About Us

Mission

The mission of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center is to further develop our vibrant lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the greater Milwaukee area, thus improving the quality of life for all of us. The mission is supported by the Center’s leadership in community building, health promotion, advocacy, and communications.

Service Statement

The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center delivers educational, health promotion, and community-building services that meet the needs of LGBT youth, adults, and their allies in the Greater Milwaukee area from its primary facility and other sites. The Center's programs are developed considering community needs, diversity and inclusivity, community development, availability of resources, and the Center’s mission and vision.

Our Values

The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center believes in the goodness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. As an organization, the Center seeks to foster community development and agency partnerships. The Center values leadership, both formal and informal, and it supports responsibility and accountability among individuals and organizations. To achieve its mission, the Center acknowledges the value of diversity and inclusion and of proactive and responsive communications. The Center understands that the LGBT community’s long-term quality of life requires the Center to prosper financially and develop organizationally to meet community needs.

Diversity at the Center

The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center values a diverse and engaged staff, and recognizes the importance of a network that reflects and is accountable to the communities we serve. We value contributions from marginalized groups, including people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, races, abilities, and backgrounds, and seek their inclusion in all areas of the organization.

Our Dedicated Team

Ritchie T. Martin Jr.

He/Him - Executive Director

Email: rmartin@mkelgbt.org

Ritchie T. Martin, Jr. brings over 20 years of experience in the Public Health and Human Services nonprofit sector to his role as Executive Director of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center. A former youth program participant, longtime supporter, and past Board Member, Ritchie’s personal and professional journey with the Center spans decades and informs his visionary leadership.

Prior to his appointment, Ritchie served over a year as Interim Executive Director, during which he maintained and strengthened all programming, secured more than $200,000 in critical funding, and guided the Center through a period of strategic growth. His deep expertise includes governmental contracts, donor relations, volunteer engagement, and operational management.

With a passionate commitment to equity, inclusion, and community wellness, Ritchie is leading the Center into its next chapter—ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages continue to find safety, support, and celebration at the heart of Milwaukee.

“The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has always been the heartbeat of the greater Milwaukee LGBTQ+ community. I’m thrilled to continue the sustainability of that mission today.” – Ritchie T. Martin, Jr.

Ricardo Galaviz

Any/All - Director of Operations & Innovation

Email: rgalaviz@mkelgbt.org Tel: 414-271-2656 x103

Ricardo Galaviz is the Director of Operations and Innovation at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, bringing a lifelong dedication to public service, education, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. A proud Milwaukee native, Ricardo is a graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a bilingual, bicultural individual of Mexican-Indigenous heritage, Ricardo weaves his lived experience into every aspect of his work, ensuring the Center remains a space where all voices are uplifted and valued.

Ricardo’s connection to the Center is deeply personal—his journey began in the late 1990s as a participant in the Center’s youth program, Project Q. That early engagement laid the foundation for a career committed to equity, community empowerment, and the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights.

With a professional background in public education and nonprofit leadership, Ricardo brings a strong focus on inclusive practices, strategic programming, and grassroots collaboration. As Associate Director, he leads efforts around branding, messaging, digital engagement, donor cultivation, and community building. His vision keeps LGBTQ+ needs at the forefront, emphasizing intersectionality and social justice in every initiative.

Ricardo’s leadership continues to reflect the values of authenticity, visibility, and unity—ensuring the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center remains a beacon of resilience and belonging for generations to come.

Sarah Nygren

She/Her - Clinical Services Director

Email: snygren@mkelgbt.org Tel: 414-271-2656 x108

Sarah Nygren serves as the Clinical Services Director at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, bringing a deep commitment to mental health equity and trauma-informed care for the LGBTQ+ community. A Wauwatosa native and resident, Sarah is passionate about expanding access to culturally competent mental health services, recognizing the significant challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face around trauma, addiction, and mental health disparities.

Sarah holds a dual license in the State of Wisconsin as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Substance Abuse Counselor (SAC). She earned her Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a trauma certification from Mount Mary University in 2019. Her academic foundation began with a double major in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 2009.

