Ellie Perez, a native of Southern California and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, has emerged as a formidable voice of resilience and advocacy. Her journey, initially marked by the rejection and discrimination within an evangelical church community, paved the way for a deep-seated commitment to championing marginalized voices. 

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Responding to adversity with action, Ellie joined the Courage Campaign to oppose Proposition 8, utilizing her experiences to inspire the LGBTQ community toward visibility and resistance despite the proposition’s passage. Her early involvement with the Latino Equality Alliance amplified her impact, directly benefiting LGBTQ Latino families in East LA through innovative outreach and storytelling, helping build the foundation for one of the largest LGBTQ Latino-focused organizations in the United States.  

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In her professional life at the LA Unified School District, Ellie adroitly navigated the dual roles of advocate and translator for immigrant families, equally contributing to the enhancement of resources and independence for students with disabilities through her work with the Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

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The personal became political when Ellie's teenage child came out as transgender. This spurred her into even more fervent advocacy for transgender youth support in both medical and social spaces. 

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Ellie’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to community upliftment were unmistakably evident in her response to the arson of the Pride Lifeguard Tower in Long Beach. She co-founded the "You Are Welcome Here" Safe Spaces Alliance initiative to establish safe spaces for the queer community, proving her leadership and commitment to safety and inclusivity.

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Now, as the Executive Director of the LGBTQ Center Long Beach and a pioneering member of the LA County LGBTQ+ Commission, Ellie Perez stands as a pivotal figure advocating for comprehensive support and connectivity for LGBTQ residents. Her mantra, “You never lose what you give away,” symbolizes the endless cycle of generosity and community support that defines her work. 

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Her path from overcoming personal adversities to becoming a beacon of advocacy encapsulates a transformative journey of impacting and uplifting a community, showcasing Ellie Perez as an inspiring leader and advocate.