New Board Leadership at The Center

The Center’s Board of Directors is a dedicated group of professionals from a variety of industries who work to ensure a sustainable future for the organization through oversight of its operations and budget. The Center is excited to announce that the Board recently elected Allyn Shaw as its President to replace Rahul Tripathi who has recently completed his term. Read more from Allyn and Rahul below then learn more about our board.

a photographic rendering of the front of The Center on a sunny day

Welcome Allyn L. Shaw, Board President

Dear Center Community,

It is with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into the role of Board President for The Center. As someone who has spent my life creating, advocating for, and thriving in inclusive spaces, I am truly honored to lead our Board of Directors. Together, we will ensure The Center continues to serve as both a beacon of hope and a powerful engine of transformation for our community. My vision is clear: A Center that not only embraces empathy, accountability, and collaboration, but also consistently rises to meet the needs of our ever-evolving LGBTQ+ community.

This moment also calls for reflection and gratitude. I want to acknowledge the incredible leadership of Rahul Tripathi, whose vision and dedication have strengthened The Center and positioned us for continued growth. Under his guidance, The Center navigated extraordinary challenges while advancing our mission in ways that will resonate for years to come. I am profoundly grateful for the groundwork he has laid and am committed to building upon it.

I am equally excited about the partnership with our new CEO, Dr. Carla Smith. Dr. Smith brings over 25 years of experience in social services and a steadfast commitment to centering historically neglected populations. She is the first person of color to lead The Center, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward inclusivity and representation. Her visionary leadership and dedication to transformative change align seamlessly with our mission, and I am confident that our collaboration will usher in a new era of growth and impact for The Center.  She might have been the first, but surely – not the last.

As Board President, I bring with me the lessons from a career spent at the intersection of technology, finance, and equity-driven change. From my work with organizations like Out & Equal and the Victory Fund to leading diversity and inclusion efforts within corporate America, I have witnessed the transformative power of representation and the urgency of action.  As a child of a Nigerian immigrant, born in Compton, California and experiencing first hand what it feels like to be Black, queer, homeless and nearly always underrepresented, I know at my core the importance of safe, and affirming spaces like The Center.  These experiences will guide every decision we make as a Board, and certainly my consult as its President. Together, we will center the needs, voices, and dreams of our vibrant and diverse community, ensuring The Center remains both a sanctuary and a force for change.

Looking ahead, I am filled with relentless optimism, courage, pride and determination. The Center has always been—and will continue to be—a critical resource for those seeking connection, empowerment, and a sense of belonging. With the strength of our Board, the passion of our staff, and the unwavering support of our community, I know we are poised to accomplish even more. Together, we will honor those who paved the way, rise to meet the challenges of today, and create a future where every LGBTQ+ New Yorker not only survives but thrives.

Thank you for placing your trust in me. I am ready to do this work with and for you.

With dignity and respect,
Allyn L. Shaw
Board President, The Center

A Message From Rahul Tripathi, Board President, Emeritus

Rahul Tripathi

Dear Center Community,

As I reflect on my tenure as Board President of The NYC LGBT Community Center, I can say without hesitation that it has been an eventful several years! During this time we have seen The Center through some extraordinary (and at times harrowing!) moments, navigated challenges, and accomplished so much in service of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. From movingThe Center’s programs and services online almost overnight in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, managing through a precipitous decline in event-driven revenue and then reopening our building as soon as it was safe to do so, to prioritizing equity based learning and development,, to making sure that our mission and programs and the community’s needs were at the center (ahem) of every decision we made. Above all else, I am proud to have worked alongside dedicated board, staff, community members, and supporters in leading the organization through a historic leadership transition that brought Dr. Carla Smith—our first Black CEO—to The Center. This moment was not just a milestone but a testament to our unyielding shared commitment to equity and representation.

The position allowed me to witness firsthand the power of LGBTQ+ people to effect change. From groundbreaking programs to tireless advocacy, The Center is a beacon of hope and strength for so many. I am filled with gratitude and pride for the progress we have made together; we did not just survive these difficult moments, we emerged stronger. We flourished. Serving in this role alongside so many wonderful staff and board members has been an extraordinary honor.

It is with confidence and excitement that I pass the baton to Allyn Shaw, our new Board President. Allyn’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to The Center’s mission will undoubtedly propel us to new heights. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead makes him a well suited leader for this next chapter. As we look to the future, The Center will need to continue building on its legacy while embracing change, disruption and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our community. I know Allyn, alongside our incredible CEO, board and staff, is ready to take on this charge with vigor and compassion.

The road ahead is not without challenges. The Center will be called upon by many to offer even more support, deliver even more services, and provide even more affirming and safe spaces. We will remain steadfast in our advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. This is a time for bold leadership, renewed partnerships, and unwavering resolve from all of us. We need our community to rally together—standing strong in the face of potential setbacks while seizing every chance to push for progress. Our resilience has always been our strength, and I am confident it will guide us through the years ahead.

I urge you to join me in ensuring The Center has the resources it needs to thrive. Your contributions are not just donations—they are investments in a stronger, more equitable future for all LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Please consider making a gift today to help us continue this vital work. Together, we can ensure The Center remains a lifeline for generations to come.

With gratitude and hope,

Rahul Tripathi
Board President, Emeritus