Who We Are

Staff/Personal

Dirk McCall, Executive Director

Dirk McCall is the Executive Director of the Bronx Community Pride Center, Inc.  Responsible for oversight of the agency, he works with the staff to set the goals and priorities of BCPC and ensures the implementation of their shared vision.

McCall served as President, Vice President and Secretary of the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC and as a Board member for the past 16 years, and sits on the Board of the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens.  He currently serves as President of the Powhatan and Pocahontas Regular Democratic Club of Queens.

Originally from the South, Dirk has lived in NYC for nearly 2 decades.  Raised in a military family, Dirk grew up on Army bases, though his family hails from Central Tennessee and North Georgia.  A 17 year resident of Astoria, in Western Queens, Dirk was one of the Grand Marshalls for the 2005 Queens Pride Parade.  In 2004, Dirk founded the LGBT Caucus of New York State Young Democrats.  In 2006, Dirk co-founded Out Astoria, a social organization for the LGBT community in Astoria and LIC. (In 2006, Dirk was honored by PFLAG Queens with the Morty Manford Award in 2006, the Gay American Award from AVERNY (American Veterans for Equal Rights New York) in 2005, the Winter Pride Award from the Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee in 2007 and the Stay Close Individual Leadership Award from PFLAG NYC in 2008.

Professionally, Dirk served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Campaign Manager for Mark Weprin for Council, Executive Director of the Greenwich Village – Chelsea Chamber of Commerce and as the Director of External Affairs for QSAC (Quality Services for the Autism Community).  Dirk was Chief of Staff to NYC Council Member Alan Jay Gerson (District 1 – Lower Manhattan, including Ground Zero) where he was one of the leaders in the fight to secure funding for services for homeless LGBT Youth and was the point person for DASA (Dignity in All Schools Act).  Dirk helped spearhead the passage of a resolution calling for the repeal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy, one of the first by any municipality in the country. Dirk worked in government relations for two firms, Capalino + Company and Kathy Zamechansky and Associates, where he worked in the areas of nightlife, real estate development and health care, and where he honed his political fundraising skills.  He also served as the LGBT liaison and Community Affairs staff for Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields.

A Summa Cum Laude Graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, he attended the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University where he secured a Masters Degree.

Demetrius McCord, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Development

Demetrius McCord holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Scranton and a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School of Union University.  In college, Demetrius was a staff writer for the University’s student newspaper, as well as a gymnast.

A native-resident of the Bronx, Demetrius previously held positions in insurance claims and as an adjunct college instructor before joining our staff.   Since high school, Demetrius has been actively involved in the community, primarily as a volunteer for a HIV/AIDS assisted living facility.

Some of Demetrius’s responsibilities as the Director of Development include grant writing, researching prospective donors through online and other sources, and coordinating the planning of special events.  He was also appointed Co-Chair of 5th Annual Bronx Pride Festival 2010.

In his free time, Demetrius enjoys playing piano, violin, and reading.

Francisco Lazala, Director of Programs

Francisco J. Lazala was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States at the age of 14 years old in 1985. He earned his B.A. degree in Sociology from Lehman College in 1996 and earned one year towards his Masters degree in Non-Profit Management from the New School University in 1999.

Francisco (Cisco) is currently employed full time at the Harm Reduction Educators (NYHRE). He currently holds the title of Coordinator of Structured Interventations and Integrated Services at NYHRE. He is also working part time as the Outreach Coordinator for the Bronx Community Pride Center (BCPC). In addition, he was recently hired as the Executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization (GALDE). Cisco was the director of several programs at the Latino Commission on AIDS. He served as director of the Mpowerment Program, an HIV prevention program targeting gay & bi men and the SOMOS Program, a city-wide anti homophobia project. In addition, he was the director of their Crystal Meth Initiative and deputy director of Mano a Mano, a capacity building program targeting gay Latino grassroots organizations. Previously, he was the program coordinator for outreach & education and LGBT services at Alianza Dominicana, uptown Manhattan. Prior to working for Alianza Dominicana, he was the program coordinator for LGBT services at the Young Adults Against Drugs & Alcohol in the Bronx.

In addition, Francisco is the founder & chair of the Gay and Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization (G.A.L.D.E.). He has served on the boards of the Lavender Center of the Bronx, Lesbian & Gay Community Center of the Bronx; NYS Department of Health AIDS Prevention Planning Group (PPG); Latino/a Pa’Fuera, Pa’Lante Conference; Host Committee of the National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization (LLEGO); Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer’s Gay/Lesbian Health Care Network; AIDS Advisory Council of Assemblyman Roberto Ramirez and was the president of the Bisexual, Lesbian and Gay Empowered Students (B.L.A.G.E.S.) of Lehman College.

