Registry

Casa Ruby is a Washington, DC-based organization that provides social, health, and counseling services and programs to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. Their mission is to create successful, positive outcomes for individuals from all walks of live, striving for a world in which these same individual can achieve their dreams without fear of harassment, discrimination, or violence. Today, Casa Ruby provides over 30,000 programs to more than 6,000 individuals within the DC Metro area each year. Both of us have volunteered with the organization in the past and continue to be champions of their cause. We admire Ruby's dedication to her clients and the community, her focus on family and inclusion, and the vision she has for a brighter tomorrow for all.

SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocates and Leaders) supports and empowers LGBTQ youth in Washington, DC. The organization creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains, and advocates for programs, policies, and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood. Both of us have had the opportunity to volunteer with the organization through various service and fundraising activities, and we proudly support both SMYAL's mission and continued work. Given recent events, we hope that SMYAL may continue to provide both in-person and virtual services to our region's future leaders and role models.