Before entering the mental health field, Sarah worked for the Wisconsin State Department of Corrections, serving as a Correctional Officer and later as a Correctional Sergeant. These experiences further shaped her dedication to supporting underserved populations and confronting systemic barriers to care.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Sarah’s leadership is rooted in advocacy, empathy, and resilience. She is driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to healing and support in affirming, inclusive spaces.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys life with her wife of nine years (whom she met at Milwaukee PrideFest), her stepson, and her beloved pets—including her registered emotional support bearded dragon. A former national champion with the Milwaukee Scylla Women’s Rugby team, Sarah embraces adventure, tattoos, piercings, and quality time with family and friends.

Brook Stanley

They/He - Aging and Disability Program Coordinator

Email: bstanley@mkelgbt.org Tel: 414-271-2656 x104

Brook Stanley (they/he) is a disabled and genderqueer community advocate who has provided education and training on disability and LGBTQ+ issues for institutions throughout Wisconsin. They completed their master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Marquette University, researching the lived experiences and support needs of autistic adults in colleges and universities. He has worked with individuals from ages 2 to 70+ in clinical care and support service settings across Milwaukee, with an emphasis on neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ advocacy. They are passionate about engaging with the community to create programs that help people live their fullest lives.

Brook is developmentally disabled and lives in a body that frequently disagrees with him. They dabble in art, writing, and fiber craft, and can often be found wandering the public museum or library with their life partner of 13 years. He is always happy to infodump about cognitive psychology, sensory processing, fantasy fiction, or tarot decks.

Marz Ezeji

They/He - Youth Program Specialist

Marz R. Ezeji (he/they) is a Black Queer Creative, cultural and community organizer from Milwaukee whose work lives at the intersection of art, activism, and healing. With more than 12 years of experience across; social justice movements, nonprofit leadership, youth advocacy, and creative direction, Marz is dedicated to building liberated, affirming spaces where BIPOC + LGBTQ+ folks, especially young people, can create, gather, unlearn, and thrive.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors comprises thoughtful and distinguished community leaders who provide guidance, governance, and critical fundraising support to help build and strengthen Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community.

Executive Committee

DeShanda Clark (she/her) - Board President
Keshonda Willis (she/her)- Board Vice President
Jay Roby (he/him) - Board Treasurer
Cylest Brooks (she/they) - Board Secretary

Board Members

Liz Charewicz (she/her) - External Affairs Committee
Keshonda Willis (she/her) - External Affairs Committee
Alex Dominguez (he/him) - External Affairs Committee
Kim Kavanaugh (sher/her) - Internal Affairs Committee
Haley Clancy (she/her) - Internal Affairs Committee
J.D. Luster (he/him)- Internal Affairs Committee
Devin Hayes (he/him)- Governance Committee
Daniel Wright (he/him) - Governance Committee
Jamiee Combs (she/her) - External Affairs Committee
Cylest Brooks (she/her) - Governance Committee
Julie Kaczmarek (she/her) - External Affairs Committee
Ricardo Wynn (he/him) - Governance Committee

Milwaukee LGBT Community Center Bylaws

We’re currently seeking passionate and committed individuals to join the Board of Directors at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center! If you're ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals across Milwaukee and bring your skills to a dynamic, mission-driven team, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now: Click Here

Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive community.

Public Notice of Board of Directors 2026 Session Schedule

The Milwaukee LGBT Community will hold its regularly scheduled Board of Directors Meeting virtually from 5:30 - 7:00 pm.

Board Meeting Link

Public comments are welcome during that portion of the meeting. You can also send public comments to Boardofdirectors@mkelgbt.org

Please contact Ritchie T. Martin, Jr., Executive Director, at Rmartin@mkelgbt.org for more information.

Please note:

The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center values transparency and community engagement. All are welcome to attend and observe the Board of Directors meeting. Public comment will be held as indicated on the agenda.
Accommodation requests may be directed to Brook Stanley at BStanley@mkelgbt.org. Please allow 48 hours for arrangements.
The Board of Directors may convene an Executive Session at any time during the meeting, including at the beginning or end of the meeting, or outside of the scheduled public session, as permitted under Wisconsin Open Meetings Law.

Center Partners

Since its inception, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center has always sought to provide a home for the birth, nurturance, and celebration of LGBT organizations and groups. And still today, the Center strives to further develop our vibrant community through thoughtful leadership, community building, and strong partnerships. Some of its most solid partnerships are with the LGBT organizations that are also tenants of the Center.

