Tan, a local pharmacist, immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee from war-torn Vietnam in 1989, settling in Cleveland, OH with his mother and three older brothers. He earned his PharmD from the University of Toledo in 2011 and later moved to San Diego in 2016.

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Throughout his career, Tan has been committed to service. As a student, he led monthly AmeriCorps volunteer projects, including preparing meals for families at Ronald McDonald Charities, assisting residents with disabilities at the Josina Lott facility, and supporting the homeless through Cherry Street Mission.

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In recent years, his efforts have focused on mentoring student pharmacists and organizing free community health events. Tan now hopes to further expand his impact by contributing to Casa de Luz and continuing to give back to the community that welcomed him.​​​​

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Jack Nooren immigrated to the United States from Holland in 1989 at age 19. After building a successful career in real estate, he relocated from the Midwest to California in 2008.

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A lifelong supporter of nonprofit work, Jack has contributed to organizations such as the Red Cross, Pathways Behavioral Services, YWCA, Lions Club, and Sports for Exceptional Athletes, among others.

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In 2020, he became actively involved with Casa De Luz in Tijuana, taking on a leadership role to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. He founded a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support fundraising efforts and acquired the property that now houses Casa De Luz’s shelter.

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Passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ refugees, Jack continues to dedicate his time and leadership to creating a safe, supportive space for those seeking refuge and hope.

I was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on January 18, 1957, adopted by two loving parents, and raised in San Antonio, Texas. I came out as gay in 1975 and later lived in New York and Los Angeles before settling in San Diego to care for my best friend, Tino Graziano, who passed from AIDS in 1989. His loss inspired my lifelong commitment to raising funds for organizations supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS, especially Being Alive.

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Over the past 30 years, I’ve served on numerous boards, advised four San Diego mayors, and co-founded charities including the Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation and Grocery Hearts at Mama’s Kitchen.

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Now retired from the food and beverage industry, I devote more time to photography, a passion I’ve pursued for decades. Grateful for my life, I believe every day is a gift and an opportunity to pay goodness forward.

My name is Michael Zarbo, a U.S Air Force veteran. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I am a Quality Engineer for the US Space Force. I have been involved in the LGBTQIA community  since 1992. I have been a chair, co-chair of numerous programs of the Imperial Court such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Scott Carlson Community Dinner and Tijuana AIDS Fund to name a few and recently a committee member of the Harvey Milk Breakfast.

I have an alter ego, Lala Too. I am twice elected Golden Dragon Empress XXXIII and LI of the Imperial Court de San Diego. My alter ego performs locally to raise money for charity.

As a board member I offer myself as a tool to be able to raise awareness and to raise funds needed for Casa de Luz. I am willing to work with the board and the community.

After moving to San Diego from Switzerland in 1998, Markus broke into the construction industry and secured his state contractor's license and opened a custom cabinetry shop. Shortly thereafter he introduced a German cabinet line to San Diego and became an exclusive dealership.

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Make sure to check out Studio Europa for beautiful designs.

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Michael Albo, MD, is Vice Chair and Clinical Professor in the Department of Urology at the University of California, San Diego, where he has served since 1996. He earned his BA in Preprofessional Studies from the University of Notre Dame in 1983, his medical degree from the University of Utah in 1988, completed a urology residency at the University of Virginia in 1994, and a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at UC in 1996.

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Beyond his clinical training, Dr. Albo has demonstrated a strong commitment to service. After graduating from Notre Dame, he joined the Holy Cross Associates as Program Coordinator at Eden Youth Center, supporting underserved youth in California’s East Bay. Following residency, he volunteered at a hospital in Solalá, Guatemala, providing urologic care to rural farming communities, and later at McCormick Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Ed is a retiree who is especially interested in tracking, documenting and presenting the benefits of thoughtful planned immigration and what it provides to our country. He also volunteers for Elderhelp of San Diego, Promises to Kids and is a certified Ombudsman for the state of California Long term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities acting as a resident advocate.

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Manuel is the Policy Advisor, Community Representative, and LGBTQ+ Liaison for San Diego City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, where he guides legislative priorities and community engagement efforts to advance outcomes for local residents.

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He holds a Master of International Affairs and a B.A. in International Studies from UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy, bringing a globally informed, analytical perspective to local government. His work includes advancing community recognition in the legislative process, notably through historical proclamations celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions in San Diego.

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Committed to civic leadership, Manuel completed the Young Professionals Council Academy at the San Diego LGBT Community Center and is enrolled in the Chicano Federation’s Leadership Training Institute. He also volunteered with AfghanEvac, supporting Afghan refugee relocation, and currently serves on the Executive Board of the San Diego Democrats for Equality and the DEI Advisory Committee for the San Diego Diplomacy Council.

Javier Gómez is Director of Global Affairs for San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, where he manages international priorities and community engagement. A longtime member of Gloria’s team, he previously worked in the State Assembly office on homelessness, immigration, and LGBTQ+ issues, and later led the grassroots field campaign that helped secure Gloria’s historic mayoral victory.

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A first-generation college graduate, Javier earned his B.S. in Political Science from San Diego State University, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Vice President of External Relations and President of Phi Gamma Delta.

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Originally from Ventura County, he now serves on the Board of Democrats for Equality, the San Diego Leadership Alliance, and as a statewide representative for the California Democratic Party. In his free time, Javier enjoys sailing, tennis, hiking, skiing, and theater.

Dr. Ed Parsley is a physician trained in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine with over 30 years of clinical experience. He currently works on phase 1–3 clinical trials developing treatments for pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and COVID-19.

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Previously, he spent two decades teaching at the University of Texas, Houston, where he directed the Medical ICU and Respiratory Care Services at Memorial Hermann Hospital, leading nationally recognized patient safety improvements.

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Now based in San Diego, Dr. Parsley owns and practices at Aesthetica Med Spa and Wellness Clinic, serving men, women, and the LGBTQ+ community. He also served on the board of Legacy Community Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center providing comprehensive care to underserved populations.

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He holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery from Oklahoma State University, completed residency and fellowship at UT Houston, and earned a B.S. in Pharmacy.

Moe Girton is the GM and Owner of Gossip Grill and Barrel & Board. She has been working in
and for this community for 24 years. Moe’s mission is to provide a safe and fun environment for
Women and the LGBTQ+ community. She has won numerous Nicky awards including business
woman of the year and has been acknowledged by San Diego Business Journal for being the
top 50 leaders in the LGBTQ+ community twice. Moe was the recipient of the Stonewall award
and grand Marshall in 2021 and has been recognized by our State Senator Toni Atkins and
Many media outlets for her work in the Hillcrest community.