The New Haven Pride Center celebrates Executive Director Juancarlos “JC” Soto-Lopez as he steps down, an invitation for new leadership
The New Haven Pride Center (NHPC) announces that Executive Director Juancarlos “JC” Soto-Lopez will step away from his role at the organization, effective April 4th. After two and a half years of dedicated leadership to the organization, Juancarlos will transition away from the Center to focus on his family and embrace new opportunities in this next chapter.
Juancarlos has been a visionary leader at NHPC for six years, initially joining as the Director of Case Management, rising to the role of Deputy Director, and ultimately serving as Executive Director. Appointed Executive Director at a challenging moment in the Center’s history, Juancarlos shepherded the process of re-establishing fiduciary and compliance-driven metrics of success while restoring trust with the community we serve. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the Center’s mission, expanding services, and fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.
During his tenure, Juancarlos oversaw NHPC’s move to 50 Orange Street, a prominent space in New Haven’s historic Ninth Square District, bringing increased visibility and partnership to the space. The New Haven Pride Center is now positioned as a leading voice for Connecticut’s LGBTQIA+ residents: with an expanded New Haven Pride festival, the launch of a partnership with the Strong School development project, increased collaboration with our aging population through Rainbow Elders, and the co-creation of New Haven’s LGBTQ+ Rights Coalition. The Board of Directors expresses its deep gratitude for Juancarlos’ unwavering dedication and commitment to the organization’s growth and impact.
“Transitions are challenging, but they also bring magical opportunities for growth,” shared Juancarlos. “I’m excited to see how NHPC continues to evolve, and I encourage everyone who has supported the Center to keep doing so–I know I will. I am incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished together, and deeply grateful for the dedication of our team and board.”
The New Haven Pride Center is a community-focused organization co-creating a space to empower Greater New Haven LGBTQIA+ individuals to not just survive, but thrive. We do this by providing essential case management, support networks, and educational and cultural programming that bridges advocacy, arts, and community. We champion collective impact through collaboration with other statewide and regional organizations. Juancarlos’ contributions played a pivotal role in furthering this mission, ensuring that the Center remains a beacon of support and empowerment for the community.
The Board of Directors shared, “We are saddened to see Juancarlos leave, but are grateful for his unrelenting work ethic and transformative culture-building he brought to The Center. It has been extraordinary to see how he poured his whole creative and radical being into his leadership of the staff and service to the community. The Center would not be where it is today without Juancarlos stepping up during our last leadership transition. This next chapter is a vital moment for us to find the next person to shepherd the NHPC, building on the foundation Juancarlos laid, to lead our community in the face of the many challenges to our collective humanity.”
The Board of Directors is committed to a thoughtful and community-centered search process to identify the next Executive Director. In the coming weeks, the Board will share further details on the search and transition plan to ensure continuity in leadership and ongoing support for our staff and constituents.
As The New Haven Pride Center moves forward, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve, uplift, and advocate for our LGBTQIA+ folks across Greater New Haven. We know Juancarlos will shine in his future endeavors and thank him for his years of service and dedication.
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