The Vernita Gray Council for Philanthropy (VGC) is made up of influencers and innovators who want to help further the mission of Howard Brown Health. Meets on 2nd Tuesday of each month | 6-8pm
This auxiliary board specializes in fundraising, engagement, and outreach.
Vernita Gray, namesake of the VGC
Named after Vernita Gray, the VGC honors a longtime champion of the rights of LGBTQ people, African Americans, and women. She served as a community volunteer, donor, and advocate.
VGC Members are agency champions & raise money through:
- Promoting public awareness of our healthcare services and ways to support the agency
- Using creative fundraising strategies to bring in donations
- Attending, promoting, and selling tickets for fundraising events
- Providing support for general outreach events and activities
Interested in Joining the Council?
Questions? Please contact Steven Solomon (Senior Individual Giving Officer), at StevenS@howardbrown.org.
Executive Committee
Jamie Umanzor
Executive Chair
(she/her/hers)
Mel Parks
Executive Vice-Chair
(He/Him/His)
Andrew Sosnowski
Executive Treasurer & Membership Chair
(he/him/his)
DeArthur Banister
Executive Secretary & Development Chair
(He/Him/His)
Katie Bean
Development Vice-Chair
(they/them)
Ken Mejia-Beal
Membership Vice-Chair
(he/him/his)
Members at Large
Tracey Baker
Council Member at Large
(She/Her/Hers)
Josh Bradley
Council Member at Large
(he/him/his)
Stefanie Clark
Council Member at Large
(she/her/hers)
Gerald “Daddy G” Cernak
Council Member at Large
(he/him/his)
Dylan Haessly
Council Member at Large
(She/Her/Hers)
Drake Nickell
Council Member at Large
(he/him/his)
Zach Nicolaides
Council Member at Large
(he/him/his)
Kelly O’Brien
Council Member at Large
(he/him/his)
Michal Sered-Schoenberg
Council Member at Large
(she/her/hers)
Starane Shepherd
Council Member at Large
(he/him/his)
