FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | September 24, 2004

NCLR Expands Staff to Meet Growing Social Justice Opportunities

(San Francisco, CA, September 24, 2004) — In keeping with a commitment to deepen the effectiveness of its legal advocacy work, expand the organization's reach and enhance its visibility, the National Center for Lesbian Rights announced that it has hired four new staff people this summer, bringing the total to 17 employees.

Last week, Karen Boyd joined NCLR as the organization's first-ever Director of Communications. A seasoned communications professional with 16 years' experience, Karen will be responsible for directing a strategic, multi-dimensional communications program that includes media relations, advertising, website management and community outreach. Prior to joining NCLR, Karen served as Legal Communications Director for Oakland's Office of the City Attorney, where she directed a full-scale communications program addressing a wide range of complex, high-profile and controversial legal matters.

In July Lena Ayoub joined NCLR's Legal Department as a Staff Attorney. An immigration rights specialist, Lena brings specific expertise in defending lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender clients in an effort to gain them asylum in the United States based on sexual orientation. Before joining NCLR, Lena practiced immigration law at the Law Office of Robert B. Jobe, where she successfully represented immigrants seeking deportation relief before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals and federal court. A learned understanding of her clients' varying cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds is a core principle in her litigation approach.

NCLR also hired two additional staff to support the Development Department. Trilce Santana started in June as a Development Assistant to assist with the membership program, and Desiree Buford came on board as an Events Assistant to support NCLR's Gala event, national house parties and numerous fundraising and outreach events.

In addition to the four new team members, 10-year NCLR veteran Noemi Calonje was recently promoted to Immigration Project Director, where she will oversee NCLR's growing work on behalf of same-sex, bi-national couples and LGBT asylum seekers.

"We are in a historic and unprecedented moment in the fight for civil rights and justice for our community," said NCLR's Executive Director Kate Kendell. "This moment in history demands that NCLR respond powerfully and effectively. The addition of our enormously talented new staff assures that we will be positioned to meet the challenges presented in this new legal landscape. We are gratified that we have the support and loyalty of so many who care about our issues and the ability to respond with strength and agility."