About Oasis
About Oasis
About Oasis
Oasis Legal Services empowers low-income, LGBTQ+ immigrants who have survived violence and persecution due to their sexuality, gender identity, and/or HIV status by increasing access to quality, culturally responsive legal representation and social services.
We envision a world where LGBTQ+ immigrants are safe and free to live with dignity. Through trauma-informed legal advocacy, compassionate care, and capacity building, we help our communities thrive.
Our Approach
Since 2017, Oasis Legal Services has assisted LGBTQ+ immigrants with asylum, residency, citizenship, family petitions, and more. As a Medi-Cal enrollment site, our Social Services Program supports clients with healthcare access, HIV testing, and mental health support. Our case managers also connect clients to workforce development, higher education opportunities, and housing resources.
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Coalitions
Coalitions
Our Programs
Each program is designed to protect, empower, and uplift LGBTQ+ immigrants through legal representation, social support, and community-centered advocacy.
Asylum
We serve approximately 200 new clients annually in both affirmative cases (before deportation proceedings begin), and defensive cases for clients already facing removal.
Immigration Pathways
Our continuum of care helps clients move toward permanent residency, family petitions, or U.S. citizenship, providing clients the ability to work, reunite with their family, and protect their right to remain in the U.S..
Social Services
We assist our clients with healthcare enrollment, HIV testing and treatment, housing, job training, support groups, mental health services, legal name/gender marker changes, and more —ensuring that legal support is paired with long-term stability.
Training & Advocacy
We train service providers on culturally responsive care and advocate for systemic changes to expand protections for LGBTQ+ immigrants. We also support clients in strengthening their leadership within LGBTQ+ and immigrant movements, creating space for them to define and use their voices to uplift their peers.
Our Staff
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Community,
Our diverse and dedicated team brings a wealth of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep cultural understanding to our mission of empowering LGBTQ+ immigrants. Each staff member contributes unique skills and perspectives that strengthen our impact and sustain the quality, compassion, and integrity of our work. While we currently do not share individual staff details online due to safety and security reasons, we remain profoundly proud of the extraordinary people who make our mission possible every day.
Adam Ryan Chang
Executive Director
Dear Community,
Our diverse and dedicated team brings a wealth of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep cultural understanding to our mission of empowering LGBTQ+ immigrants. Each staff member contributes unique skills and perspectives that strengthen our impact and sustain the quality, compassion, and integrity of our work. While we currently do not share individual staff details online due to safety and security reasons, we remain profoundly proud of the extraordinary people who make our mission possible every day.
Adam Ryan Chang
Executive Director
Dear Community,
Our diverse and dedicated team brings a wealth of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep cultural understanding to our mission of empowering LGBTQ+ immigrants. Each staff member contributes unique skills and perspectives that strengthen our impact and sustain the quality, compassion, and integrity of our work. While we currently do not share individual staff details online due to safety and security reasons, we remain profoundly proud of the extraordinary people who make our mission possible every day.
Adam Ryan Chang
Executive Director
A second-generation Asian American born and raised in San Francisco, Adam brings a deeply personal and intersectional perspective to his leadership. A foster-adoptive parent to a Chicana / Latine daughter, he is proudly queer and openly shares his experience living with HIV to combat stigma and champion inclusive, equity-driven policies.
Our Team Reflects the Communities we Serve
Oasis is a trusted provider dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ immigrants with quality legal representation and social services navigation across California. With a team of 21 staff members, we operate offices in both Berkeley and Fresno to serve clients across the West Coast.
Oasis is a trusted provider dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ immigrants with quality legal representation and social services navigation across California. With a team of 21 staff members, we operate offices in both Berkeley and Fresno to serve clients across the West Coast.
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Identities as Gender Expansive
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Over Half Come from First-Generation Immigrant Families
All of Oasis’ Staff Speak at Least Two Languages
Board of Directors
Ryan Heman
(he / him)
Chair
San Francisco
Ryan is a Program Director at Humanity United, a foundation dedicated to advancing enduring peace and freedom. He oversees initiatives focused on labor organizing, investor engagement, policy advocacy, and support for investigative journalism in closed and restricted environments. Previously, Ryan worked in donor education at Forward Global and with the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, Arcus Foundation, and Outright International. His academic research centers on decolonizing queer movements and the barriers faced by asylees and refugees.
