Staff
Nick Ray, Executive Director
Executive Director: Nick Ray – nick@equalityarizona.org
Nick Ray joined the staff of Equality Arizona as Executive Director in July, 2011 bringing more than a decade of management, advocacy, fundraising and public policy research experience gained in the higher education and nonprofit sectors. He has worked in a variety of roles in the higher education and nonprofit sectors for much of the past 10 years, most recently serving as Executive Director at a Phoenix-based LGBTQ youth organization.
Prior to relocating to Arizona he was a Senior Policy Analyst with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Policy Institute in New York City where he served as lead author and editor of a comprehensive analysis of the epidemic of homelessness among LGBT youth. His work has been utilized extensively by advocates, activists, policy makers and social service providers nationwide as well as being cited by media organizations across North America and Western Europe. Nick’s passion for this work is just a part of what drew him to Equality Arizona:
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for me to join one of our community’s most important organizations at a critical time in its history. To enjoy the support of such a distinguished board of directors is humbling, and the opportunity to work with them, Equality Arizona’s dedicated volunteers and elected officials across the state is one that I relish.”
“As Arizona approaches its centenary celebrations there is much we can be proud of, but there is much more we still need to achieve before every person in this state can be said to enjoy equality and the opportunity to pursue their own American dream. I will endeavor to help Equality Arizona deliver on behalf of all those Arizonans who believe that we cannot truly move forward together if we insist on leaving so many behind.”
Nick received a Diploma in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History from Oxford Brookes University in England, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Arizona.
Nick can be reached at nick@equalityarizona.org or 602-650-0900
Jess Mahon
Admin & Development Associate
Administration and Development Associate: Jessica Mahon – jess@equalityarizona.org
Originally from a rural community in Northern Nevada, Jessica Mahon graduated from the University of Notre Dame where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Gender Studies. While at Notre Dame, Jessica’s activities included involvement in the Notre Dame Psychology Club, Student Government, Feminist Voice ND, the Progressive Student Alliance and the unofficial gay-straight alliance. While on campus, she was actively involved in human rights and social justice issues, including efforts to include sexual orientation in the university’s non-discrimination policy and fighting for official recognition of the GSA.
Jessica is currently a graduate student at Arizona State University, where she is working towards a Master’s degree in Social Work, with a focus on planning, administration, and community practice. She spent her foundation year interning for 1n10, the Valley’s only LGBTQ youth organization, and is currently placed with the Arizona Community Action Association. Her professional and academic interests include community organizing, leadership development among at-risk youth, and youth homelessness.
Robbie Lopez Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator
Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator: Roberto “Robbie” Lopez – robbiel@equalityarizona.org
Robbie Lopez lives in Tucson and is attending Arizona State University Downtown. Robbie is pursuing his degree in Nonprofit Leadership & Management. He also previously worked with the Volunteer Center of Southern Arizona. Robbie helped organize Equality Arizona’s volunteers at Phoenix Pride this year, and has since joined our team as our Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator. In that role he is helping to manage our volunteer program, and organizing our tabling and outreach activities at community events.
To get involved, contact Robbie at robbiel@equalityarizona.org or (602) 650-0900.
Toni Hall
Legislative Intern
Legislative Intern: Toni Hall- toni@equalityarizona.org
Toni Hall is originally a Phoenix native but currently resides in Flagstaff where she is attending Northern Arizona University. She is a graduate student obtaining an MS in Applied Criminology with Emphases in Law, Policy & Social Change and Communities & Justice.
Toni has committed her graduate research to LGBT youth and bullying policy reform. Since August 2010 she has worked very closely with NAU to bring forth initiatives for LGBT students such as helping create The NAU Office of LGBTQA Resources and Support, helping plan and volunteer for Coming Out Week activities on campus, driving initiatives for an LGBT Learning Community for freshman students within the Residence Halls as well as worked on a task force to create Gender Inclusive Housing for upper-class students on campus. Toni will serve as the Legislative Intern for Equality Arizona and in this role she will be responsible for researching bullying policies for each school district in Arizona and determining the LGBT-inclusivity of those policies. In addition, she will also design a scoring rubric for each district based on their policy initiatives for LGBT students, faculty and staff.