Growing & Glowing: Welcoming New Board Leadership
Stonewall’s Board of Directors welcomes new leadership, fortifying our mission for 2026 and beyond
February 2026
Stonewall Community Foundation is proud to announce a brilliant new leadership slate on our Board of Directors. As anti-LGBTQ+ — and particularly anti-trans — violence and legislation escalate nationwide, these intentional shifts in leadership underscore our organization’s commitment to meeting the moment with clarity, heart, and deep accountability to our community.
Across the U.S., trans and gender-expansive people are facing unprecedented legislative attacks, immigrants are being targeted and criminalized, and LGBTQ+ organizations — especially those led by and serving people of color, like Stonewall — are navigating shrinking resources amid growing demand. In this volatile environment, Stonewall’s role as a trusted, community-rooted philanthropic institution has never been more essential.
Our newly appointed Board leaders bring decades of experience across philanthropy, human rights, nonprofit governance, placemaking, scholarship, and movement building. Together, they are uniquely positioned to strengthen Stonewall’s ability to respond quickly to urgent needs, sustain long-term investments in community power, and fortify the LGBTQ+ movement for the challenges ahead.
Read on to meet our new executive officers, along with a new addition to our Board of Directors:
Melissa Madzel, Board President
Melissa Madzel (she/her) steps into the role of Board President at a time that demands bold leadership and steady vision. A longtime Stonewall board member, Melissa brings deep experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropic strategy, along with a clear understanding of Stonewall’s responsibility to the communities it serves.
“As we head into 2026, my vision is for Stonewall to raise its voice even louder—to clearly and confidently claim our role as the community foundation for the LGBTQ+ community in New York and beyond.”
For Melissa, this moment is both an honor and a responsibility. She has seen firsthand how Stonewall directs critical resources to organizations and movements that are often overlooked by traditional philanthropy. Under her leadership, Stonewall will continue to stand firmly in its values, investing in trust-based, community-led solutions at a time when many funders are pulling back.
During this period of crisis for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., Melissa is committed to ensuring Stonewall leads with courage and care. Melissa knows what our movement needs in this moment: philanthropy that is unflinching, community-led, and grounded in the generations of leaders whose work made Stonewall possible.
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What does it mean to step into the role of President during this challenging moment for marginalized communities in our country?
Stepping into the role of President at this moment is both a profound honor and a deep responsibility. I’m grateful for the trust of our board and staff, and for the opportunity to build on the work I’ve contributed as a board member. This moment calls for leadership that stands firmly in our pride, even when it’s difficult, and leadership that strengthens our commitment to the communities we serve, recognizing that our strength comes from the many generations whose shoulders we stand on.
What do you see as Stonewall’s unique value-add to our movement in this moment?
The LGBTQ+ community is present in every part of New York life—across race and ethnicity, gender identity, geography, socioeconomic status, and ability. Stonewall has the expertise, relationships, and trust to serve as a true convening space for the full spectrum of our community, bringing us together as philanthropists who invest in—and care for—our own.
What has been your favorite Stonewall memory so far?
One of my most meaningful Stonewall memories was at our most recent Vision Awards, when we introduced Elisa Crespo as our new Executive Director. As she spoke onstage, you could feel the weight and beauty of the moment—standing in the same spotlight as beloved leaders before her, including our dear Jarrett Lucas and Cecilia Gentili. There was one moment when she looked out at the crowd and it was clear to everyone in the room: she was home.
Carmelyn Malalis, Co-Vice President
Carmelyn Malalis (she/her) brings a powerful blend of legal expertise, human rights advocacy, and deeply personal commitment to her role as Board Co-Vice President. Her involvement with Stonewall is rooted in relationships, remembrance, and responsibility.
“The ongoing work I do with Stonewall is in honor of Cecilia Gentili, and I think she’d be proud of how the foundation is helping to support the most vulnerable members of our community in this challenging time.”
Carmelyn’s appointment to to Co-Vice President comes at a moment when LGBTQ+ communities — particularly trans women of color — are facing escalating violence and political erasure. As Co-Vice President, she is focused on strengthening Stonewall’s leadership ecosystem, expanding community connections, and ensuring the Foundation remains a fierce advocate for those most impacted by systemic injustice.
