CENTER STAFF

Nathaniel Gray, MSW: Executive Director / CEO

Email: ngray@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: he/him/his

Nathaniel holds a Master’s of Social Work in Leadership and Policy Design from Fordham University and is a veteran of New York State Government, working for the Office of Children and Family Services where he wrote LGBTQ+ focused policy for youth statewide, as well as supported the LGBTQ+ Affairs work of the Governor’s Office for two administrations. His undergraduate is a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Pace University, followed by ten years in local and regional theater as well as several years performing as Amanda Poupon in the New York City drag circuit. He is now the Executive Director of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, the longest continually operating Pride Center in the country, working to build LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion equally across the ten counties of the Capital Region.

Jen Maley-Wheeler- Director of Programs and Operations

Email: jmaleywheeler@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

As an LMSW, Jen’s main focus is to provide competent case management and counseling services to the LGBTQ+ community in addition to providing training and education services to local organizations, schools, community centers, and nonprofits.

Originally from Cincinnati, OH, Jen moved to Albany in July 2006 with her wife, Kelly, after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. It was in college that Jen began her advocacy work with the LGBTQ+ community, serving in various roles of EKU’s Pride Alliance as well as organizations in the community.

Tora Stringfield: Program Coordinator

Email: tstringfield@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Tora came to the Pride Center at a pivotal point in her life in May 2018. Searching for a space to volunteer, Tora soon became an integral part of the Pride Center team, providing program and general administrative support. Tora is a straight ally, and mother to a Center Youth Group participant. Tora quickly learned that the Pride Center is an open and accepting place for all in the LGBTQ community as well as friends and family. Tora is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in business from Bryant and Stratton College.

Meagon Nolasco: Communications Coordinator

Email: mnolasco@CapitalPrideCenter.org

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Meagon currently serves as the Pride Center’s Communications Coordinator and works to bridge the gap between what The Pride Center offers and informing those who need the services most. Meagon was a macro-level social work intern at the Pride Center in the summer of 2022 who worked on various event coordination including our “Making Gay History” with Eric Marcus event as well as our Gender Marker/Name Change clinic. Her passions for LGBTQ+ policies and rights are met with an equal passion for therapeutic counseling of the community and reaching out to those rural areas where services and accessibility are limited for LGBTQ+ folks. In her free time, Meagon is a freelance writer with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues and social justice as well as an avid plant parent.