Suggestions
Francisco Sapp
Program Director at San Mateo County Pride Center
Professional Background
Francisco Sapp is a dynamic relationship builder and community advocate, who exemplifies the importance of lived experiences in shaping impactful programs and services. With a rich career spanning various leadership roles in health and community services, Francisco has dedicated his professional life to fostering environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. Currently, he serves as the Program Director at the San Mateo County Pride Center, where he leads initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of LGBTQ+ communities through accessible resources, emotional support, and awareness-building activities. His experience also includes serving as a Program Analyst at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, where he contributed to data-driven policies and practices that impacted health services across the province.
Francisco's commitment to community engagement is further highlighted by his tenure as Co-Director at the Ontario Harm Reduction Network and as a Provincial Trainer at the Ontario HIV and Substance Use Training Program. These roles allowed him to blend his training expertise with a heart for advocacy, ensuring that marginalized voices are incorporated into evidence-based approaches in health and social support. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Services Coordinator at LGBT Youth Line, where he implemented programs to support LGBTQ+ youth, giving them the tools and confidence to navigate their unique challenges.
His diverse experience has equipped him with critical insights into community health, youth engagement, and harm reduction strategies, making him a sought-after facilitator and mentor within various organizations. Francisco's ability to translate complex data into meaningful narratives stands out as he emphasizes the human aspect of statistics, ensuring that stories and experiences lead the way in informing actions.
Education and Achievements
Francisco pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Film/Cinema/Video Studies at UC Santa Barbara, where he honed his storytelling and communication skills. This background fuels his capacity to engage audiences effectively, advocating for vulnerable populations with clarity and passion. As he navigates through intricate social issues, Francisco’s educational foundation supports his belief that every statistic represents a person with a unique story.
Throughout his career, Francisco has received recognition for his unwavering dedication to community betterment. His practical applications of capacity-building tools have enabled countless individuals to gain skills and confidence necessary to foster supportive environments in both personal and professional contexts. Moreover, his lighthearted and humorous approach breaks down barriers, making difficult conversations more approachable—a valuable method in any outreach or training session.
Achievements
Francisco’s journey has been marked by numerous achievements reflecting his commitment to community engagement and health advocacy. He has played crucial roles in leading projects that focus on sharing knowledge, enhancing personal development, and building community connections beneficial for all involved. His work at the San Mateo County Pride Center has led to significant improvements in service delivery and community participation, making it a cornerstone of support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
His extensive volunteer history, including positions as Volunteer Coordinator at WoodGreen Community Services and Volunteer Program Manager at Pride Toronto, showcases his passion for giving back to the community, lending his expertise to organizations committed to social change. With roles as a Youth Program Manager at the NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN AIDS PREVENTION CENTER and YouthREACH Program Manager at Marin AIDS Project, Francisco has consistently prioritized youth empowerment, ensuring their voices and concerns are heard in conversations surrounding health and well-being.