Copyright Staten Island Advance
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Brooklynite Agatha Vassallo, 47, knows firsthand that exploring and expressing your true self takes courage. In fact, she admits, it took her until age 30 to explore her sexuality, especially since she grew up in a very “heterosexual environment.” “My personal journey is one many can relate to...[I] didn’t have the space or opportunity to explore my sexuality until later in life,” she said. “That journey of discovery—often misunderstood as straightforward or linear—led me to embrace my identity as a queer woman." And the personal lessons she has learned have been carried into her career. For the last two years she has worked as the Pride Center of Staten Island’s director of events and operations, helping others feel “seen, heard and empowered.” Because of her tireless dedication, Vassallo was recently promoted to executive director of the borough’s Pride Center. “I truly manifested serving the community through the Pride Center,” said Vassallo. “I am honored and grateful to lead the Pride Center. This organization has been a lifeline for so many. I look forward to building bridges, expanding our reach, and continuing the advocacy that ensures every person feels seen, valued and supported.” Vassallo played a vital role in increasing the Pride Center’s visibility, advocating for inclusion in Staten Island’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, expanding programs, and developing innovative funding initiatives to sustain community services. After working closely with former Executive Director Carol Bullock, the Pride Center’s Board of Directors decided that Vassallo was the right choice to lead the organization into its next phase. “Agatha’s leadership, tenacity, and connection to our community make her the ideal choice to guide the Pride Center. The Board is confident that under her direction, the Center will continue to thrive as a beacon of inclusion, advocacy, and support for Staten Island’s LGBTQ+ community,” said Larry Anderson, chairman of the Board of Directors for the Pride Center. Said the Honorable Judge Matthew J. Titone, who sits on the center’s Board of Directors: “As someone who has proudly supported and advocated for the Pride Center since its inception, I am excited to welcome Agatha as its next executive director. At a time when anti-LGBTQ sentiment is rising nationally and yes, locally...strong leadership at home is more important than ever.” Career history Before joining the Pride Center, Vassallo built a distinguished career as a professional chef and executive leader in the hospitality industry, leading and developing large teams across several for-profit organizations for more than 30 years. She also owned and operated her own business,The Five Foot Chef, where her passion for food, creativity, and connection came together to deliver meaningful experiences that celebrated people and culture. But during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) she sought to make a greater impact. During that time, she founded Village of Certainty, a grassroots community initiative that brought people together during the COVID shutdown. Through creative, judgment-free virtual groups and COVID-safe in-person gatherings, Village of Certainty offered members of the LGBTQ+ community “connection, compassion and hope,” she said. One standout moment was the “Halloween is Not Cancelled” event—held safely in her backyard—where more than 200 neighborhood children and families came together for games, dancing, Halloween festivities and magic shows. “I had women hiding in bushes from their traditional heterosexual families just to join our online support group,” she recalled. “It was a crazy time, but I’m grateful for the thought that I could even help and support one person.” ‘Pass the Pride’ Under Vassallo’s leadership, the Pride Center has launched a new fundraising initiative, “Pass the Pride, the Confetti Challenge,” a digital campaign designed to sustain and grow programs that provide safe spaces, youth support, mental health services and community education. The campaign invites supporters to “pass the pride forward” by making a contribution toward initiatives that empower individuals. “The Pass the Pride campaign is about connection,” Vassallo added. “It’s a reminder that every act of giving helps another person find belonging and hope and that it extends beyond the traditional Pride Months.” Vassallo replaces Melissa Sullivan, who served as the executive director of the Pride Center for a short time, and stepped down due to personal reasons, according to Vassallo. Before that, Bullock headed up the Pride Center for seven years. About The Pride Center The mission of the Pride Center of Staten Island is “to enhance and sustain the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ and allied communities by providing programs and services that cultivate community; advocate for LGBTQIA+ interests; educate and empower, and provide social support.” “Watching the Pride Center of Staten Island grow and flourish has been an incredible, continuing journey. Choosing Agatha Vassallo as its next executive director and leader will support the Center’s commitment to equity, justice and quality,” said Community Leader Diane Arneth.
