Meet Our Team: Cleopatra Jach
Meet Our Team: Cleopatra Jach
By: Funders for LGBTQ Issues Staff on January 25, 2023
Funders for LGBTQ Issues welcomes Cleopatra Jach Acquaye (sir/her) as our new Director of Programs!
We asked Jach a few questions to get to know sir better.
What do you do at Funders? What strengths do you bring to your work?
As the newest Director of Programs at Funders, I am responsible for leading and managing the program team, overseeing the execution of Funding Forward, coordinating our training structure, and developing an effective program department. With a background in Community Organizing, I bring a wealth of strengths to this role, having served as an Executive Director twice and managing programming for the past six years. My expertise in community safety, mediation, facilitation, and organizational development are skills I’ll be relying on often. I pride myself on my ability to create safer work environments centered on wellness and capacity, which is essential for successful team building. As a Cancer Sun, I am naturally inclined to cultivate a culture of over-communicating, which lends itself well to fostering an emotionally safe workplace (no, seriously, it does!).
Who has inspired your career path most in your life?
Cara Page! Cara Page (you have to say the whole name) is a truly exceptional individual who profoundly impacted my life. As the Executive Director of the Audre Lorde Project during my early years as an organizer in New York City, she served as my mentor and coach. Over time she became my chosen fam and a loving friend. Her unwavering support and guidance have been invaluable to me, and I am grateful for her continued presence in my life. She is an incredible leader and role model and always leaves a space for me on her dance card! Buy her new book y’all!
What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
Cosplay! My first cosplay was Yoruichi from Bleach when I was in college. It was a real niche hobby then, but I’m glad it’s gained much more popularity in recent years. I’ve cosplayed Sadness from Inside Out, Padparadscha from Steven Universe, Crimson Viper from Street Fighter, and a whole bunch more!
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
I already have one, it’s being from The Bronx lmao
We’re so excited to have you join us, Cleopatra Jach!