MEET OUR BOARD
Alphabetical order by first name
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Catherean Mitchell
she/her
Board Member
Catherean Mitchell advocates for small businesses and communities, championing initiatives that empower and uplift underestimated populations. As a small business owner, mentor, and community-focused leader, Catherean is committed to ensuring that all communities have the opportunity to survive and thrive. With a background in logistics and a passion for sustainability, Catherean brings a unique perspective to her work. She drives innovative solutions that prioritize economic growth and social equity. Her collaborative approach emphasizes the importance of community building, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that underestimated communities are given the support and resources they need to succeed. Beyond her professional endeavors, Catherean is deeply involved in grassroots initiatives promoting social justice and economic resilience. By fostering meaningful connections and advocating for change, she strives to create a world where every individual and community has the opportunity to flourish. Catherean believes in the power of reinvention, has become very invested in Oakland's justice-involved community, and has spearheaded initiatives to support their second chance opportunities. So they can thrive as vibrant members of society. Through her tireless dedication and unwavering commitment, Catherean continues to make a lasting impact, inspiring others to join her in building a more equitable and sustainable future for all. In their professional life, Em specializes in Digital Product Management, where they have led cross-functional teams in creating and bringing digital products to market for various websites and apps across different industries. Through the years, they have also volunteered for several non-profit organizations, including the Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Center, Code Nation and Hack the Hood, all of where they served as a youth mentor. In their personal life, Em is a devoted dog parent, an eager traveler, and indulges in all things related to food and music.
Em Baraan
they/them
Board Secretary
Em (they/them) is a genderqueer Filipinx-American, who was born and raised in Vallejo, CA. They moved to the Los Angeles area in 2003, returned to the Bay Area in 2015,and has been a proud Oakland resident since then. They hold a B.S. in Management Information Systems from San Jose State University, and an MBA from Pepperdine University. They are honored to be part of the Oakland LGBTQ Center’s work to ensure their communities feel seen, supported and safe. In their professional life, Em specializes in Digital Product Management, where they have led cross-functional teams in creating and bringing digital products to market for various websites and apps across different industries. Through the years, they have also volunteered for several non-profit organizations, including the Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Center, Code Nation and Hack the Hood, all of where they served as a youth mentor. In their personal life, Em is a devoted dog parent, an eager traveler, and indulges in all things related to food and music.
Jeff Myers
he/him
Board President/Co-founder
Jeff (he/him) is co-founder/board president of the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center and Chair of the newly formed Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District Committee established 2023 and recently voted as a board member for Oakland Pride. Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Jeff has been a resident of Oakland for over 20 years and is deeply dedicated to Oakland's LGBTQ community. He's employed as a Neurosurgical scrub nurse in the Operating Room at the University of California, San Francisco for over 20 years. He serves as a patient care advocate in the operating room. He is also a preceptor for new employees in a variety of surgical specialties and is one of the original scrub nurses on the UCSF surgical stereotactic movement disorder team that performs craniotomies for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. His formal training also encompassed working in OB/GYN surgery, general surgery, orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, microvascular surgery, and urologic surgery. He also Co-Chaired several committees in the OR; the Workplace Safety Council, Staff Enhancement Committee, Staff Mentorship Program to enhance the recognition of ethnic minorities and issues related to staff diversity in the workplace and the Social Advocacy Council. Jeff served 11 years in the Navy/Marines Infantry Unit as a Certified Religious Program Specialist in the Chaplain's Officer. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Carl Vincent and was stationed in Japan for several years. Jeff has been active in labor relations. He attended California Union Leadership School and served as a member of the San Francisco Labor Council and Vice President of Patient Care Technical (AFSCME 3299) for 6 years. Jeff has been active as a community volunteer. He served as a member of the Bay Area Big Brother/Big Sister Association. He was the volunteer coordinator for Oakland Pride, participated in Pridefest, served as Table Captain for San Francisco HRC and a member of SF Steering Committee and one of the original members of the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ Coalition supporting People of Color in the San Francisco Bay Area and a member of Lambda Legal. Jeff served 11 years in the Navy as a Certified Religious Program Specialist in the Chaplain’s Office assigned to the Marine Corps. He was assigned to the U.S.S. Carl Vincent, stationed in Japan, and was privileged to interact with diverse populations during his assignments. He holds certifications as both a Surgical Technologist and a Nursing Assistant. Jeff has been active in labor relations. He attended California Union Leadership School, and served as a member of the San Francisco Labor Council and Vice President of Patient Care Technical (AFSCME 3299) for 8 years. He is currently a member of Labor Notes, an international labor activist organization. Jeff has been active as a community volunteer. He served as a member of the Bay Area Big Brother/Big Sister Association and volunteered for the LGBTQ community in multiple capacities. He was the volunteer coordinator for Oakland Pride, served as a co-chair of community outreach, Pride Event Volunteer Coordinator, and he also helped to organize the Oakland Pride contingent for the SF Pride Parade working with the Office of the Oakland Mayor. He served as a co-chair of table captains for the San Francisco HRC 2006 Annual Fundraising Dinner and served on the San Francisco HRC Steering Committee when he helped to organize the HRC contingent for the SF Pride Parade. He is a member of the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ Coalition supporting People of Color in the San Francisco Bay Area and was a member of Lambda Legal.