She is especially committed to supporting the partnership between Stonewall’s Board President and Executive Director, recognizing the importance of aligned governance and staff leadership during periods of transition and growth.
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What inspired you to get involved with Stonewall initially, and what keeps you involved today?
My friend, Cecilia Gentili, was a board member and educated me on how the foundation has supported many organizations we both care about throughout New York City and beyond. I had taken a break from most board service activities while I was working for the City, and she encouraged me to make Stonewall a priority, which I did. The ongoing work I do with Stonewall is in honor of her, and I think she'd be proud of how the foundation is helping to support the most vulnerable members of our community in this challenging time.
What do you plan to bring to the VP role, and what do you hope to get out of the experience?
I’m excited to support the leadership of our new Board President and our new Executive Director, Elisa Crespo — two amazing leaders. I'm also eager to introduce the personal and professional networks I've created to Stonewall's work to continue the community building that's so important to foundations like ours.
How does your work/life outside of Stonewall inform your work on the Board?
Stonewall’s work directly impacts my own family and the communities we are part of. I always think about the organizations serving queer youth that Stonewall supports — especially those for whom Stonewall was their original funder — and I think about how much I would have appreciated them when I was queer teen coming out.
What’s your favorite Stonewall memory so far?
Introducing a group of friends to Stonewall through the Vision Awards, seeing how visibly impressed and excited they were about Stonewall and its community, and then fielding questions from them on financially supporting the organization and opening a DAF at Stonewall.
Medina, Co-Vice President
As Co-Vice President of the Board, Medina (he/him) brings a lens shaped by decades of work at the intersection of social impact, entrepreneurship, and community space-making. His connection to Stonewall began with a moment of recognition, seeing in real time what it means for LGBTQ+ communities to be fully affirmed and resourced.
“Stonewall is the force standing with them. Resourcing them. Protecting them. Helping them keep going. I am here to help ensure that force remains strong.”
Medina understands that the challenges facing LGBTQ+ organizations today are not abstract, but immediate, material, and deeply human. From grassroots groups under political attack to leaders experiencing burnout and isolation, the need for sustained, flexible support has never been greater.
He sees Stonewall’s decision to deepen its commitments — through multi-year grants and long-term partnerships — as a defining strength in this moment. Rather than retreating in the face of uncertainty, Stonewall is choosing to stay present, stay bold, and stay in relationship with the communities it serves.
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What inspired you to get involved with Stonewall initially, and what keeps you involved today?
I remember my first real moment engaging Stonewall so clearly. I was the guest of Otis Rolley at the Vision Awards, and I got to sit in community and feel the impact of the Stonewall Community Foundation in real time. Hearing testimony. Being present with people whose lives and work were being affirmed and resourced. It touched something deep in me. It felt like a force I wish I had encountered growing up in New York as a young queer person of color. A place that said you belong, you matter, and we are investing in you.
Today, as a Vice President on the board, what keeps me here is a deep commitment to strengthening the mission and supporting our newly appointed Executive Director, Elisa Crespo. The work Stonewall does is needed now more than ever. So many in our community are living in the margins. So many organizations are being targeted and under attack. Stonewall is the force standing with them. Resourcing them. Protecting them. Helping them keep going. I am here to help ensure that force remains strong.
What do you see as Stonewall’s biggest strength during this challenging time for our community?
Stonewall’s willingness to go deeper, not quieter. The creation of multi-year grant programs was a powerful signal to me. A redoubling of commitment, not a retreat. In a moment when so many organizations are pulling back, Stonewall is choosing to stay present, stay bold, and stay in relationship. Stonewall continues to rally our community while still celebrating what makes us beautiful. It is becoming the beacon. The place we gather, organize, grieve, celebrate, and remember who we are together.
What has been your favorite Stonewall memory so far?
This is such a hard question because honestly, I love every time we come together. But the Vision Awards always move me. Seeing the layers of the work come together in that space. The grantees, the partners, the supporters, the staff, the leadership. It is incredibly powerful. Hearing those stories reminds me of our greatness and our resilience. It is a living testimony that we will get through what is in front of us. Because look at what we have already survived.