Francisco also coordinates the biggest LGBT Dominican Picnic / Health Fair in the US for the last 14 years. The activity attracts over 2,000 people every year. In addition, he has served as consultant for The Bronx Pride Community Center, Columbia University, Amigos Siempre Amigos (ASA) and and he organizes retreats and conferences for several non-profit organizations in the US and the Dominican Republic.

In his spare time, Francisco likes to play handball, tennis and spend as much time as he can watching TV.

Temi Aregbesola, Director, Prevention

Temi Aregbesola holds a Bachelor of Science in Life Science from Penn State University and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). Temi was previously a coordinator for medical students’ and pediatrics’ residents at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. She has also worked as a health educator with the GO GIRL! Program, at Bronx AIDS Services. At BCPC, Temi coordinates the new and exciting Street Smart Plus project. Temi is working to modify a Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Intervention aimed at youth in the MSM population.

Temi has a unique ability to appeal to and communicate with people on personal, social, and business levels. She is a dynamic leader and team builder, consistently motivating others toward success. Temi is a highly motivated individual who enjoys dedicating her energy to all things youth-related, especially prevention and empowerment within underserved populations. She is a go-getter, and always willing to engage in new challenges to further her career and personal growth, and growth of others. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health with a focus on Community Health Education and Promotion.

Kennesha Trueblood, Case Manager

Ms. Trueblood was born and raised in Harlem, NY. She has been an HIV/AIDS activist since 1996 and has worked in all 5 boroughs as well as Westchester, with her focus being on HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ community.

Ms. Trueblood started her career at Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health Center where she worked as a peer educator. Kennesha has been an active member of the House/Ballroom community where she has brought a prevention message to the young people she engages. Currently she serves as Case Manager at the Bronx Community Pride Center where she oversees a caseload of 30 youth and helps plan the day to day programming for the Spot Next Door. She is an accomplished makeup artist and has worked with Def Jam and Atlantic Records.

Marie Spivey, L-Group Coordinator

Leslie Frederick, MSW, Social Worker

Ms. Frederick holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College and a Masters in Social Work from Yeshiva. Ms. Frederick was previously the MSW supervisor at New York Foundling and served as a Case worker at Spence Chapin. She has worked with at risk youth with a focus on young women.

Ms. Frederick retired from New York Foundling, but never one to sit idle, offered her services at BCPC. Ms. Frederick enjoys socializing with friends, reading and has recently began swimming in her spare time.

Ernestine Smiley, Foster Grandparent

Ernestine has been with the BCPC for the last four years as a Foster Grandparent working with the young people of the Spot Next Door. “Smiley” as she is affectionately called works in the media/computer lab, assists with tutoring, and also assists with serving lunch daily. Never one to miss a day of work, Smiley Is the first one in the office ready to offer her assistance.

A member of the “L” Group, Smiley is adamant in restarting the group to ensure that older women have a safe space to network and socialize.

Twiggy Garcon, Youth Activities Coordinator

Twiggy was born in Portsmouth, VA and has been an active member of the ballroom community for 7 years. Recently, Twiggy became a part of the Kiki ballroom scene and is the Founder and Overall Mother of the Haus of P.U.C.C.I… Peers United for Community Causes Initiative. Twiggy has worked as a professional makeup artist for seven years, working at Mercedes Benz Fashion week for four seasons. Currently he is employed as a Community Health Specialist, a position he has held for the last two years and works at BCPC as the Youth Activities Coordinator where he is instrumental in engaging the young people of the Kiki house/ballroom scene.

Savannah Hornback, CRCS, Transgender Program Manager

Ms Hornback joined BCPC in August 2011 to oversee the transgender programming at BCPC. Ms Hornback has been in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention for eight years and has worked providing direct services to marginalized communities with a host of CBO’s in the South Bronx.

Since Ms Hornback Moved from Philadelphia where she was studying Clinical Social Work and Social Policy she has dedicated her professional life to working and serving the transgender and gender non-conforming communities.  As a affluent member of the transgender community Savannah have influenced transgender policy at both the national level as well as the state level. In 2008 Ms Hornback beginning working toward the development of her own 501(c)3 and is grateful to have the opportunity to give back to her community.

In addition to her professional responsibilities at BCPC, Ms Hornback also sit on the New York State Department of Health’s Prevention Planning Group(PPG) and advises public health officials on emerging needs within the communities she serves. In 2009 Ms Hornback successfully completed her training and became a Comprehensive Risk Assessment Counselor(CRCS).

From her early beginnings in a small southern town to the big city she has held stead-fast to the saying that as long as the bonds that tie us together or stronger then those that seeks to divide us then equality for all is within reach.

Charly Joaquin Dominguez, Case Manager/Vision Crew Arts Program Facilitator

Charly is a dynamic 30 year old Artist, Activist, and Community Health Specialist who has worked in several non-profit organizations in NYC since the age of 15, as an outreach worker, counselor phlebotomist, and Community Health Specialist.  Among the groups for whom he has worked are the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Alianza Dominicana, GMHC, FACES NY, Mocha Project Rochester, and now the  Bronx Community Pride Center.

