Capital Pride announced the appointment of its first-ever Executive Director today, Osmel Guerra Maynes, marking a major step in the organization’s growth – made possible through the support of federal, provincial and municipal funders, as well as its valued sponsors.
Osmel is an experienced social justice activist, non-profit sector executive and seasoned event planner. He was born in the Dominican Republic and was raised in the twin-island state of Antigua and Barbuda. In 2003, he immigrated to Canada as an international student to pursue a degree in Political Science at Carleton University in Ottawa. He has called Canada home for more than 10 years and identifies as an Afro-Latino cisgender queer man.
“As the first Latino Canadian immigrant of African descent to hold this position, I am honoured and excited to have been selected to lead Capital Pride and further its mission, in the first Canadian city I ever called home,” said Guerra Maynes. Osmel is excited and honoured to advance the vision and mission of Capital Pride and strongly believes in the power of inclusion to affect lasting social change. “I look forward to working with the local community to empower all members of the diverse 2SLGBTQ+ communities to live their truth, through the exciting programming we have in store for the National Capital Region. There will be year-round activities to celebrate, educate, advocate and connect people – open to everyone!” he added.
Working with 2SLGBTQ+ organizations in both Toronto and Vancouver, Osmel narrowed his focus on advancing grassroots and province-wide social programming, enhancing the inclusion of marginalized voices, and overseeing effective strategic planning in the non-profit and charitable sectors.
“We are proud and honoured to have someone as special as Osmel accept Capital Pride’s Executive Director position,” said Davy Sabourin, Capital Pride Chairperson. “It was a very competitive and laborious selection process, and Osmel exceeded our expectations,” he added.
“As you know, the organization, festival and programming have been growing and seeing a record number of participants and attendees. Additionally, we continue to dedicate much of our attention and efforts toward elevating Capital Pride’s mission of celebration, education, advocacy and connection. We are confident that Osmel has the right skills and experience to help move our ambitious goals forward” said Tara Paterson, Capital Pride Vice Chair.
The appointment is effective today, January 6, 2020. Capital Pride will be hosting a community reception in the weeks to come where members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and organizations, stakeholders, sponsors and partners, allies and friends will be able to meet Capital Pride’s new Executive Director.
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