Leadership

Aidan (he/him) has a diverse background in non-profit leadership, management consulting, and digital communications for the world’s largest PR firm. His career has enabled him to work in the UK and continental Europe, Australia, and South Africa.

He initially came to the ROMBA conference as a student in 2010 and returned in 2012 having secured his then-employer Marriott International as a corporate partner.

Prior to joining Reaching out, Aidan spent seven years in the hospitality industry, drawn to its international scope, complexity, and opportunities to engage with a variety of people.

Outside of work, Aidan has long been an active volunteer in several LGBT+ organizations including the NGLCC, Lost-n-Found Youth, and Rainbros. Aidan is a graduate of NYU Stern School of Business and holds a BAH in Politics from Queen’s University at Kingston, Canada.

Demetri Sparks (he/him) began his career in Washington, DC, helping to launch former President Bill Clinton’s signature program, AmeriCorps, after attending Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Demetri has worked diligently in the LGBT+ health space over the past three decades. He has led three different grassroots agencies as Executive Director. He has served in various development positions at diverse LGBT+ organizations as well, including Howard Brown Health (Chicago), AIDS ReSearch Alliance (LA), and PRC (San Francisco).

Most recently, Demetri worked as the Managing Director of Individual Giving at GMHC where he managed all major gifts, direct marketing, and planned gifts. His portfolio included thousands of individual donors, raising over $2 million each year.

Demetri is excited to join Reaching Out as its Development Director. He lives in South Orange, NJ with his husband Josh, son Christopher, and dogs Waffles and Ginger. He enjoys alternative music festivals, international travel, and low-key weekends.

Kari Perez (they/them) is delighted to join the Reaching Out MBA team as the Program Manager. Coming from a Psychology and Education background after attending the University of Florida, they have a specialized, well-rounded skillset that enables them to wear many hats and wear them well. Kari spent many years working with the LGBTQ+ community in various capacities such as healthcare, social work, and housing advocacy. They are passionate about serving their community and creating space for all the unique voices that make up the collective.

In their free time, Kari is a huge music nerd as well as a foodie and spends a lot of their free time at live music performances and exploring Houston’s diverse cuisines. Kari is also a ceramics wheel-throwing instructor and a sculptor. They enjoy reading, exploring nature, and working on various creative endeavors. They reside in Houston, TX with their best friend, Rebecca, and their dog, Luna.

Nick Bailey (he/him) is excited to support the Reaching Out MBA team as the Program Director. Prior to Reaching Out, Nick worked for several years in higher education, serving as Assistant Director of Student Services of the hybrid Master of Science in Finance Program at Georgetown University, and as the Senior Student Success Advisor for the online MBA@Rice program at 2U, Inc. He is passionate about the power of education and enabling students to achieve their definition of success. He has years of experience in program management, higher education, and building strong relationships.

Outside of work, Nick volunteers as an alumni interviewer for the Georgetown Alumni Admissions Program. Nick earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University and he currently lives in Washington, DC with his partner, Zach, and his terrier mix dog, Sasha. In his spare time, he enjoys trying new restaurants, making trips to the dog park, baking new desserts, and traveling.

Sadiyah Rashied (she/her) is thrilled to be joining Reaching Out MBA as the Development Coordinator. She has prior experience in nonprofits, advocating for animal welfare at Morris Animal Refuge, as well as in philanthropy, processing grants at the National Philanthropic Trust. Sadiyah’s career in the nonprofit sector has provided her with experience in development, building rapport, and understanding the intricacies of non-profit organizations.

She is passionate about serving marginalized communities and advocating for equal rights. Beyond work, she loves discovering new musical artists, trying new foods, creative projects, and continuing her sustainability journey. Sadiyah earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication at East Stroudsburg University and currently resides in Elkins Park, PA with her dog, Zelda, and her cat, Mango.

Julie (she/her) began a relationship with Reaching Out with the 2006 ROMBA Conference at the Grand Hyatt in New York City thanks to a referral from a friend attending NYU Stern.

Through Reaching Out’s constant growth and evolution, Julie gradually took on more operations / production responsibilities for ROMBA and additional annual programs. After 16 years Julie is extremely proud of to continue as Event Producer. In between Reaching Out’s ever-growing annual schedule Julie works in broadcast production, stage management and live event production.