ACLU OF WISCONSIN

414.272.4032 • Website

Since 1920, the ACLU has been the nation’s guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. The ACLU is best known for litigation efforts as the country’s largest public interest law organization; many of the ACLU’s ground-breaking cases have changed lives and made history.

ALL OF US RESEARCH PROGRAM

(844) 842-2855 • Email • Website

The All of Us Research Program is a historic effort to collect and study data from one million or more people living in the United States. The goal of the program is better health for all of us. The program began national enrollment in 2018 and is expected to last at least 10 years.

Bi+ Pride MKE

Facebook

Bi+ Pride Milwaukee is an organization that builds community, support, and networking opportunities for Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, fluid, queer, no-label, non-monosexual, or any other individuals looking for an open, accepting place to share experiences and make friends! Not sure if you "belong" in the community? The short answer is- yes, you do! Even if you just have questions about what all this means, or if you're questioning or just want to be supportive- come join us!

CENTER LINK

954-765-6024 • Website

CenterLink was founded in 1994 as a member-based coalition to support the development of strong, sustainable, LGBTQ community centers. A fundamental goal of CenterLink’s work is to strengthen, support, and connect LGBTQ community centers, and to help build the capacity of these centers to address the social, cultural, health, and political advocacy needs of LGBTQ community members across the country.

COURAGE MILWAUKEE

1.414.240.2882 • Email • Website

In 2019, Courage MKE opened Wisconsin’s first home for displaced LGBTQ+ youth. Courage MKE believes that in order for youth to work on themselves, they must be able to be themselves. The Courage House is a licensed group home on Milwaukee’s south side. Our staff and volunteers are committed to creating an environment in which each resident feels like they are a part of the entire Courage MKE Family. At the Courage House, we assist residents with counseling, healthcare, life skills, family reunification, and provide them the same experiences every child deserves in a family setting. Based on the state average youth stay at group homes in Wisconsin, our residents are staying with us 211% longer.

DIVERSE & RESILIENT

414-390-0444 • Website

At Diverse & Resilient, we see a future where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Wisconsin thrive, living healthy, satisfying lives in safe, supportive communities. Our long-term objective is to eliminate health disparities between LGBT people and the general population, as measured by commonly accepted indicators of physical and mental health

END DOMESTIC ABUSE WISCONSIN

(608) 255-0539 • Website

Our work to end domestic violence is multifaceted. Since 1978, our coalition has grown and expanded in how we’ve been able to serve survivors and advocates around Wisconsin. Our support of survivors and direct service agencies remains constant, even as our initiatives change in response to the national anti-oppression landscape. As we center survivors in our work against domestic violence, we recognize our role in a larger anti-oppression movement.

FORGE

414.559.2123 • Email • Website

This national transgender education and advocacy organization also provides direct support and information for transgender individuals, professionals, and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies) in Milwaukee, WI. FORGE serves the broad range of ALL transgender and SOFFA individuals, with a historic emphasis on transmasculine/FTM+/SOFFA individuals.

INDEPENDENCEFIRST

4142917520 • Website

IndependenceFirst is Metro Milwaukee's FIRST resource when people have questions regarding access and disability. We offer over 20 Programs & Services for people with disabilities of all kinds, in all age groups, and provide programs on disability awareness and access to the general community. Over 50% of our staff, managers, and Board have disabilities themselves and this peer approach leads to excellent outcomes.

LESBIAN ALLIANCE

This volunteer-run organization strives to provide opportunities for women who love women in the Milwaukee Area. Lesbian Alliance has an office at the Center and also meets here for its game and movie nights. The alliance includes Women’s Voices Milwaukee that practices at the Center every Tuesday at 7 pm.

Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church

414-383-1100 • Website

Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Church, the oldest existing LGBTQI+ organization, here in Milwaukee, first established in 1971, continues to be a Vibrant ~ Inclusive ~ Progressive Community of Faith. Under the umbrella of Metropolitan Community Churches Worldwide, we are the first faith community in the world to accept and support all, regardless of how one identifies their race, gender, or sexuality.

MILWAUKEE AREA TECHNICAL COLLEGE

(414) 297- 6282 • Email • Website

MATC offers 170+ degree, diploma, and certificate programs with industry-experienced instructors who make sure you’re ready to work on day one. We also connect you to 35+ four-year transfer partners, including our guaranteed admission agreements with Marquette University, UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and UW-Parkside.

