Desiree DiazThe board of directors of PFLAG Silver City is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Nancy Kailing Memorial Scholarship. They are all students at Western New Mexico University.
Desiree Diaz of Rio Rancho, NM is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Rehabilitation Services. "Our community is experiencing heightened vulnerability, especially under the current political climate. The time for advocacy and activism is now, and I am excited to be part of the change and to honor those like Nancy Kailing who paved the way," she shared.
Joe PaladoJoe Palado of El Cajon, California, is majoring in Social Work. He said, "I work full time with the Mobile Crisis Response Team as a case manager while also attending college full time. I am grateful to be learning how to better support people, especially individuals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Mental health professionals supported me during an important time in my life, and I hope to pay that support forward."
Renee BrazellRenee Brazell of Sylmar, California is a graduate student majoring in Social Work. She says, "I have spent over eleven years working in substance use disorder treatment, and in that time I have watched LGBTQ+ clients navigate systems that were not built with them in mind. Being recognized by PFLAG, specifically, affirms that the advocacy work I do every day in clinical and organizational spaces is seen and valued by a broader community that shares this commitment."
Tiffany FeltonTiffany Felton, who lives in Silver City, is majoring in business with a minor in pre-law. She states, " I have actively supported the LGBTQ+ community ever since I can remember. In every way, in every room, I have connected and supported LGBTQ+ members in the way I was raised. Love is love."
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. For more information go to www.pflag.org or call 575-590-8797.
