Meet Our Teams

The FLASH Network Core Teams are dedicated to shining a light on queer health.

Our FLASH advisors work with our Board of Directors and researchers to co-design public health initiatives and share crucial sexual health facts and data to better the lives of young queer folks in Florida.

The Best Executive Director Award Goes To…

JJ earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is a Board Certified Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in Maryland and the District of Columbia. He works at the intersection of public & mental health and believes the key to change is transparency, representation, and congruence. JJ is an avid tennis player, compulsive book purchaser, and full time butterfly. He aspires to open up a private practice that provides non and medical case management & psychotherapy to predominately Black and Brown boys.

Outreach Core Team

Hannah is a college student and passionate issues-based communicator, and she believes that communication is the key to societal change, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ youth health and activism. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in public relations & interdisciplinary social sciences and working to open her own art store.

Michaela recently graduated with her Bachelor’s in psychology and is passionate about all things behavioral health. Michaela believes that science, healthcare, and activism serve society the best when these fields are inclusive, and she is particularly interested in uplifting sexual and gender minority voices in conversations surrounding public health and sex education.

Jordan is a writer & educator who is passionate about sexual health, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. She takes an intersectional approach to her work, exploring how multiple marginalized identities influence the way young people build relationships, seek community resources, and navigate social stigma. Jordan recently graduated with honors from Vanderbilt University with her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies. In her free time, Jordan likes to watch animé, host game nights with friends, and explore the city that she calls home. 

Research Core Team

Kayla advocates for housing & tenants rights in Orlando, FL. They have been a FLASH advisor for 2 years where they work to uplift the concerns of BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities related to systematic inequalities & health disparities. Their work aims to ensure the end of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, specifically from Black & Brown LGBTQ+ youth. In their free time, they enjoy cooking luxurious meals for friends & family.

Andy is a Certified Health Education Specialist in Tampa, FL, where they currently work at a sexual health clinic for adolescents & young adults. They’re passionate about addressing the health disparities faced by marginalized peoples, especially queer & trans youth of color, and they earned their Master of Public Health in 2020. In their free time, they garden, read, and play Pokémon.

Education Core Team

Ari Varona earned his Bachelor’s in Public Relations and is passionate about minority representation, mental health & financial independence. His work with organizations that specialize in LGBTQ+ youth care has inclined him to continue working in the sexual & mental health fields.

Joseph recently earned his Bachelor’s in Sociology from Florida Gulf Coast University. He is passionate about uncovering the truth and and listening to underrepresented voices. He hopes to earn his Master’s in Sociology someday and focus his career on academic based research.

Advocacy Core Team

Munesh is college student working in the hospitality field. Since coming out, he has discovered more about himself and works as a FLASH Advisor to provide that same opportunity for self-discovery to others. His greatest goal is to create an environment where everyone feels included and appreciated, regardless of their sexual orientation or ethnicity.

Board of Directors

Our Partnerships