Ryan Heman
(he / him)
Chair
San Francisco
Ryan is a Program Director at Humanity United, a foundation dedicated to advancing enduring peace and freedom. He oversees initiatives focused on labor organizing, investor engagement, policy advocacy, and support for investigative journalism in closed and restricted environments. Previously, Ryan worked in donor education at Forward Global and with the Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, Arcus Foundation, and Outright International. His academic research centers on decolonizing queer movements and the barriers faced by asylees and refugees.
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Rebecca Gordon
(she / her)
Treasurer
Finance Committee Chair
San Francisco
Rebecca recently retired after nearly 20 years teaching Ethics at the University of San Francisco and remains active in her local union, the Part-Time Faculty Association, and the Universities Council of the California Federation of Teachers. Prior to USF, she was an activist in movements for women’s and LGBTQ+ liberation, Central America and South Africa solidarity, and racial justice in the United States. She is the author of American Nuremberg (2016), Mainstreaming Torture (2014), and Letters From Nicaragua (1986).
Rebecca Gordon
(she / her)
Treasurer
Finance Committee Chair
San Francisco
Rebecca recently retired after nearly 20 years teaching Ethics at the University of San Francisco and remains active in her local union, the Part-Time Faculty Association, and the Universities Council of the California Federation of Teachers. Prior to USF, she was an activist in movements for women’s and LGBTQ+ liberation, Central America and South Africa solidarity, and racial justice in the United States. She is the author of American Nuremberg (2016), Mainstreaming Torture (2014), and Letters From Nicaragua (1986).
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Marcos Segura
(he / him)
Audit Committee Chair
Dinuba
Marcos is a Staff Attorney at the National Housing Law Project, based in Fresno, California. He focuses on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, USDA Rural Development programs, and California housing policy. Prior to NHLP, Marcos was a staff attorney at Central California Legal Services, representing tenants facing eviction and litigating real estate fraud, predatory debt collection, and habitability cases in state and federal court. He previously served as a UCLA Community Economic Development Fellow at Public Counsel, advising nonprofits and small business owners on tax and governance matters.
Marcos Segura
(he / him)
Audit Committee Chair
Dinuba
Marcos is a Staff Attorney at the National Housing Law Project, based in Fresno, California. He focuses on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, USDA Rural Development programs, and California housing policy. Prior to NHLP, Marcos was a staff attorney at Central California Legal Services, representing tenants facing eviction and litigating real estate fraud, predatory debt collection, and habitability cases in state and federal court. He previously served as a UCLA Community Economic Development Fellow at Public Counsel, advising nonprofits and small business owners on tax and governance matters.
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Wes McGaughey
(he / him)
Fundraising Committee Chair
San Francisco
Wesley (“Wes”) is a longtime community leader with experience spanning health policy and reform advocacy, consulting, and local politics. He currently leads value-based care analytics at Sutter Health, driving insights that inform clinical and operational strategy in support of the Quintuple Aim, and serves as co-chair of Sutter’s Pride employee resource group. Wes holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations, as well as an MBA and an MPP, and brings a personal commitment to equitable, patient-centered care.
Wes McGaughey
(he / him)
Fundraising Committee Chair
San Francisco
Wesley (“Wes”) is a longtime community leader with experience spanning health policy and reform advocacy, consulting, and local politics. He currently leads value-based care analytics at Sutter Health, driving insights that inform clinical and operational strategy in support of the Quintuple Aim, and serves as co-chair of Sutter’s Pride employee resource group. Wes holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations, as well as an MBA and an MPP, and brings a personal commitment to equitable, patient-centered care.
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julie vue
(she / they)
Governance Committee Chair
Fresno
Julie is a co-conspirator for justice with over 10 years of experience designing equity strategies, leading equitable evaluation, and facilitating change across youth development, education, social justice organizing, and nonprofit and corporate sectors. Using a multi-racial solidarity lens, Julie mobilizes philanthropic resources to advance racial equity, inclusion, education, and community engagement, supporting a racially inclusive economy across Fresno and the greater Central Valley. They hold an M.A. in Education focused on Equity and Social Justice from CSU Long Beach and a B.A. in Political Science from UC Irvine.
julie vue
(she / they)
Governance Committee Chair
Fresno
Julie is a co-conspirator for justice with over 10 years of experience designing equity strategies, leading equitable evaluation, and facilitating change across youth development, education, social justice organizing, and nonprofit and corporate sectors. Using a multi-racial solidarity lens, Julie mobilizes philanthropic resources to advance racial equity, inclusion, education, and community engagement, supporting a racially inclusive economy across Fresno and the greater Central Valley. They hold an M.A. in Education focused on Equity and Social Justice from CSU Long Beach and a B.A. in Political Science from UC Irvine.