Charly has created many arts based programming and events infusing messages of social empowerment, community building and support.  The Vision Crew is the latest program with many areas of the arts being used as a form of self expression, healing, and empowerment for the youth of BCPC.  It also serves as a possibility for young artists to meet established professionals in the world of art, who can give them guidance as to how to start their educational and professional carreers in the arts.

“I believe that art is a language each person carries within that can be the medicine to express what an individual is dealing with in their personal lives, and can be a healing and  transformational process,” explained Mr. Dominguez.

Sage Rivera, HIV Prevention & Services Coordinator

Sage Rivera began as an advocate in the community at the age of 15 as a peer educator. Sage’s dedication to his vision of community empowerment and education led him to the Bronx Community Pride Center. Upon graduating the NYDOH and Columbia University’s TEACH program in 2002, Sage has gone on to help create and implement programs in various agencies such as, GMHC, HMI, Mt. Sinai Hospital, and Harlem United.

As the HIV Prevention and Services Coordinator at the Bronx Community Pride Center, Sage’s goal is to help lower HIV prevalence and ignorance in the Bronx and throughout the tri-state area. Sage served as the Chairman for the Bronx Pride Festival in 2007 and 2008. As a participant in the House/Ballroom scene for the last 12 years, he acquired vast knowledge and experience that he is using to advance the scene’s popularity and message. In addition to his work at the Bronx Community Pride Center, Sage is currently the Creative Director of Vogue Evolution, America’s premier vogue dance company.

Manuel Mendoza, Office Manager

Manuel Mendoza is a life-long resident of the Bronx. Born in LincolnHospital only a few blocks west of the Bronx Community Pride Center, Manny was destined to play a role in the civic life of the South Bronx. A graduate of the Harvey Milk High School of the Hetrick-Martin Institute and a former employee of both the center and school, Manny is familiar with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organizing and community relations.

Starting as a volunteer with the Pride Center in mid 2010, Manny quickly made an impact and was brought on board as a member of the Bronx Pride staff in October, 2010. Manny coordinates data entry for both the Prevention Department and the Finance Department. He is a heavy reader, a dedicated gamer and a full time proud Geek. He has an affinity towards both Europe and Asia and hopes to visit both. His interests include foreign gore movies and his wonderful cat, Dora.

Dirk McCall, Ejecutivo Director

Dirk McCall es el Director Ejecutivo del centro de orgullo comunitario del Bronx, Responsable del manejo de la agencia, trabaja con el personal para establecer los roles y prioridades del centro en mención y asegurarse de la implementación de su visión compartida. McCall sirvió como presidente, vicepresidente y secretario del club democrático de Stonewall de la ciudad de nueva york y como miembro de la mesa directiva  por los últimos 16 años,  también pertenece  a la mesa directiva  del club democrático gay y lesbiano de Queens. Actualmente se desempeña como el presidente del club democrático regular Powhatan y Pocahontas de Queens.

Originario del sur, Dirk ha vivido en la ciudad de Nueva York por cerca de dos décadas. Fue criado en una familia militar, Dirk creció en las bases militares, aunque su familia surge del centro de Tennessee y el Norte de Georgia. Un residente de 17 anos de la ciudad de Astoria en  Queens occidental, Dirk fue uno de los invitados de honor en el Desfile del orgullo gay de Queens en el 2005.  En el 2004, Dirk fundó  el “caucus” capitulo  lesbiano, gay bisexual y transexual de los demócratas jóvenes del estado de nueva york. En el 2006, Dirk co-fundo Afuera Astoria, una organización social para la comunidad lesbiana gay bisexual y transgénero en Astoria y LIC. En el 2006,  Dirk fue honrado por PFLAG Queens con el premio Morty Manford en el 2006, el premio gay americano de AVERNY (Veteranos Americanos por la igualdad de derechos Nueva York)  en el 2005,  el premio invernal de orgullo de  el comité lesbiano, gay, bisexual y transgenero de Queens en el 2007 y el premio permanece cerca liderazgo individual de PFLAG (padres y amigos de lesbianas y gays) Ciudad de Nueva York en el 2008.

