A New Era of Leadership with San Diego Pride’s New Executive Director, Leane Marchese

By Joslyn Hatfield

Leane Marchese’s journey to becoming the new Executive Director of San Diego Pride has been filled with many personal and professional milestones, marked by her deep-rooted passion for the LGBTQIA+ community and a steadfast commitment to fostering inclusivity, equality, and justice. As she steps into this pivotal role, Marchese brings with her a sense of excitement, responsibility, and gratitude that resonates with the mission and values of San Diego Pride—a non-profit organization, community celebration, and advocacy juggernaut that has long championed the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community locally, nationally, and globally.

San Diego Pride is more than just an annual celebration; it is a year-round force for good, dedicated to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is free to live authentically and without fear of discrimination. Marchese sees it as a vital platform for change, community building, and empowerment. Her vision for San Diego Pride is one that is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—values that are central to the organization’s ongoing mission.

“San Diego is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, identities, and experiences, all of which come together to create a unique and dynamic environment,” Marchese shared. “One of the aspects that excites me most about joining this organization is the vibrant and diverse community it represents. Outreach and connection with this community across our region and beyond is at the forefront for me as the new Executive Director for San Diego Pride.”

Her dedication to community engagement is evident in her early initiatives, one of which is the community-wide survey for the 2025 Pride Festival. Marchese encourages everyone to share their feedback and ideas, underscoring the importance of collective input in shaping the future of San Diego Pride. “This is just one of the ways we will seek your feedback as we begin strategic planning in the coming months,” she explains. “We will be providing multiple opportunities for you to help build the next evolution of San Diego Pride.”

The foundation laid by the dedicated staff, volunteers, and community members over the years has been strong, and this is not lost on Marchese. She is inspired by the resilience and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community and is committed to ensuring that San Diego Pride remains a space where every voice is valued. Her vision for the organization includes building on the work that has been done to create more opportunities for intersectional engagement, where the diverse experiences of community members are recognized and celebrated.

Marchese is particularly passionate about strengthening partnerships with other organizations, advocating for policies that protect and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community, and ensuring that San Diego Pride’s events and programs are accessible and welcoming. Her leadership style is one that emphasizes collaboration and innovation, as she believes that together, the community can continue to expand its reach and impact, both within San Diego and beyond.

“I look forward to working alongside each of you to continue the legacy of progress and to create new opportunities for growth and empowerment within our community,” said Marchese.

As San Diego Pride embarks on this new chapter under Leane’s leadership, the organization remains committed to its core values of inclusivity, equality, and justice. With her at the helm, San Diego Pride is poised to continue its legacy of advocacy, celebration, and community building, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live their truth and be embraced for who they are.