assist mission driven, culturally congruent, queer inclusive spaces and programming.

AFRICAN LAISON - LAGOS, NIGERIA

Adunni is a versatile writer with a focus on sociocultural and political topics. Through extensive research, data collection, and elements of journalism, she delves into various social conditions. Her role as a social educator involves disseminating information on vital subjects like social justice, gender equality, advocacy for transgender and gender diverse individuals, sociology, technology, security, and climate conditions. Her work centers around addressing social situations that profoundly impact humanity, with a particular emphasis on those who have diverse gender experiences.

AFRICAN LAISON - KENYA

Sylvia Atieno Otieno, queer mother, is a passionate advocate for inclusion and equal opportunities. As a chef, she believes in the healing power of food, using it as a means to spark conversations and foster reconciliation within the LGBTQ+ community. Sylvia harbors a dream of establishing a center where she can impart livelihood skills to women and girls, empowering them to become self-sufficient. In her free time, when she's not in the kitchen, Sylvia enjoys exploring new culinary creations. She also dedicates her time to advocating for the cessation of oppressive systems in society.

AFRICAN LAISON - UGANDA

Ruthra is a transgender man and a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ human rights and safety. He is the committed founder of the Positive People Initiative and Devin House of Hope, providing a secure sanctuary for transgender individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and homelessness. As a dedicated peer navigator, Ruthra is unwavering in his mission to remove barriers, ensuring that transgender people can access healthcare services without facing stigma or discrimination.

CARIBBEAN LAISON- BARBADOS

Kristopher is dedicated to creating sustainable improvements for queer and trans individuals in the US and worldwide. He is committed to promoting health and wellness within the TGNC community and brings a fitness enthusiast's mindset to his work. As a Benefit Engagement Specialist at an NYC youth organization, Kristopher helps TGNC youth access vital documents and essential healthcare services to ensure they receive the support they need. His work with ROAD and within his community has given him a unique perspective on the challenges facing marginalized communities. Kristopher values the power of community-driven change and collaborates with others to make positive lasting impacts. With his experience in the fitness industry, he develops unique strategies for promoting well-being within the individuals he serves, showing his dedication to empowering the TGNC community in everything he does.

CARIBBEAN LAISON- GUYANA

Twinkle Aria Paul (She/Her) is a Guyanese Transgender organizer and a current undergraduate student at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Twinkle began her journey as a sex worker, and with the support of her Black Trans siblings, she rose in prominence in the arena of advocacy for trans rights in Guyana and the Caribbean. She has been living in NYC for 4 years now and has been active in the fight for Black and brown trans lives. She currently serves as a strategic advisor for Guyana Trans United and a policy advocate for the Caribbean Equality Project. Twinkle will be responsible for managing ROAD’s Social Media Platforms and connecting ROAD’s vision to the Afro- Caribbean TLBGQIA community.

AFRO-CARIBBEAN LAISON- JAMACIA

Rich Richards is a transmasculine Jamaican activist, advocate, and leader. He defies conventional expectations, working as a graphic designer, political consultant, and advocate for marginalized communities. Rich narrates his journey through writing and design, focusing on blackness, trans identity, and 'ghetto identity.' He's a grant-making fellow at Point of Pride, volunteers with LGBT Rights Ghana, co-founded Safety Advocacy Family Equity Jamaica, and collaborates on KINGMAN to combat bullying. As the first openly queer Jamaican to run for political office, he's a trailblazer. Rich empowers marginalized individuals and works to create positive change within his community, with a focus on trans sex worker safety.

CARIBBEAN LAISON- HAITI

Yaisah Micaela Mehu is a Transgender Haitian American woman who became a fierce advocate for Transgender rights in Haiti after facing years of stigma and discrimination. She opened the first safe house for transgender individuals in Haiti in 2020, known as Kay Trans Ayiti, housing 10 transgender people. In 2016, she made history as Haiti's first publicly identified transgender person. Yaisah collaborates with UNAIDS Haiti and LGBTQ+ organizations, working to educate healthcare providers through her organization, ACIFVH. Despite challenges, she continues to champion Transgender rights and combat ignorance and conservatism.

AFRICAN LAISON - CONGO

Mulamba Maxim, an African liaison from Congo, is dedicated to combatting discrimination against trans women. She tirelessly works to eliminate the root causes of human rights violations faced by trans women, including societal portrayal as threats due to their sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity. In Bukavu, over 80% of trans women are homeless, often rejected by their families and forced into rural areas due to threats from authorities and the community, including death threats. Many trans women are left without shelter and resort to prostitution for survival, exposing them to risks like corrective rape, arbitrary arrests, inhuman treatment, and public humiliation. Mulamba Maxim passionately advocates for the rights and well-being of trans women.