The Center has some exciting news to share with you! Our team has grown!  Join us in welcoming Luke Blankenship (he/him/his), as The Center’s new Development Coordinator.

Luke specializes in donor relations with a background in event planning, financial strategy, magazine production, social media presence and city relations. He is a Tampa Bay transplant, where he was Executive Director of St Pete Pride, Florida’s largest Pride event. Luke has a Bachelor’s in Advertising from the University of South Florida’s Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communication. During his time at USF, he was awarded their LGBT scholarship for academic and advocacy achievement. 

A lifelong LGBTQ+ advocate, Luke has served on boards and volunteered with a variety of organizations, including GLSEN Tampa Bay as a trained certified facilitator, board member of Tampa Bay’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce, President of PRIDE Alliance at USF and volunteer with PFLAG Tampa Bay.

In Luke’s new role he will help imagine and drive the implementation of a strategic fundraising plan. He will work with our team to raise funds, to help grow our programs and services, through individual giving, sustaining donors, corporate giving, and events.

“My passion in life is LGBTQ+ advocacy. I’m elated to join The Center at such an exciting time in its development. In partnership with many people and organizations, we’re going to positively impact thousands of LGBTQ+ lives.” Luke Blankenship, Development Coordinator for The Center – Pride Center San Antonio. 

In addition to Blankenship, The Center welcomes 3 new members to the board of directors. The new members are, James Chavis, Educator/School District Administrator; Rick Gipprich, Director of Program Support, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault; and Cristian Sanchez, Staff Attorney, RAICES. Their wealth of knowledge as well as their personal and professional experiences make them a great addition to our thriving team of dedicated and passionate board members. 

Our staff, interns, board of directors, and volunteers are energized and committed to empowering San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ community.

Thank you for supporting The Center – Pride Center San Antonio and our mission.