PATHFINDERS

414.964.2565 • Website

Pathfinders empowers youth in crisis to make positive life choices, providing some of the Milwaukee area’s most comprehensive programming for youth in crisis, through housing & shelter, education, family engagement, and youth empowerment.

PFLAG-MILWAUKEE

414.299.9198 (please leave a message) • Website

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a national network of support groups throughout the country to provide support for parents and lesbian, gay and transgender loved ones. The Milwaukee chapter of PFLAG meets to talk freely and exchange stories, to help each other when problems arise, and to grow in their understanding and acceptance of LGBT family members and friends. Though its main office is housed in the Center, PFLAG-Milwaukee meets on the third Sunday of each month, August through May, and the fourth Sunday in June from 5:00 to 7:15 P.M. at Martin Luther Church, 9235 W. Bluemound Road in Wauwatosa. PFLAG has no meetings in July.

PRIDEFEST

414.272.3378 • Website

Part of the Summer of Festivals that occur in Milwaukee during the Spring and Summer at the Henry Maier Festival Park, PrideFest is held on the first or second weekend of June each year. PrideFest has its primary office here at the Center.

Rainbow Alliance of the deaf

Email • Website

The Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) is a nonprofit organization established in 1977. The mission of this Alliance is to establish and maintain a society of Deaf LGBT people to encourage and promote their educational, economical, and social welfare; to foster fellowship; to defend their rights, and to advance their interests as Deaf LGBT citizens concerning social justice; to build up an organization in which all worthy members may participate in the discussion of practical problems and solutions related to their social welfare.

SOJOURNER FAMILY PEACE CENTER

414-276-1911 • Website

Sojourner Family Peace Center is the largest nonprofit provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services in Wisconsin, serving over 9,500 clients each year. Sojourner provides an array of support aimed at helping families affected by domestic violence achieve safety, justice, and well-being.

UNITED COMMUNITY CENTER

(414) 384-3100 • Website

United Community Center has been a catalyst for community growth, building, and betterment on Milwaukee’s south side since its founding 50 years ago. What started as a small youth center has grown into an intergenerational safe haven that serves more than 15,000 people each year. UCC serves individuals 6 weeks to 103 years old through educational services, senior support, homebuyer counseling, and much more.

UNITED WAY

414.263.8100 • Email • Website

United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County changes lives and improves our community by mobilizing people and resources to drive strategic impact in health, education, and financial stability. United Way believes in making our four-county community stronger. By working together on critical issues, we can move forward together to ensure everyone has a safe place to live, work, and play.

VETERANS FOR DIVERSITY, LLC

Website

The overall mission of Veterans for Diversity is 1) to bring awareness to and educate Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender veterans of the Veterans Administration programs that are targeted to their specific needs; 2) to consolidate information important to these veterans and give national awareness and education about programs that may not be known by all LGBT veterans; and, 3) to provide educational resources that may be needed to pursue benefits they are entitled to.

VIVENT HEALTH

800.359.9272 • Website

Vivent Health has been at the forefront of the fight against HIV since the earliest days of the epidemic – Vivent Health is Wisconsin’s largest and fastest-growing HIV health care system. Through its integrated medical, dental, and mental health clinics along with its pharmacy and dedicated social services that include food pantries, a legal program, and social work case management, more than 3,300 HIV patients in Wisconsin gain the health care and social services they need for long-term survival with HIV disease from Vivent Health.

WALKERS POINT CENTER FOR THE ARTS

414.672.2787 • Website

For more than 30 years, Walker’s Point Center for the Arts has been a cultural staple of the Walker’s Point neighborhood and a powerful advocate for underrepresented artists in Milwaukee and beyond. As one of the city’s oldest and most beloved community art spaces (founded in 1987), WPCA is renowned for providing high-caliber, accessible arts experiences for all.

WISCONSIN LGBT HISTORY PROJECT

•Website

Independent. Inspired. Relentless. Since 1994, we've been reconnecting Wisconsin with its past to inspire a more inclusive future. Our mission is to research, document, preserve, celebrate and elevate local LGBTQ history. We're independent, all-volunteer, non-profit, community-first, and fully committed to helping our history be seen.

WISCONSIN COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT