Meet The Team

Michael Sorensen, MPA is a recent transplant to San Joaquin County, moving to Stockton with his partner in 2023. Michael moved to Stockton, CA, from Portland, OR, to serve as the Executive Director at Friends Outside, a statewide nonprofit headquartered in Stockton, CA, that supports justice-involved individuals and families.

Michael has more than 30 years of experience as a community leader having held posts within government and nonprofits in California, Colorado, Hawaii, and Oregon. He has led work to alleviate the pain caused by HIV and breast cancer. He has served as an advocate for healthcare services and healthcare access. He has worked within the Native American community as a consultant to the National Native American HIV/AIDS Prevention Center and as an employee of the Native American Rehabilitation Association, among others. Michael has a deep commitment to equity and has chosen work that allows him to embrace this commitment daily.

Finally, Michael is a proud member of Stockton Rotary, a member of the San Joaquin County Health Commission and a member of the San Joaquin County EEOC Advisory Board, a former missionary, a past Americorps VISTA volunteer, a graduate of Portland State and Marylhurst Universities, and a father to his adopted (now adult) son.

This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio.

My name is Jenn Costa, and I’m the Secretary for the Central Valley Stonewall Democrats. I grew up and spent most of my adult life in the East Bay before moving to San Joaquin County in 2022. I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a proud momma. In my spare time, you can find me baking, spending time with friends and family, thrifting, and trying to make the world a better place for our future generations. 

With over 25 years of experience in finance and a Master’s in Accounting, I am honored to lend my professional expertise to the Central Valley Stonewall Democrats as Treasurer. A Central Valley resident for over a decade, my commitment to this work is deeply personal; as a member of a minority community and a proud family member of LGBTQ+ individuals, I am driven by the firm belief that human rights and safety belong to everyone. I am justice-minded and dedicated to ensuring our local advocacy is supported by fiscal integrity and transparency. When I’m not balancing the books, you can usually find me with a crochet hook in hand, catching up on the latest TV shows, or revisiting the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  

This is your Team Member description. Use this space to write a brief description of this person’s role and responsibilities, or add a short bio.

Since the late 1980s, Andrea Juarez-Smith, known as Goth8Quinn, has been actively involved in nonprofit volunteerism, collaborating with over 50 organizations. A strong advocate for equality and inclusion, she is affiliated with groups like Tracy Pride and the Gone But Not Forgotten Veterans project. Goth8Quinn aims to instill hope and kindness in others.

Known for her joy and enthusiasm, she is an accomplished seamstress who creates stunning garments and an avid photographer, capturing the beauty of everyday life. As a dedicated advocate for military causes, she uses her passion for pinup modeling to support military nonprofits.

Her uplifting personality, infectious laughter, and radiant smile inspire joy in her community, making her a valued figure through her creative talents and advocacy efforts.