By Vanguard Staff
DAVIS, Calif. — The Davis Phoenix Coalition has named longtime nonprofit leader and community advocate Sandré Henriquez Nelson as its new executive director, marking a leadership transition for the Yolo County organization founded in response to a hate crime targeting a Davis resident.
Henriquez Nelson assumed the position Sept. 1, succeeding Gloria Partida, who led the organization for the past decade and will remain on its board of directors to provide guidance and mentorship during the transition.
The Davis Phoenix Coalition Board of Directors announced the appointment, citing Henriquez Nelson’s more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience in community service organizations throughout the Sacramento Valley.
Henriquez Nelson most recently served as a member of the coalition’s board and was its longtime Pride events director, helping lead the organization’s annual LGBTQ+ Davis PrideFest.
“I am honored to accept this new position with DPC and to attain a significant professional milestone,” Henriquez Nelson said. “While I am enthusiastic about assuming the role of executive director, I acknowledge the responsibility of succeeding Gloria [Partida], who has provided exemplary leadership over the past decade.”
Board Chair Anoosh Jorjorian said Henriquez Nelson’s nonprofit experience and commitment to the coalition’s mission were central to the board’s decision.
“What drew the board to Sandré was not only his extensive knowledge in nonprofit business operations but his deep alignment with our core mission of promoting a world where all people are safe, respected and free of hate-motivated violence,” Jorjorian said.
The coalition said its board believes Henriquez Nelson’s leadership will help guide the organization through its next phase as it continues its work advocating for marginalized communities throughout Yolo County.
Henriquez Nelson plans to hold a series of community listening sessions in the coming weeks to engage directly with people served by the organization.
Along with advancing the coalition’s existing mission, Henriquez Nelson plans to focus on improving its fundraising capacity, expanding its board of directors and strengthening its volunteer base.
The leadership change also marks a transition for Partida, who played a central role in the organization’s expansion during her tenure as executive director.
“On behalf of the DPC Board, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Gloria for her dedicated leadership and instrumental role in expanding the organization,” Jorjorian said.
Partida will remain a member of the coalition’s board, where she will provide guidance and mentorship to Henriquez Nelson as he assumes leadership of the organization.
The Davis Phoenix Coalition was established in 2013 after a Davis resident was targeted in what the organization described as a brutal hate crime because of his sexual orientation.
Community members formed the coalition with the goal of creating long-term healing and community change, with an emphasis on eliminating intolerance, preventing violence and fostering a community that protects and embraces diversity.
The coalition has since become a prominent local grassroots organization, producing community gatherings and vigils as well as the Upstander Anti-Bullying Carnival, Davis PrideFest and other cultural and educational events.
Its work also extends into local schools, civic organizations and businesses, where the coalition provides training and educational programs focused on active upstander intervention, equity and civic responsibility.
Through its workshops, advocacy and outreach, the organization says it seeks to create safer environments, amplify historically marginalized voices and build lasting partnerships across Yolo County.
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