We had the good fortune of connecting with Denise Spivak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
CenterLink and its member LGBTQ centers provide vital resources for their communities and create a place where people can go for a wide range of critical, life-saving services. These centers collectively serve over 51,800 people each week, or nearly 2.7 million people per year. Nearly all LGBTQ centers engage in advocacy, public policy, and civic engagement across a wide variety of issues affecting the LGBTQ community.

CenterLink currently serves over 350 LGBTQ community centers across the country in 48 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, as well as centers in Canada, Colombia, and Australia. We assist newly forming community centers and help strengthen existing ones, through networking opportunities for center leaders, peer-based technical assistance and training, and a variety of capacity-building services.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Prior to joining CenterLink in 2011, I worked in the private sector in a variety of roles – in broadcasting, retail management, and talent acquisition. I never thought I’d be employed in the nonprofit sector, but here I am, going on my 13th anniversary! And I have to say, the work I have had the privilege of doing at CenterLink, supporting our network of LGBTQ community centers, and working with the amazing team here, has been the greatest honor, and has been the most rewarding of my career!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In any city I go to, the first place to visit is the nearest LGBTQ center and find out what events they have going on while I’m there. After that, we’d have to hang out in McKinney, Oak Lawn, and The Strip! In general, for me it’s all about things like museums, historical landmarks, aquariums, and off-the-beaten-path sites! And, of course, the food! My favorite in the DFW area is Tiffany Derry’s Roots Southern Table! There are so many good places to spend time in DFW – I don’t think a week is really enough!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the leadership and staff members at LGBTQ community centers! I am forever in awe of their dedication, their skill, their compassion, and their unwavering support of their communities.

Website: https://www.lgbtqcenters.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lgbtcenterlink/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisespivak/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CenterLink

Image Credits
Headshot: Richard Silva Other shots: Courtesy of CenterLink

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