Meet Deja Alvarez
Experience & Qualifications
Deja currently serves as the Director of Community Engagement for World Healthcare Infrastructures and the LGBTQ Care Coordinator for the Department of Public Health. She is also a core Trainer and Educator for the Transgender Training Institute. Deja was recently appointed to the task force to create the LGBTQ Advisory Board for the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. She is one of the founding members of the Trans Wellness Program at the Mazzoni Center, a co-founder and former facilitator of Sisterly Love (a Trans support and skill-building program by and for transgender women), and a former coordinator for the Trans Information Project of GALAEI.
Deja has served in many capacities for several local LGBTQ organizations and groups, including Mayor Kenney's Commission of LGBT Affairs and the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs. She has sat on the Board of Directors for the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club and the William Way LGBT Community Center. Deja is a former Co-Chair of the Annual Trans March in Philadelphia and Co-Founder and Director of the first LGBTQ-specific shelter and recovery facility, The LGBTQ Home for HOPE.
Deja is also currently the President of The Women's March on Philadelphia, co-Chair of the Philadelphia Police LGBTQ Liaison Committee, and Chairwoman for International Trans Day of Remembrance.
AWARDS & HONORS:
In recognition of her leadership and dedication to Philadelphia’s communities, Deja was recently nominated to the Good Morning America Inspiration List: Who's Making Pride History in 2021. Deja has been highlighted as part of the Philadelphia 76ers Pride Voices (2020). She has been awarded the Community Playmaker Award from Philadelphia Flyers and Walmart (2018), the Founders Award from The Men of All Colors (2017), the Community Hero Award from Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (2016), LGBTQ Person of the Year Award from Philadelphia Gay News (2016), the Jaci Adams Outproud Transgender Award from Philly Pride (2015), and the Community Advocacy Award from the I Am Human Campaign (2014).
“Something which we think is impossible now is not impossible in another decade.”
— Constance Baker Motley
Listening
Deja believes in listening to all viewpoints, even the unpopular ones. We can't learn if we don't listen.