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Jasmine Gabb
(they / she)
Secretary
San Francisco
Jasmine is a nonprofit leader and researcher focused on immigrant-origin youth empowerment, sociopolitical development, and community-led education. Their work supports young people in building self-advocacy, civic engagement, and collective power through evaluation and community partnerships. Grounded in developmental psychology and trauma-informed practice, Jasmine previously managed Tech@Hand, a digital access and mental health program serving TLGBQ+ youth and older adults. Originally from Los Angeles, they are a yoga practitioner, bookbinder, and proud daughter of Belizean immigrants.
Jasmine Gabb
(they / she)
Secretary
San Francisco
Jasmine is a nonprofit leader and researcher focused on immigrant-origin youth empowerment, sociopolitical development, and community-led education. Their work supports young people in building self-advocacy, civic engagement, and collective power through evaluation and community partnerships. Grounded in developmental psychology and trauma-informed practice, Jasmine previously managed Tech@Hand, a digital access and mental health program serving TLGBQ+ youth and older adults. Originally from Los Angeles, they are a yoga practitioner, bookbinder, and proud daughter of Belizean immigrants.
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Allan
(he / him)
Board Member
San Francisco
Allan is a first-generation immigrant and is proud to call the Bay Area his home. He has a business management background and experience working in both the corporate sector and education field. He currently works for a national nonprofit as an Operations Specialist. Allan has served in leadership positions at faith-based organizations that are committed to defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, people of color, and those unhoused.
Allan
(he / him)
Board Member
San Francisco
Allan is a first-generation immigrant and is proud to call the Bay Area his home. He has a business management background and experience working in both the corporate sector and education field. He currently works for a national nonprofit as an Operations Specialist. Allan has served in leadership positions at faith-based organizations that are committed to defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, people of color, and those unhoused.
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Birgit Eschmann
(she / her)
Board Member
San Francisco
Born and raised in Germany, Birgit is an immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen who works in market research and brings a data-driven lens to her work. She is active in the Episcopal Church at both the parish and diocesan levels and is proud to belong to an affirming faith community that supports LGBTQAI+ people, immigrants, women, people of color, Indigenous communities, and those who are unhoused. Birgit also serves with a death row prison ministry and enjoys singing with the Queer Chorus of San Francisco, cooking, puzzles, Pilates, and spending time with her wife and cat.
Birgit Eschmann
(she / her)
Board Member
San Francisco
Born and raised in Germany, Birgit is an immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen who works in market research and brings a data-driven lens to her work. She is active in the Episcopal Church at both the parish and diocesan levels and is proud to belong to an affirming faith community that supports LGBTQAI+ people, immigrants, women, people of color, Indigenous communities, and those who are unhoused. Birgit also serves with a death row prison ministry and enjoys singing with the Queer Chorus of San Francisco, cooking, puzzles, Pilates, and spending time with her wife and cat.
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Duc Le
(he / him)
Board Member
Dublin
Duc Le (he/him) and his family immigrated to the United States as refugees from Vietnam and settled in the Bay Area since. Duc graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State East Bay. Duc has spent the majority of his professional career in Human Resources and non-profit management. He is currently the Senior Director of People at Tides Center.
Duc Le
(he / him)
Board Member
Dublin
Duc Le (he/him) and his family immigrated to the United States as refugees from Vietnam and settled in the Bay Area since. Duc graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare, and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Cal State East Bay. Duc has spent the majority of his professional career in Human Resources and non-profit management. He is currently the Senior Director of People at Tides Center.
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Ian O’Brien
(he / him)
Board Member
Los Angeles
Ian has over 15 years of experience in sexual health and reproductive rights, with a focus on health systems for queer people and individuals engaged in sex work. He is the founding Executive Director of PASS, a nonprofit that oversees occupational health and safety in the adult industry. At PASS, Ian leads organizational strategy for global testing standards, clinical partnerships, and industry-wide health protocols, centering workers in health and safety governance and ensuring consistent, trustworthy guidance during everyday operations and moments of crisis.
Ian O’Brien
(he / him)
Board Member
Los Angeles
Ian has over 15 years of experience in sexual health and reproductive rights, with a focus on health systems for queer people and individuals engaged in sex work. He is the founding Executive Director of PASS, a nonprofit that oversees occupational health and safety in the adult industry. At PASS, Ian leads organizational strategy for global testing standards, clinical partnerships, and industry-wide health protocols, centering workers in health and safety governance and ensuring consistent, trustworthy guidance during everyday operations and moments of crisis.