Profesionalmente, Dirk sirvió como Diputado administrador de la campaña para la congresista Carolyn Maloney, Administrador de la campaña para Mark Weprin para el consejo, Director ejecutivo  de la cámara de comercio de Greenwich Village-Chelsea y como director de los asuntos externos para QSAC (Servicios de Calidad para la comunidad Autística) Dirk fue jefe de personal  del miembro del consejo de Nueva >York Alan Jay Gerson(distrito 1- Bajo Manhattan, incluyendo la zona Cero) donde el fue uno de los lideres en la lucha para asegurar fondos para los servicios a los indigentes jóvenes lesbianas, gays, bisexuales y transexuales y fue la persona leader para DASA (Acto para la dignidad en todas las escuelas) Dirk ayudo a implementar la aprobación de la resolución para solicitar la derogación de la política No Preguntes No digas, uno de los primeros realizados por una municipalidad del país. Dirk trabajo en relaciones gubernamentales para dos firmas, Compañía Capalino y Kathy Zamechansky y asociados, donde el trabajo en las áreas de vida nocturna, desarrollo de finca raíz y salud, y donde agudizo sus habilidades como recaudador de fondos. También sirvió como nexo de la comunidad lesbiana gay, bisexual y transexual y el personal de los asuntos comunitarios  para la presidenta de Manhattan Borough C. Virginia Fields.  Un graduado  Summa Cum Laude de la Universidad Emory de Atlanta, Dirk asistió a la escuela graduada de artes y ciencias en la universidad de Columbia donde obtuvo un grado de >Máster.

Demetrius McCord,Director Ejecutivo Adjunto y Director de Desarrollo

Demetris McCord posee un título universitario de artes en Ingles de la universidad de Scranton y un doctorado  de la escuela de leyes de Albany de la universidad Unión. En la universidad, Demetrius trabajo como escritor para el periódico estudiantil de la universidad, igualmente, fue gimnasta. Un residente nativo del Bronx, Demetrius previamente tuvo trabajos en compañías de seguros   y fue instructor adjunto de universidad antes de unirse a nuestro personal. Desde la secundaria, Demetrius  ha estado altamente involucrado con la comunidad, primeramente como voluntario  para un lugar de vivienda asistida  de personas con VIH y SIDA.
Algunas de las responsabilidades de Demetrius como director de desarrollo incluye la diligenciacion de formularios para la obtención de becas y fondos, la búsqueda de donantes potenciales  a tra ves de la internet y otras fuentes y la coordinación y planeación de eventos especiales. También fue seleccionado como Co-director del  quinto festival del orgullo del Bronx en el 2010.
En su tiempo libre, Demetrius disfruta el tocar el piano, el violín y la lectura.

Temi AregbesolaDirector de Prevención

Temi Aregbesola posee un grado universitario de la universidad estatal Penn en Ciencias y un Masters en Salud pública de la universidad de medicina y odontología de Nueva Jersey (UMDNJ). Temi fue previamente coordinadora para estudiantes de medicina y pediatría residentes  en el centro médico de Newark Beth Israel en Nueva Jersey. También ha trabajado como educadora de salud con el programa, Adelante Chica! en los servicios de sida del Bronx. En BCPC, Temi coordina el nuevo y emocionante  Proyecto de  gente callejera inteligente y más. Temi está trabajando para modificar una difusión de intervención efectiva de comportamiento canalizada a la juventud en la población MSM.
Temi tiene una habilidad única para llegar  y comunicarse con la gente  en los niveles personales, sociales y de negocios. Es una  líder dinámica y constructora de equipo, constantemente motivando a otros a lograr el éxito. Temi es una persona altamente motivada quien disfruta el dedicar su energía a todas las cosas relacionadas con la juventud especialmente la prevención y el  fortalecimiento  de las poblaciones menos favorecidas. Es una persona con Tmucho ahínco y siempre está dispuesta a involucrarse en nuevos desafíos para crecer en su carrera su formación personal y el crecimiento de los otros. Ella actualmente esta obteniendo un doctorado en salud pública con énfasis en  la promoción de la salud y educación

Sage Rivera. Coordinador de servicios y Prevención de VIH.

Sage Rivera comenzó como un pionero en la comunidad a la edad de 15 años como un educador de compañeros de su misma edad. La dedicación de Sage a su visión por el fortalecimiento y educación de la comunidad, lo trajo al Centro Comunitario del Orgullo del Bronx. Al graduarse de la NYDOH y del programa de enseñanza de la universidad de Columbia en el 2002 Sage ha ayudando a crear e implementar programas en varias agencias tales como GMHC, HMI. el hospital de MT. Sinai y  Harlem United.
Como el coordinador de servicios y prevención de VIH en el Centro Comunitario del Orgullo del Bronx, la meta de Sage es ayudar a disminuir la prevalencia y la ignorancia sobre el VIH en el Bronx y el  área tri-estatal. Sage fue el director del festival del orgullo del Bronx en el 207 y el 2008. Como participe en el mundo del baile de salón por los últimos 12 años, ha adquirido la experiencia y el conocimiento que está usando para ayudar a difundir el mensaje en este medio. Adicionalmente  a su trabajo en el centro comunitario del orgullo del Bronx, Sage actualmente  es el director creativo de  Vogue Evolución, La compañía más importante de baile Vogue en América.