Kunal Basu-Dutta
he/him
Board Member
Kunal (he/him) moved to West Oakland in 2018 after having returned from living abroad in order to work in politics. Before landing in the Bay, Kunal was raised mostly in Georgia, completed his BA at the University of Chicago, and worked in various digital roles for years. In the Bay Area, he's worked on flipping the House with Rep. Eric Swalwell, two presidential campaigns, and an environmental-focused PAC. His focus has always been in messaging stories to organize community action and bring folks together. In 2020, Kunal co-founded Modern Bay Strategies — a Black, Brown, and Queer-led marketing agency specializing in digital for political issues, non-profits, and do-good businesses. This came from realizing that our voices need to drive marketing, not be an afterthought. Modern Bay has helped elect BIPOC and LGBTQ representatives in Oakland and across the country in historic wins while also championing state initiatives addressing health, equity, and accountability. In his spare time, Kunal tries to visit all of the restaurants, bars, food trucks, and pop-ups that Oakland and the Bay have to offer. Those trips may be shared soon...stay tuned!
Shemicka Johnson
she/her
Board Member
Shemicka Johnson, also known as Meeka Starr, is a passionate leader in the LGBTQ+ community, combining her love for fashion with her dedication to advocacy and service. Born in Queens, NY, and raised in Berkeley, CA, Shemicka brings a diverse background and a wealth of experience to her work. As a committee member of the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District, she leverages her expertise as a fashion stylist, designer, runway show coordinator, and event planner to organize successful community events. These events, including drag and fashion shows, have raised vital funds for LGBTQ+ initiatives, showcasing her ability to merge creativity with community engagement. In addition to her work with the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District, Shemicka was crowned Princess of Reign 33 of The Royal Grand Ducal Council of Alameda/Contra Costa Counties Inc., where she helps organize fundraisers that support various nonprofit organizations. Through this role, she connects resources to causes in need, furthering her commitment to community-driven advocacy. She also serves as an ambassador for Black Lesbian Link-Up, amplifying the voices of Black lesbians and ensuring their experiences are represented within the more extensive LGBTQ+ dialogue. Shemicka’s background in fashion is extensive. Holding a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising, she has honed her styling, runway coordination, and brand development skills. As a runway show coordinator, she ensures each event is a captivating experience, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Her experience in fashion design helps individuals and brands express their unique identities through style. Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Shemicka also serves as a senator for the Associated Students of College of Alameda, where she advocates for policies that support LGBTQ+ students and foster inclusivity on campus. Through her multifaceted roles, she continues to dedicate herself to building a more unified, inclusive LGBTQ+ community.
George Jeffery Smith III
he/him
Board Member
George J. Smith III, an accomplished advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a dynamic leader in promoting diversity and inclusion. With a strong background in community organizing and a deep commitment to social justice, George has been a driving force in advancing the cause of LGBTQ+ equality in Oakland and beyond. As the newly appointed President of Oakland Pride, George brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization. His years of service and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and Bay Area Community have earned him widespread respect and admiration. George’s advocacy work extends beyond LGBTQ+ rights, as he actively collaborates with various community organizations to address intersectional issues and create a more inclusive society for all. His leadership skills and passion for social change make him an invaluable asset to Oakland Pride, where he continues to drive positive transformation and inspire others to join the movement for a more equitable world.