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Jackie Rivas-Landaverde
(she / her)
Board Member
Los Angeles
Jackie is an independent consultant and former Director of Grants and Systems at the International Community Foundation, where she led international grantmaking across Latin America. With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, she brings expertise in community development and mission-driven philanthropy. A first-generation queer Latina, Jackie believes communities are powerful ecosystems of change and is committed to strengthening and uplifting them.
Jackie Rivas-Landaverde
(she / her)
Board Member
Los Angeles
Jackie is an independent consultant and former Director of Grants and Systems at the International Community Foundation, where she led international grantmaking across Latin America. With over 15 years of nonprofit experience, she brings expertise in community development and mission-driven philanthropy. A first-generation queer Latina, Jackie believes communities are powerful ecosystems of change and is committed to strengthening and uplifting them.
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Jenson Li
(he / him)
Board Member
Los Angeles
A proud Bay Area native, Jensen grew up in Millbrae and is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Urban Studies. He works on the Education Initiative at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, partnering with educators, researchers, and youth to build tools and supports that help unlock every student’s potential. As a queer child of immigrants, Jensen values intersectional representation and advocacy. Outside of work, he enjoys trying new restaurants, tending his herb garden, and perfecting his home coffee recipes.
Jenson Li
(he / him)
Board Member
Los Angeles
A proud Bay Area native, Jensen grew up in Millbrae and is a graduate of UC Berkeley with a degree in Urban Studies. He works on the Education Initiative at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, partnering with educators, researchers, and youth to build tools and supports that help unlock every student’s potential. As a queer child of immigrants, Jensen values intersectional representation and advocacy. Outside of work, he enjoys trying new restaurants, tending his herb garden, and perfecting his home coffee recipes.
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Kim Mejía-Cuéllar
(she / her)
Board Member
Oakland
Kimberly is the daughter of Mexican and Salvadoran immigrants and was raised in Oakland, California. Witnessing her parents’ struggles to obtain legal status inspired her to pursue a career in legal advocacy. She is an attorney at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP in San Francisco and a graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law School. Kimberly has worked on civil rights and immigration and asylum cases, including with the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, and clerked for Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr. in the Southern District of New York. She is excited to serve on Oasis’ board.
Kim Mejía-Cuéllar
(she / her)
Board Member
Oakland
Kimberly is the daughter of Mexican and Salvadoran immigrants and was raised in Oakland, California. Witnessing her parents’ struggles to obtain legal status inspired her to pursue a career in legal advocacy. She is an attorney at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP in San Francisco and a graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law School. Kimberly has worked on civil rights and immigration and asylum cases, including with the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, and clerked for Judge Andrew L. Carter, Jr. in the Southern District of New York. She is excited to serve on Oasis’ board.
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Nick Martinez
(he / him)
Board Member
Washington, DC
Nick is a communications and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across tech, media, health care, and LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Most recently, he led integrated marketing campaigns at Booz Allen Hamilton, advancing social impact initiatives and supporting $3.2B in contract wins. He previously directed communications for major health care projects at the Department of Veterans Affairs and CMS, and earlier worked with the LA LGBT Center, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and California’s No on Proposition 8 campaign.
Nick Martinez
(he / him)
Board Member
Washington, DC
Nick is a communications and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across tech, media, health care, and LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Most recently, he led integrated marketing campaigns at Booz Allen Hamilton, advancing social impact initiatives and supporting $3.2B in contract wins. He previously directed communications for major health care projects at the Department of Veterans Affairs and CMS, and earlier worked with the LA LGBT Center, the National LGBTQ Task Force, and California’s No on Proposition 8 campaign.
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Want To Get Involved?
If you’re moved by our work and want to contribute your time, skills, or support, we’d love to hear from you. There’s a place for you here.
Meet Our Clients
Jesus and Jorge fled Mexico after facing discrimination and rejection for being gay. They met at San Francisco Pride in 2012 and are now married. Oasis’ co-founder, Maria Elena, supported them from day one, walking them through the asylum process step-by-step. Since gaining asylum, Jesus has secured stable employment and feels free to be himself. Jorge no longer fears ICE raids or being separated from his U.S.-born son.
