Caroline “Cara” Dessert

Cara Dessert is a queer Latina attorney with 20 years in social justice leadership. She is CEO of The San Diego LGBT Community Center, the largest service provider for LGBTQ+ people in the San Diego binational border region. Dessert has grown the organization from $6.5 million to $15.5 million, expanding direct services and advocacy for the community across seven locations. Dessert led The Center in strengthening its targeted programs for the full diversity of the San Diego LGBTQ+ community, as well as expanding its housing services to a full-range housing continuum that includes the first LGBTQ+-affirming youth shelter in San Diego County, permanent supportive housing programs, and prevention services for youth, adults, and seniors. She expanded the organization’s original drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth and spearheaded the creation of the South Bay Youth Center, the first center dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth in the South Bay region of San Diego County. Under her leadership, The Center enhances and sustains the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+, immigrant, and HIV communities, serving with undaunted courage and authenticity.