Roy Tongilava
he/him
Board Member
Roy Tongilava (he/him) proudly identifies as a queer, first-generation Pacific Islander, a community activist, and an equity-driven policy advocate. Inspired by his Pasifika community's resilience, he became the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning a BA in Public Policy from UC Riverside and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government from California State University-Sacramento. Roy was particularly compelled by the intersection of public policy and grassroots advocacy to better understand hegemonic systems of oppression, governance, and domestic policy to provide ways to engage marginalized voices in policymaking and equity-oriented systems change—this passion led him to work with local policy, federal health policy, and state policy for numerous state legislators based in California's State Capitol. Throughout his career, Roy has been a strong advocate for marginalized groups, especially BIPOC LGBTQ folx. He recognizes the complexities of navigating intersecting identities and is dedicated to addressing the resulting challenges through an inclusive, multifaceted approach. Currently, he works as a Policy Analyst at The Education Trust—West, where he supports state-level policy advocacy efforts ensuring low-income students of color and multilingual learners can reach their highest potential in the state’s public education system. He also serves as Board President of the South Pacific Islander Organization, a nonprofit whose mission is to democratize access to higher education for Pasifika and marginalized communities of color. Equity remains the cornerstone of Roy's work and advocacy, and he looks forward to serving the community and advancing the Center’s mission. University in San Jose, CA in 2017. Sage’s passions are rooted in healing the traumas in Black bodies, working to stop anti Black racism and the overall healing, growth and acceptance of BIPOC LGBTQ,with special interest in BIPOC transgender men and women. . Sage has developed and participated in committees designed towards BIPOC excellence, healing and safety of Black bodies and currently leads organizational talks on anti-Black racism. Sage is taking steps towards developing therapies, studies and written works dedicated to the Black Trans men. Sage works in his day job as an intensive case manager at University of California, San Francisco with clients at the crossroads of severe mental health, substance use, homelessness and on probation, he teaches various classes at John F. Kennedy University’s graduate psychology program and has a private practice. On his down time, he does a variety of outdoor activities, including weightlifting and kayaking, and spends time with his partner.
Tim Nugent
he/him
Board Treasurer
Tim Nugent’s culinary career began with flipping burgers and cooking eggs at a truck stop in Alburgh, Vt. He graduated from the New England Culinary Institute in 1988 and took a job at Fresh Cream in Monterey, Calif., as a sous chef, quickly working his way up to executive chef while simultaneously learning the ropes of old school French cooking. He relocated to San Francisco in 1993, eager to work in a city where there is a great appreciation for the culinary arts and people care about where their food comes from. He immediately began work as sous chef at Michelin-starred Acquerello under Suzette Gresham, beginning an education in fine dining and learning about the complex dishes that this genre of dining tends to entail. In 1994, he transitioned to the pastry world at Zuni Café, starting as a pastry assistant and soon turning into a pastry chef under Chef/Owner Judy Rodgers, who would become the biggest mentor of Nugent’s career. Nugent left Zuni in 1997 and became the pastry chef of Campton Place, where he honed his presentation skills while incorporating savory techniques into the creation of his sweets and pastries. Following Campton Place, Nugent joined Café Rouge in 1998 where he spent eight years utilizing his shining personality to take great care of his guests and efficiently manage the front-of-house staff as general manager. He then experienced what goes into launching a restaurant as Perbacco’s opening pastry chef in 2006, before beginning his seven-year career at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel as executive pastry chef in 2007. In 2010, Nugent took a hiatus from the Sir Francis Drake Hotel to compete in the first season of Top Chef: Just Desserts. Nugent is excited to return to the front-of-house as General Manager/Owner at Shakewell. Tim’s beliefs in consistency, efficiency and knowledge translate to a high level of service for anyone who walks through the doors at Shakewell.