OUR TEAM
Meet the visionaries behind our organization
Queen Chela Demuir
QueenChela@theuwc.org
Pioneer, Founder & Executive Director:
Queen Mother Chela Demuir
In the vibrant tapestry of Southern California's LGBTQ+ landscape, Queen Mother Chela Demuir stands as a beacon of resilience and compassion. As the founder and Executive Director of Unique Woman's Coalition, Queen Chela's legacy spans over two decades, with a dedication that extends beyond local borders.
Alongside her role as a mother figure,service provider and community Pioneer, Queen Chela serves as the International Vice President of FLUX, an Affinity Group of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. In this global role, she passionately elevates the profile of Trans and Non-binary communities, both at home and across the world. As a catalyst for change, Queen Chela ignites the elevation of Trans people on an international scale.
Her visionary approach, termed "Social Edutainment," has not only shaped UWC into the oldest Trans-led organization in Southern California but has also fueled her global advocacy. From the iconic Transgiving Dinner to spearheading historic initiatives like Trans Pride LA, Queen Chela continues to be a driving force for positive change.
In the dynamic narrative of UWC's story, Queen Chela's reign remains a central thread, weaving tales of empowerment, resilience, and global impact, showcasing the transformative power of a true queen.
Lucas A Lara Rojas
Lucas@theuwc.org
Board of Directors, Treasurer
Training & Tech Team
AJ Singleton
AJ@theuwc.org
Brand Ambassador
Training & Tech Team
I am Aj Singleton AKA ACE Gorgeous Gucci , a transmasculine entrepreneur CEO Founder of Fiber Consulting. Fiber Consulting is a sales and marketing company, and we also have a community outreach program to help low-income families. We have a management training program to help staff develop leadership skills.
I currently reside in Pomona, California. I was primarily raised in Los Angeles County in the foster care system. At the age of 18, I was able to develop a relationship with my biological mother and little sister. We have a great relationship that I didn't think was possible growing up.
I'm currently a member of the Black Chamber of Commerce. I’ve been working in the LGBTQIA community for the past few years. In 2018 I was the 1st African American transman to hold the MX Pageant Title in Orange County. I'm passionate about helping people grow and to be the best version of themselves. I enjoy dancing, adult-only roller skating sessions, and participating in the ballroom scene. When I'm not working, I'm either playing Call of Duty or watching Marvel/DC. My favorite food is soul food & BBQ Ribs. My future goal is to open a non-profit to help at-risk youth & help the transmen experience.
Queen Victoria Ortega
QueenVictoria@theuwc.org
Board of Directors, Development
Cristina DiGioia
Cristina@theuwc.org
Board of Directors
Princess Vanessa Warri
Vanessa@theuwc.org
Brand Ambassador
Training & Tech Team
"Vanessa Warri, MSW, is a community-based scholar, strategist, and advocate dedicated to advancing the health and wellbeing of Black, Indigenous, and transgender, and gender-expansive (TGE) people of color. With over a decade of experience providing direct services and education for multiple vulnerable populations — namely LGBTQ youth, foster youth, and system-involved individuals — Vanessa is committed to addressing the systemic inequities that impact these communities.
As a Ph.D. student in Social Welfare, Vanessa’s research focuses on the education-health relationship across the lifespan of transgender and gender-expansive populations of color. Her work explores how early educational disruptions—particularly those stemming from cisnormative exclusion and violence in schools—create long-term barriers to health and wellbeing. Vanessa employs a life course perspective to understand how these early experiences affect mental health, access to healthcare, and overall life outcomes from adolescence through late adulthood.Through her research, Vanessa seeks to develop nonmedical, education-based interventions that address health disparities and promote psychological wellbeing within marginalized communities. Her work critiques traditional health models for vulnerable populations by advocating for approaches that connect upstream social determinants, such as education, to downstream health socio-behavioral and health outcomes.
In addition to her academic work, Vanessa is an experienced community-based researcher and consultant, providing strategic support to nonprofit and corporate organizations committed to equity and inclusion. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities and transforming systems of care to be more inclusive and affirming."
Nina Barkers
Nina Barkers (Neverending Nina)
Brand Ambassador | Training & Tech Team
Nina@theuwc.org
Hailing from Port Arthur, TX, by way of New Orleans, LA, Nina Barkers—also known as her musical entity, Neverending Nina—has been a dedicated advocate and creative force for over a decade. As an independent artist and community cultivator, she has worked in various spaces, including HIV prevention, counseling, education, and advocacy.
With a deep-rooted passion for music, Nina has honed her craft in the birthplace of jazz and gospel, New Orleans, shaping her unique sound and artistic style. She is a singer, songwriter, arranger, and performer who uses her platform to elevate culture and amplify Black trans voices in the entertainment industry. Her debut EP, Present, is now available on all digital music platforms, featuring her signature blend of soulful storytelling and powerful vocals.
Recognized for her artistry and impact, Nina was selected as part of the 2024 Academy Proud cohort, a partnership with GLAAD, OUTLOUD, and the Recording Academy, highlighting Black LGBTQ+ independent music artists. Through her work, she continues to blaze a trail, ensuring that the next generation of Black trans creatives has the visibility and opportunities to thrive.
Linktree https://linktr.ee/neverendingnina
#NinaNowledge
Princess Xoe,
Brand Ambassador & Media
Xoe@theuwc.org
Kyler O'Neal
Kyler@theuwc.org
Brand Ambassador
Kyler is an actress, model, singer, and dancer. Born and raised in Ohio, made in NYC and a new resident to LA, she advocates for equity in representation throughout performing arts and all media. Currently, she serves as an ambassador for the Unique Women's Coalition, the first Trans led organization in Southern California to be founded, organized for and by Transgender women of color. Through the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, Kyler also focuses on uplifting Trans/Gender Non-Conforming voices throughout the community emphasizing in visibility of trans experiences to youth.