Isaac Jean-François, Board Secretary
Isaac Jean-François (he/him) continues his service as Board Secretary, bringing intellectual rigor, cultural insight, and a deep belief in the transformative power of trust-based philanthropy. His work bridges academic research, Black queer artistry, and on-the-ground advocacy.
“With trust-based philanthropy at the forefront of our work, board service means actively learning from the extraordinary resilience of our scholarship recipients and direct service providers.”
For Isaac, this moment calls for humility and listening - recognizing that the people closest to harm are also closest to the solutions. He has witnessed Stonewall evolve into a national model for LGBTQ+ philanthropy, leveraging strong corporate partnerships and funder collaborations while remaining accountable to grassroots organizations throughout New York City and across the country.
His leadership helps ensure that Stonewall’s governance remains grounded in learning, reflection, and community care.
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What does it mean to be part of Stonewall’s Board during this challenging moment for marginalized communities in our country?
Stonewall has encouraged me to embody and expand what it means to be a “philanthropist.” With trust-based philanthropy at the forefront of our work, board service means actively learning from the extraordinary resilience of our scholarship recipients and the direct service providers we support.
How have you seen Stonewall evolve during your time on the Board?
The evolution of our fund partner program, alongside incredible support from corporate partners, has allowed Stonewall to serve as a model for what LGBTQ+ philanthropy can look like. I am excited about the continued blossoming ahead.
What has been your favorite Stonewall memory so far?
As a native Staten Islander, the opportunity to visit the Pride Center of Staten Island (on a site visit) is a memory close to my heart. It exemplifies Stonewall’s inimitable reach across New York City, touching all five boroughs with earnest and necessary support.
Rod Grozier, New Board Member
Joining the Board as a new member, Rod Grozier (he/him) brings decades of nonprofit executive leadership, governance experience, and a personal understanding of philanthropy’s life-changing potential.
“I’ve been a beneficiary of philanthropy. I’m a product of nonprofit, community-based organizations. I know of the power and promise that philanthropy can impart.”
Rod’s career spans service-delivering nonprofits and the philanthropic institutions that fund them, giving him a unique perspective on how resources can best be mobilized during times of heightened need. He is especially focused on helping Stonewall grow its reach and resilience — ensuring the Foundation can continue underwriting the critical work of LGBTQ+ organizations as threats intensify.
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What does it mean to be part of Stonewall’s Board during this challenging moment for marginalized communities in our country?
Stonewall has encouraged me to embody and expand what it means to be a “philanthropist.” With trust-based philanthropy at the forefront of our work, board service means actively learning from the extraordinary resilience of our scholarship recipients and the direct service providers we support.
How have you seen Stonewall evolve during your time on the Board?
The evolution of our fund partner program, alongside incredible support from corporate partners, has allowed Stonewall to serve as a model for what LGBTQ+ philanthropy can look like. I am excited about the continued blossoming ahead.
What has been your favorite Stonewall memory so far?
As a native Staten Islander, the opportunity to visit the Pride Center of Staten Island (on a site visit) is a memory close to my heart. It exemplifies Stonewall’s inimitable reach across New York City, touching all five boroughs with earnest and necessary support.
This new slate of leadership reflects Stonewall’s belief that LGBTQ+ communities deserve not only survival, but investment, dignity, and joy. Especially in moments of crisis.
Despite the unique challenges of our current political reality, Stonewall remains committed to resourcing organizations that protect lives, defend rights, and build long-term power. Our leadership understands that philanthropy must move with urgency, courage, and care, responding to immediate threats while sustaining the work of cultural change and collective liberation.
With Melissa Madzel as Board President, Carmelyn Malalis and Medina as Co-Vice Presidents, Isaac Jean-François as Board Secretary, and Rod Grozier joining as a new Board member, Stonewall is positioned to meet this moment head-on, standing with queer and trans communities, immigrants, and all those under attack, and continuing to serve as a trusted steward of community resources for years to come.