Jesus & Jorge
In Mexico, Jorli faced humiliation and violent persecution due to her sexuality. She fled to the U.S. at age 26, where her son Joseph was later born. Before asylum, she lived in fear of detention, worried no one would be there for Joseph after school. Now, she’s free to live openly as a mother — and recently took Joseph to their first Giants game together.
Jorli & Joseph
Astrid arrived in the U.S. as a college student, where she found the courage to transition and live authentically as a woman. She expressed fear for her safety back in Indonesia and worked with Oasis to apply for asylum. Astrid is now a permanent resident and working in San Francisco to support the trans community.
Astrid
Jesus and Jorge fled Mexico after facing discrimination and rejection for being gay. They met at San Francisco Pride in 2012 and are now married. Oasis’ co-founder, Maria Elena, supported them from day one, walking them through the asylum process step-by-step. Since gaining asylum, Jesus has secured stable employment and feels free to be himself. Jorge no longer fears ICE raids or being separated from his U.S.-born son.
Jesus & Jorge
In Mexico, Jorli faced humiliation and violent persecution due to her sexuality. She fled to the U.S. at age 26, where her son Joseph was later born. Before asylum, she lived in fear of detention, worried no one would be there for Joseph after school. Now, she’s free to live openly as a mother—and recently took Joseph to their first Giants game together.
Jorli & Joseph
Astrid arrived in the U.S. as a college student, where she found the courage to transition and live authentically as a woman. She expressed fear for her safety back in Indonesia and worked with Oasis to apply for asylum. Astrid is now a permanent resident and working in San Francisco to support the trans community.
Astrid
“Working with the Oasis staff has changed my life, making me feel safe and like I can be myself.”
“Working with the Oasis staff has changed my life, making me feel safe and like I can be myself.”
“Working with the Oasis staff has changed my life, making me feel safe and like I can be myself.”
/ Oasis Client
Partners & Supporters
Oasis Legal Services is proud to collaborate with more than 100 legal, nonprofit, and community-based organizations nationwide.
We also partner with institutional, government, corporate, and educational organizations that share our vision for a world where queer and trans immigrants can live with safety, dignity, and pride.
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Bigglesworth Family Foundation
Cal State University Fresno
California Wellness Foundation
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation
Horizons Foundation
Imperial Dove Court de Fresno, Inc.
International Community Foundation
Legal Services Funders Network
New Americans Campaign / Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund
State Bar of California
The Victor & Lorraine Honig Initiative at Tides Foundation
van Löben Sels / RembeRock Foundation
ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action Community Grant Program
Zellerbach Family Foundation
(You!)
(You!)
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Bigglesworth Family Foundation
Cal State University Fresno
California Wellness Foundation
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Bigglesworth Family Foundation
Cal State University Fresno
California Wellness Foundation
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation
Horizons Foundation
Imperial Dove Court de Fresno, Inc.
International Community Foundation
Legal Services Funders Network
New Americans Campaign / Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund
Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation
Horizons Foundation
Imperial Dove Court de Fresno, Inc.
International Community Foundation
Legal Services Funders Network
New Americans Campaign / Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund
State Bar of California
The Victor & Lorraine Honig Initiative at Tides Foundation
van Löben Sels / RembeRock Foundation
ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action Community Grant Program
Zellerbach Family Foundation
State Bar of California
The Victor & Lorraine Honig Initiative at Tides Foundation
van Löben Sels / RembeRock Foundation
ViiV Healthcare’s Positive Action Community Grant Program
Zellerbach Family Foundation
Educational
Partners
Fresno State University
Fresno State University
UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley
UC Law San Francisco
UC Law San Francisco
New York University
New York University
Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University
San Joaquin College of Law
San Joaquin College of Law
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University
UC Davis
UC Davis
(+ More!)
(+ More!)
2025
Annual
Celebration
Sponsors
2025 Annual Celebration Sponsors
Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP
Bean, Lloyd, Mukherji, & Taylor, LLP
Bueno Law
Bueno Law
Fragomen
Fragomen
Horizons Foundation
Horizons Foundation
Marin Community Foundation
Marin Community Foundation
Meredith Family
Meredith Family
Morrison & Foerster LLP
Morrison & Foerster LLP
Morgan Lewis
Morgan Lewis
National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW)
National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW)
Perkins Coie LLP
Perkins Coie LLP
Stouffer Law
Stouffer Law
Support LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers
Your compassion and generosity ensure that our life-saving services remain accessible to our clients.
Thank you for being a vital part of our mission.