Boris is raising funds for our LGBT Family's Program
Boris Mikhail
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Your story and goals come first—the financial strategy simply follows. With over 20 years of experience in financial and accounting services, I help individuals, families, and business owners create personalized, tax-smart plans for wealth building, retirement, business transition, and long-term legacy planning. My approach goes beyond investments, focusing on clarity, confidence, and strategies aligned with your values to build a strong foundation for today and the future.
I’m honored to serve as this year’s Champion for the LGBT Family Program here at the Long Island LGBT Network.
Family means different things to different people. For some, it’s who we’re born to. For others, it’s who stands beside us, supports us, and chooses us every single day. The LGBT Family Program exists to make sure that every family — in every form — feels seen, supported, and celebrated.This program provides education, resources, connection, and safe spaces for parents, children, and loved ones navigating their journey together. It strengthens bonds, builds confidence, and reminds families that they are not alone.
I’m proud to stand behind a program that creates belonging, empowers youth, supports parents, and builds a stronger, more inclusive Long Island community.
Juan is raising funds for our Workplace Initative
Juan Garcia
Senior Client Relationship Manager, Mutual Fund and NLI Proxy Solutions, Broadridge
I chose to be a Gala Champion this year because inclusion is not a one-time initiative—it’s an ongoing commitment. After more than six years of partnership, I’ve seen firsthand how intentional education, advocacy, and support can create safer, more welcoming workplaces for LGBTQ+ employees.
This year felt especially meaningful to step forward, not just to celebrate progress, but to visibly reinforce that inclusive workplaces require sustained leadership, allyship, and accountability. Serving as a Gala Champion was an opportunity to amplify that message and help ensure this work continues to grow and evolve.
What motivated me to support this program is its real, measurable impact. The focus on workplace education and hands-on assistance helps organizations move beyond intention and into action—equipping leaders and employees with the tools they need to create environments where LGBTQ+ individuals can show up authentically and thrive.
As someone who values inclusive culture and equity in the workplace, I’m inspired by programs that drive meaningful change, not just awareness. Supporting this initiative aligns deeply with my belief that inclusive workplaces are stronger, more innovative, and better for everyone.
Kenya is raising funds for our Health Access Initiative
Kenya Crafton
Board-certified Nurse Practitioner, Professor and Founder of KC Performance
Kenya Crafton is a board-certified nurse practitioner, professor, and founder of KC Performance, where she is dedicated to providing inclusive, evidence-based, and patient-centered care. She proudly supports the Health Access Initiative because of its commitment to expanding awareness of and access to LGBTQ-affirming healthcare services. As a Gala Champion, Kenya is honored to help raise awareness and funds for programs that create safer, more equitable healthcare spaces for the LGBTQ community.
I chose to be a Gala Champion because equitable, affirming healthcare should never be a barrier to living a healthy and full life. Participating in this Gala allows me to actively support efforts that expand access, visibility, and trust between the LGBTQ community and the healthcare systems meant to serve them.
As a healthcare provider, I have seen firsthand how affirming environments directly impact health outcomes. The Health Access Initiative’s work to support organizations in building inclusive, LGBTQ-affirming services addresses this need at a systems level, helping ensure that individuals feel safe, seen, and supported when seeking care. This mission strongly aligns with both my professional values and personal commitment to advocacy through action.
Marc is raising funds for our LI Sage Program
Marc Hollid-Ausset
CEO & President – CM Performing Arts Center
I am choosing to support the LI SAGE program for older adults because I have always held a deep respect for the members of our LGBTQ+ community who came before us. Without their courage, sacrifice, and persistence, the equality and visibility we experience today would not exist. Their lived experiences and hard-earned wisdom are invaluable, and they continue to guide us as we move forward as a community. The NY LGBT Network’s mission to address the unique needs of Long Island’s LGBT senior community through education, advocacy, and social support deeply resonates with me. Their commitment to inclusive, life-enriching programs that honor people of all ages, genders, races, ethnicities, religions, and economic backgrounds reflects the values I believe in. I believe it is our responsibility to respect, support, and honor the elders who fought for our rights and paved the way. They were my voice when I was a young gay boy, and now I feel a profound responsibility to be their voice in return. Supporting the NY LGBT Network’s LI SAGE program for older adults is my way of giving back, standing beside them, and helping them in the same way they once helped me.
Mike is raising funds for our Friday Night Out Program
Michael Russo
Event Planning and Design – Michael Russo Events
I’ve built my career creating unforgettable experiences — moments where people feel celebrated, seen, and inspired. Whether producing events for the Jonas Brothers, Rihanna, or other incredible talent, my passion has always been about bringing bold visions to life and creating spaces where people can truly shine.
That’s why supporting the NY LGBT Network’s youth programming, especially Friday Night Out, means so much to me. I know firsthand how powerful it is to walk into a space and feel welcomed, valued, and free to be yourself. Every young person deserves that feeling — not just at a major event, but in their everyday life.
For me, this work is about helping create environments where LGBT youth feel confident, connected, and proud of who they are. If we can give young people even one consistent space where they feel safe and celebrated, we’re doing something that can truly change lives.
I’m honored to stand behind this work and help build a stronger, more compassionate community — one where the next generation knows they belong.