Q CENTER ANNOUNCES NEW INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RACHEL PFEFFER
—- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —-
Q Center Announces New Interim Executive Director, Rachel Pfeffer
[Portland, Oregon, January 18, 2024] – Q Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Pfeffer (she/her/they) as its new Interim Executive Director. With a remarkable career spanning over 25 years in executive transition, organizational development, and fund development, Rachel brings a wealth of experience and a passion for social justice to her role at Q Center.
Known as the "Mary Poppins" of nonprofits, Rachel has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing 17 social justice-focused groups across international, national, and local sectors. Her expertise in navigating the complexities of nonprofit management has earned her a reputation as a seasoned executive transition specialist.
Rachel holds a doctorate in Environmental Psychology from the CUNY Graduate Center, where she conducted groundbreaking research. Her dissertation formed the basis for launching and directing four nonprofits, including the award-winning Center for Young Women's Development. Notably, she replicated this successful model in Oakland and Brooklyn, fostering a national network of young women-of-color leaders.
Beyond her contributions to education, Rachel has served as the Director of Mediation Services, conducted research on school/community violence, and volunteered as a contact tracer during the pandemic. Her commitment to activism dates back many years, and she was an HIV/AIDS activist during the early days of the pandemic with Act-Up NY & SF. Currently, she is deeply engaged in Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rachel as our Interim Executive Director," said Sebastian Sanchez, Chair at Q Center. "Rachels extensive experience, dedication to social justice, and passion for the LGBTQIA2S+ community make her an invaluable addition to the Q Center. We look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to Q Center."
Rachel resides and works in Oregon; "I live and work as a visitor within the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Tumwater, Watlala bands of the Chinook, the Tualatin, Kalapuya, and many other indigenous nations of the Willamette, Columbia River regions in Oregon with my sweetheart (aka wife).
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sebastian Sanchez
Chair of the Board of Directors
About Q Center:
Q Centers mission is to provide safe spaces, community building and empowerment for the positive transformation of the LGBTQIA2S+ communities and allies in the Pacific Northwest.