Formed in 1974 as a sponsored program of The Center for Social Services, we produced the first Lesbian and Gay Parade in San Diego to celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion on New York’s Christopher Street. San Diego Pride incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1994, and today it continues to bring together the skills, talents, and visions of our diverse community through numerous programs. San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $3 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
San Diego Pride Festival & Parade is one of the largest civic events in the City of San Diego, shadowed only by Comic Con! Every July, Hillcrest and the Historic Balboa Park are overtaken with festivities for the Rally, Block Party, Parade and 2-Day Festival. San Diego’s Pride Parade brings over 300,000 people along its route through the Fabulous HIllcrest on its way to Marston Point in Balboa Park. Home to the 2-Day Pride Festival, the uniquely transformed 100-year old venue hosts over 55,000 people boasting over 100 Artists across 4 stages. With ticket sales, sponsorships and exhibitor fees San Diego Pride raises over $1,200,000. Proceeds from the Weekend fuel San Diego Prides philanthropic efforts; with this years $320,000 going to over 60 organizations spread across the globe.
I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with the Entertainment Department of San Diego Pride since 2011 in a variety of roles, beginning as a Volunteer to my now my current role as their Entertainment Manager. Beginning in 2013 I’ve led an award winning Artist Liaison Program. In this role I oversaw travel, accommodations and ground transportation for Headlining Acts and supporting talent. Utilizing a combined in-kind, sponsorship and cash budget valued over $50,000.
2020 brings on the role of Entertainment Manager. In this role I will primarily be responsible for:
Recruiting and developing an elite year-around leadership team overseeing all key areas of the Entertainment Department including Artist Hospitality, Artists Liaisons/Relations, Check-In and Stage Management. In the 10 months leading up to the Festival I work with multiple internal volunteer and staff led departments as well as external vendors to ensure proper execution of all Department needs.
In coordination with the Entertainment Director, training and overseeing a team of over 75 volunteers. During the Festival I also serve as the point of contact for the Entertainment Department to Artists, SD Pride Staff, Festival Directors, Security, Production Staff, Sponsors and third party vendors.
