Meet Our Team

Administrative

Eliazar Posada (he/him)

Executive Director

Eliazar Posada, our Executive Director, joined the team in 2022. He manages day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. Bilingual and energetic, Eliazar is a committed community leader and advocate with over seven years of experience working with nonprofit organizations to meet community needs in North Carolina. They have presented at over 50 conferences and panels, managed large and small teams, and overseen multi-million dollar budgets. Previously, he served as the Organizing Director at Equality North Carolina, developing and implementing new fundraising strategies and managing statewide political plans. Eliazar holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from Campbell University and has completed additional training in nonprofit management and municipal government. Their commitment to equality in North Carolina is driven by their passion for advocating for marginalized communities and fostering social change.

Laura Meyers (she/her)

Operations Director

Laura Meyers joined the team in 2021 and is the Operations Director at Equality North Carolina, where she manages internal processes, streamlines workflows, and ensures operational efficiency. With over fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has not just served but significantly impacted marginalized communities on the local and state levels, providing essential expertise in programming and event management. Previously, she worked at several nonprofit organizations, including PORCH-Durham and Compass Center in Chapel Hill. Her commitment to equality in North Carolina is a desire and a proven track record of building a safer world for future generations.

Communications

Jazmynne Cruz (they/them)

Communications Director

Jazmynne Cruz joined the team in 2024 and is the Communications Director at Equality North Carolina, where they develop communication strategies, oversee media relations and manage public outreach. Jazmynne, with a solid educational foundation in African and African American Studies from Duke University and a certificate in Documentary Studies, brings a unique perspective to their role. With nearly a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, they have dedicated and honed their skills in building power within marginalized communities throughout the US South and the country. Previously, they worked at Equality Federation, where they served as the communications strategist. Their commitment to equality in North Carolina is not just a belief but a strategic approach that includes intersectionality and power for those at the margins of our justice system.

Development

Gillian Hayden (she/her)

Development Director

Gillian joined Equality North Carolina in 2024 and is the Development Director, focusing on development and fundraising for underserved populations and social causes. Originally from Portsmouth, England, she has resided in the Triangle area for over twenty years. Gillian has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector, most recently serving as the Director of Development for The Durham Center for Senior Life, where she concentrated on building relationships, connecting stakeholders, and establishing various fundraising streams. She graduated from Florida State University and is pursuing her Master in Public Affairs (MPA) degree at UNC-Greensboro. Her passion for supporting underserved populations and fostering social causes drives her commitment to equality in North Carolina.

Education

Organizing

Aron Johnson (he/him)

Organizing Director

Aron joined the team in 2025 as the Organizing Director for Equality North Carolina. As our Organizing Director and a proud North Carolinian, he is passionate about empowering communities and building power in queer spaces. Before joining Equality NC, Aron became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning an associate degree from Edgecombe Community College and a bachelor's degree in Political Science from UNC-Greensboro. This work isn’t new to him—Aron has spent over 10 years organizing, leading, and managing diverse teams for local, state, and federal candidates nationwide.

Autumn Gillikin (she/her)

Western NC Organizer

Autumn joined the team in 2024 and is the Western Organizer at Equality NC. She works in Western NC communities to connect with volunteers and organizations with the same values as ENC. She has spent time as a volunteer with many organizations, providing her organizing experience to small organizations. She was a founding member of a small organization called Crystal Coast Proud on the coast where she is from. Autumn was born and raised in North Carolina and is passionate about making meaningful change in her home state, especially for her fellow young LGBTQIA+ people.

Kasey (they/them)

Triangle Organizer

Kasey joined the team in 2024 and is the Triangle Organizer at Equality North Carolina. As the Triangle Organizer, Kasey Fountain (they/them) works with the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill communities to manage volunteers, arrange events, educate the public, and advise the North Carolina Legislature on LGBTQ+ matters. Kasey, a lifelong North Carolinian, graduated with honors from Elon University, earning communications and policy studies degrees. Their professional journey includes work with multiple nonprofits and a historic role as the first openly trans/non-binary North Carolina State Legislature employee, serving under Representative Deb Butler. Kasey is dedicated to fighting for a North Carolina where everyone can thrive and brings a passion for community advocacy and a wealth of experience to their work at Equality NC.

Ani Smith (she/her)

Charlotte/Mecklenburg Organizer

Ani Smith joined the ENC team in September of 2024. She works in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area to build a strong team of volunteers to help our fight for equality for everyone. She is an organizer, artist, and community builder from New York by way of DC. Between the two cities, she has dedicated the past decade to utilizing a blend of artistry and advocacy to uplift the voices of marginalized communities. She believes there’s magic in storytelling and looks forward to cultivating a community in Charlotte based on mutual respect, empathy, and love.

Policy

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