{"id":26606,"date":"2025-11-03T10:59:09","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T10:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/26606\/"},"modified":"2025-11-03T10:59:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T10:59:09","slug":"this-new-executive-director-helps-lgbtq-staten-islanders-feel-seen-heard-and-empowered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/26606\/","title":{"rendered":"This new executive director helps LGBTQ+ Staten Islanders feel \u2018seen, heard, and empowered\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Brooklynite Agatha Vassallo, 47, knows firsthand that exploring and expressing your true self takes courage.<\/p>\n

In fact, she admits, it took her until age 30 to explore her sexuality, especially since she grew up in a very \u201cheterosexual environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy personal journey is one many can relate to…[I] didn\u2019t have the space or opportunity to explore my sexuality until later in life,\u201d she said. \u201cThat journey of discovery\u2014often misunderstood as straightforward or linear\u2014led me to embrace my identity as a queer woman.”<\/p>\n

And the personal lessons she has learned have been carried into her career. For the last two years she has worked as the Pride Center of Staten Island\u2019s director of events and operations, helping others feel \u201cseen, heard and empowered.\u201d<\/p>\n

Because of her tireless dedication, Vassallo was recently promoted to executive director of the borough\u2019s Pride Center. <\/p>\n

\u201cI truly manifested serving the community through the Pride Center,\u201d said Vassallo. \u201cI am honored and grateful to lead the Pride Center. This organization has been a lifeline for so many. I look forward to building bridges, expanding our reach, and continuing the advocacy that ensures every person feels seen, valued and supported.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vassallo played a vital role in increasing the Pride Center\u2019s visibility, advocating for inclusion in Staten Island\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Day Parade,<\/a> expanding programs, and developing innovative funding initiatives to sustain community services. After working closely with former Executive Director Carol Bullock,<\/a> the Pride Center\u2019s Board of Directors decided that Vassallo was the right choice to lead the organization into its next phase.<\/p>\n

\"AgathaPictured are Agatha Vassallo (left) with Carol Bullock, the Pride Center’s former executive director.(Courtesy of The Pride Center of Staten Island)<\/p>\n

\u201cAgatha\u2019s leadership, tenacity, and connection to our community make her the ideal choice to guide the Pride Center. The Board is confident that under her direction, the Center will continue to thrive as a beacon of inclusion, advocacy, and support for Staten Island\u2019s LGBTQ+ community,\u201d said Larry Anderson, chairman of the Board of Directors for the Pride Center.<\/p>\n

Said the Honorable Judge Matthew J. Titone, who sits on the center\u2019s Board of Directors: \u201cAs someone who has proudly supported and advocated for the Pride Center since its inception, I am excited to welcome Agatha as its next executive director. At a time when anti-LGBTQ sentiment is rising nationally and yes, locally…strong leadership at home is more important than ever.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"AgathaAgatha Vassallo advocated for inclusion in Staten Island\u2019s St. Patrick\u2019s Parade. The borough’s first inclusive St. Patrick’s Parade occurred in March 2025.(Courtesy of The Pride Center of Staten Island)Career history<\/p>\n

Before joining the Pride Center, Vassallo built a distinguished career as a professional chef and executive leader in the hospitality industry, leading and developing large teams across several for-profit organizations for more than 30 years. <\/p>\n

She also owned and operated her own business,The Five Foot Chef, where her passion for food, creativity, and connection came together to deliver meaningful experiences that celebrated people and culture.<\/p>\n

But during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) she sought to make a greater impact.<\/p>\n

\"AgathaAgatha Vassallo (first row, second from left) at a recent Pride Center event.(Courtesy of The Pride Center of Staten Island)<\/p>\n

During that time, she founded Village of Certainty, a grassroots community initiative that brought people together during the COVID shutdown. Through creative, judgment-free virtual groups and COVID-safe in-person gatherings, Village of Certainty offered members of the LGBTQ+ community \u201cconnection, compassion and hope,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

One standout moment was the \u201cHalloween is Not Cancelled\u201d event\u2014held safely in her backyard\u2014where more than 200 neighborhood children and families came together for games, dancing, Halloween festivities and magic shows. <\/p>\n

\u201cI had women hiding in bushes from their traditional heterosexual families just to join our online support group,\u201d she recalled. \u201cIt was a crazy time, but I\u2019m grateful for the thought that I could even help and support one person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2018Pass the Pride\u2019<\/p>\n

Under Vassallo\u2019s leadership, the Pride Center has launched a new fundraising initiative, \u201cPass the Pride, the Confetti Challenge,<\/a>\u201d a digital campaign designed to sustain and grow programs that provide safe spaces, youth support, mental health services and community education. The campaign invites supporters to \u201cpass the pride forward\u201d by making a contribution toward initiatives that empower individuals.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Pass the Pride campaign is about connection,\u201d Vassallo added. \u201cIt\u2019s a reminder that every act of giving helps another person find belonging and hope and that it extends beyond the traditional Pride Months.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vassallo replaces Melissa Sullivan, who served as the executive director of the Pride Center for a short time, and stepped down due to personal reasons, according to Vassallo. Before that, Bullock headed up the Pride Center for seven years.<\/p>\n

About The Pride Center<\/p>\n

The mission of the Pride Center of Staten Island is \u201cto enhance and sustain the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ and allied communities by providing programs and services that cultivate community; advocate for LGBTQIA+ interests; educate and empower, and provide social support.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatching the Pride Center of Staten Island grow and flourish has been an incredible, continuing journey. Choosing Agatha Vassallo as its next executive director and leader will support the Center\u2019s commitment to equity, justice and quality,\u201d said Community Leader Diane Arneth.<\/p>\n

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