ABOUT NYTAG

Founded by
Kiara St. James.

NYTAG was founded in 2015 by Kiara St. James, a Black transgender activist whose vision was simple and radical: TGNCNBI New Yorkers deserve leadership rooted in their own communities, and the resources to build it.

MISSION

To create pathways for TGNCNBI New Yorkers to build leadership, drive advocacy, and grow community rooted in collective care and power.

VISION

A New York where every TGNCNBI person can lead, thrive, and shape the world they live in.

THE COMMUNITY SHE BUILT

A decade of building

leadership, together.

WHAT GUIDES US

Five values.
Held together.

01

03

Collective Responsibility

We rise or fall together. No one is left to fight alone.

02

Intersectionality

We name and address the compounding realities of race, class, gender, and identity.

Collaborative Leadership

Power is shared. Decisions are made with, not for, the communities they affect.

04

05

Grassroots Movement Building

Change begins with the people closest to the harm. We build from the ground.

Community Empowerment

Every program returns capacity to the community that hosts it.

IN MEMORY

Kiara St. James.

NYTAG exists because Kiara imagined it into being. A Black transgender activist, community elder, and organizer, she built the institution and the language for the work we do today.

Her leadership continues to shape every fellowship cohort, every advocacy campaign, and every gathering. This site, and this organization, are part of her legacy.

“Our people have always led. Our job is to make room."

WHO WE ARE

The team.

William Colón

Executive Director

Athena Rivera

Community Engagement Coordinator

Melissa Valencia

Executive Assistant to Executive Team