On Saturday, August 16, 2025, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute hosted its LGBTQ+ Public Leadership Summit in Santa Clara County—a powerful day of community, conversation, and commitment to increasing LGBTQ+ representation in public life.
The free, one-day event brought together over 80 LGBTQ+ and allied activists, advocates, and community members from across the region to explore how to run for office, enter public service, and strengthen the pipeline of LGBTQ+ leaders who will shape policy and drive equality forward. Participants engaged in collaborative workshops and discussions on the impact of representation, learning not only why it matters to see LGBTQ+ voices in the halls of power but also how to take the next steps toward running and serving.
Some of the incredible speakers at the event included Itay Balely (Director of Training, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute), Elliot Imse (Executive Director, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute), Evan Low (President & CEO, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Drew Lloyd (President – BAYMEC / Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee), Councilmember Richard Mehlinger (Sunnyvale, CA), Lisa Middleton (Former Mayor of Palm Springs, CA), Trustee Clayton Hale (San Jose-Evergreen Community College District), Councilmember J.R. Fruen (Cupertino, CA), Ross Murray (GLAAD Media Institute), Santa Clara County Board President Otto Lee, Ken Yeager (former Santa Clara County Supervisor), Sera Fernando (Manager, Office of LGBTQ Affairs of Santa Clara County), Josh Selo (CEO, Bill Will Center), Councilmember Anthony Tordillos (San Jose, CA).
The Public Leadership Summit concluded with a reception, where participants had the chance to network with local elected officials, leaders, and allies—building lasting connections that will fuel Santa Clara County’s LGBTQ+ leadership for years to come.
This program was made possible thanks to the funding support of Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga and Supervisor Otto Lee, who continue to champion LGBTQ+ leadership and visibility in the region.
As part of the continued investment in the Santa Clara County area, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is excited to invite attendees of the Santa Clara County Public Leadership Summit to apply for the inaugural cohort of the Victory Public Leaders Fellowship (VPLF). This selective fellowship is designed for LGBTQ+ and allied leaders seeking to expand their influence in electoral politics, campaigns, and policymaking. Over the course of three months, fellows will participate in virtual programming, engage in a mentor conversation with an experienced public leader, and receive covered flights, registration, and accommodations to attend the International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in December 2025. Applications for the fellowship are open through Sunday, August 31, 2025.
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute wants to thank the staffs of Supervisor Abe-Koga and Supervisor Lee, the Woman’s Club of Palo Alto, Cinestudioimages photography, VITA catering, LEAD Filipino, Society of Heart’s Delight, Modern Military Association of America, the Office of LGBTQ Affairs of Santa Clara County, Equality California, GLAAD Media Institute, and many more who made the event a success.
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute is dedicated to supporting a new generation of leaders who reflect the full diversity of our community. Programs like the Public Leadership Summit and the new Victory Public Leaders Fellowship are critical steps in ensuring that more LGBTQ+ voices are represented where decisions are made.
Together, we are building the pipeline—and the power—for a more inclusive democracy.
For more information on how to get involved and our upcoming trainings and fellowships, please contact training@victoryinstitute.org.
