As I settle in with the team—and begin building a foundation grounded in listening and thoughtful consideration—I know the questions on our community’s minds are growing more urgent: Who is she? What does she stand for? And will she stay?
I have a track record of longevity. In my previous leadership roles, I stayed until the goals were achieved. I have endured and navigated leadership during complex times and came out stronger on the other side. I am here for the long haul because I am dedicated to a singular goal: to permanently stabilize this organization’s future—no matter how long I hold this seat.
It’s not lost on me that this role is unlike any I’ve held before. Yet, it already feels more like home than anything I’ve done. It’s clear to me that this position requires me to bring my whole self to the work. In the months ahead, I’ll begin to show you who I am through action: in moments of progress and triumph, in moments of adversity, and in the difficult conversations that move us forward.
I am an artist—I have outlets for my joy. I am an entrepreneur —I understand business. But I don’t look to this role to satisfy a creative itch, or to get rich. My dream job, if such a thing exists, is to be a philanthropist. I am here because I need my work to satisfy a deep, spiritual need for impact and legacy.
I am starting the “back half” of my career. (I promise, I am older than I look!) And at this stage, I have a clear mission: I want to ensure this organization is strong enough to write the checks that change the world.
That brings us to the heart of San Diego Pride.
We are known as the most philanthropic Pride in the world. That is our distinction. That is our superpower. Maintaining and growing that capacity is my primary focus. From my “bird’s eye view” in these first few weeks, I can see clearly that our philanthropy is the seed that feeds the most birds.
But an abundance mindset requires strategy. For us to feed the community, we must ensure our harvest is plentiful.
• That means we must execute a safe and successful, world-class Festival and Parade each year.
• That means we must engage corporate partners and donors authentically, far beyond a logo on a float.
• That means we must make mindful investments in our own infrastructure so we can endure whatever the future holds.
We do this so that we can pour every available dollar back into our year-round education and advocacy programs, and into our community grants—funding the most initiatives right here at home while also extending our impact across the nation and around the globe.
I love the party. I love the joy. But make no mistake: I am ready for the bigger fight this political climate demands. I view our celebration as the fuel for that fight.
My vision for us is simple: Growth. I want to grow our reach, grow our capacity, and grow our impact. I won’t rest until we add a comma to the big check we present to the community at the end of the year.
We build that abundance by showing up for one another. If you want to witness the creativity and history that is woven into this community, I invite you to join me at The Fabric of Pride. It is a perfect example of how we celebrate our culture while fueling the mission.
Come see the threads that bind us, and help us design what comes next.
Join me: https://sdpride.org/fabricofpride/
We better work!
KishaLynn Elliott
Executive Director
San Diego Pride
