Board Member Highlight: A Conversation with Isadora Santos-Lesaca
At OC Pride, our Board of Directors is made up of passionate individuals who devote countless hours to creating spaces where the LGBTQIA+ community can thrive. This month, we’re proud to spotlight Isadora Santos-Lesaca, Director of Operations and dedicated board member, whose commitment to visibility, advocacy, and joy continues to inspire us all.
What inspired you to join the OC Pride Board of Directors?
I started volunteering and attending board meetings. At those meetings, I saw how hard everyone worked to put this event together and how passionate everyone was. That inspired me to get more involved and eventually led to me becoming a board member and now Director of Operations.
Why do you feel Pride is more important than ever right now?
When our very existence is being targeted and rights are being taken away, especially for our trans community, we don’t back down. We fight. And we fight by living life, finding joy together, and advocating for our community. Pride provides a safe space for us to gather as a community and express ourselves freely and joyfully.
What does this year’s theme, “Revolutionary: Louder Than Ever,” mean to you personally?
It reminds me that Pride has always been a protest. Living loud and proud shows that we are not going anywhere.
What has been one of your most meaningful moments working with OC Pride?
I don’t know that I can pick just one moment, but what always stands out for me is when people reach out trying to find a community for their child, nibbling, or friend who recently came out and doesn’t know where to go or what to do. The fact that we exist as a resource and a place for people to find community is what is most meaningful to me.
What message would you like to share with the community during these uncertain times?
We are here for you. You are not alone. We are all in this together and we will find a way through.
What are your hopes for the future of OC Pride?
I hope for the parade and festival to grow in attendance every year so more of our community can come together with us. I also hope that we can do more events throughout the year for our community.
Isadora’s leadership as Director of Operations helps keep OC Pride running smoothly behind the scenes and ensures our events remain safe, welcoming, and vibrant. Stay tuned for more stories from the leaders who make OC Pride possible. Together, we will continue to stand proud, celebrate our resilience, and build a brighter future.
