Who We Are.

The Central Florida GSA Network started when we as students felt that something was lacking in many Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs in our high schools: structure and support. Many students are left on their own to figure out how to run a GSA, which is very difficult without the right resources. The Network is here to guide, structure, and encourage schools to strengthen their clubs. We'll assist with difficulties clubs may experience while letting the students take charge.

We provide the tools necessary for a successful GSA. By maintaining constant communication, ensuring members are on track with their duties, and holding educational summits for board members to learn how to grow their GSA's. We're here because students, including in the LGBTQ+ community, deserve a safe space in their school where they can also give back to the community and develop their leadership skills. Students deserve a strong GSA; we're here to help them. 

What We Offer.

Structure: The GSA Network has a host of guides and forms designed to give clubs as easy start and smooth meetings. When a GSA joins the Network, they are assigned a Division number with a leader who works personally with them to ensure they maintain a structure and are involved in all Network opportunities.
Education: From resources to personal meetings, the Network works closely with leaders of the LGBTQ+ community to offer learning opportunities in and out of club. 
Networking: The GSA Network hosts monthly meetings with GSA members to encourage networking and team building. The meetings are free to attend of any GSA and often include guest speakers from the LGBTQ+ community. 

Our Goals.

  • To educate students and schools about the LGBTQ+ community.
  • To coordinate projects with GSA’s.
  • To increase the fellowship and cooperation effort of the clubs within the Network.
  • To guide and develop student leadership.
  • To encourage involvement with the LGBTQ+ community. 
  • To provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ students after high school to learn and grow through higher education. 

Our Team.

Neil Rios Laverde
​President 

After graduating high school as the president and founder of his GSA, Neil felt that there were many GSA's that needed guidance and connections to make a greater impact. Thanks to the Zebra Coalition, he's been able to lead the GSA Network for the past two years. As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is a progress; working together is success."

Brianna Gonzalez Lagostera
Secretary   

Briana is a college student at Valencia whose been a part of the Network since the very beginning. She was a part of her high school’s GSA and has been participating in activities with the Zebra Coalition for years. She believes that all youth deserve a chance to be part of a strong GSA where they can grow and become strong leaders.

 Bryant Nguyen 
 ​​​Treasurer

Bryant is a Junior in the sociology department at the University of Central Florida. Even though he has only been in the Central Florida region for a few years, he has been really active in the LGBT community. He is a major advocate for inter-sectional LGBT issues and STEM within the LGBT community.

Courtney Ring
Marketing Director
​

After creating a Gay-Straight Alliance at her own school, Courtney got involved with the Network, working with Division 4 to build strong and organized clubs. She now attends UCF and plans to continue her activism in the LGBTQ+ community by majoring in Non-Profit Management. 

Brett Burlone
​Zebra Coalition Board Member, Adviser to GSA Network

Brett is the Zebra Coalition Clinical Director and serves the network as a Board Member. Brett is one of liaisons between the Zebra Coalition and the GSA network, aiding in the organization and leadership of the Network. He is really proud of GSA Network's efforts and can't wait to see it make more impact in the schools. 

Robin Daily
​Zebra Coalition Community Engagement and Coalition Manager, Adviser to GSA Network

Zebra Coalition's mission is to support and Inspires LGBTQ+ youth. After being approached by youth of Zebra, The Central Florida GSA Network was formed. Robin is a liaison between the two, aiding in the organization and leadership of the Network. 

Our GSA Branches.

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