The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity Announces the Departure of Executive Director Jesus Martell Gonzalez

Bakersfield, CA – The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity announces the departure of Jesus Martell Gonzalez as the Executive Director, effective Friday, June 28th, 2024. The Center is deeply grateful for Jesus' leadership and dedication during the last eight months. Under Jesus’ leadership, The Center achieved significant milestones and enhancements, contributing to improving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Key accomplishments during his tenure include:
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• Fundraising Success: Raised over $58,000 and secured an additional $309,000 in funding through the California Reducing Disparities Project.
• Strategic Planning: Engaged over 100 community members to inform The Center's new strategic plan, resulting in a new mission, vision, and set of values.
• Rebranding Efforts: Led the proposal and execution of a rebranding initiative to modernize The Center's image and outreach efforts.
• Organizational Restructure: Restructured the organization to position it better for growth and efficiency to meet the community's growing needs around mental health and healthcare needs and to position The Center to move into the CalAim Medical Space.
• Cultural Shift: Created a culture where employees felt empowered to speak up, own their work, and be active community members, increasing staff morale and engagement.
• Leadership Development: Focused on leadership development, providing growth opportunities for staff to assume leadership roles.
• Website Update and Key Messaging: Updated the website to reflect new branding guidelines and developed key messaging to clearly communicate The Center’s mission and services to the community.
• Social Media Engagement: Grew social media engagement significantly, boosting awareness of programs and increasing attendance across programming, services, and events.

"The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity has greatly benefited from Jesus’ visionary leadership and tireless commitment to our community," said Alyssa Olivera, Board Chair of The Center. "His efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and success. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

Jesus has worked diligently to restore and build trust with community members, leaders, and other institutions to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He engaged in advocacy work at the state level to bring awareness of the mental health and healthcare disparities experienced in Kern County. As Jesus moves on to his new role as Chief Operations Officer for a Federally Qualified Health Center in San Francisco, we are thankful for all he has accomplished and for his continued support of our mission.

"I am honored to have served these last 8 months and am grateful for Kern County community leaders and the many organizations who have built bridges with us to better serve our community. Kern County has been my home for the past 9 years and I am excited for the continued work The Center will do to enhance the lives of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community," said Jesus Martell Gonzalez.

The Center will soon commence the search for a new Executive Director who will continue to build on the successes achieved under Jesus's leadership and further our mission to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

For more information, please contact Alyssa Olivera, The Center Board Chair at [email protected].


About The Center for Sexuality & Gender DiversityThe Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity is dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Kern County. Through various programs, services, and community initiatives, The Center aims to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for all individuals.