Testimony On Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs
Wanda Alston Foundation Executive Director Cesar Toledo testifying at the Public Works and Operations Budget Oversight Hearing.
Cesar Toledo
Testifying before Public Works and Operations Budget Oversight Hearing
Good afternoon, Councilmember Brianne Nadeau and members of the DC Council,
My name is Cesar Toledo, newly appointed Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation, one of a few queer-led organizations in DC that provides gender-affirming housing and support services to LGBTQ+ youth. I’m here today to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs and ask for your continued support.
The Foundation was founded in 2008 to honor the life and legacy of Wanda Renita Alston, a fierce LGBTQ+ activist, feminist, and organizer. Wanda dedicated her life to fighting for justice, never backing down. Thanks to her leadership, the LGBTQ+ community secured greater representation on DC’s local governing boards and launched the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs.
When the office was created under Mayor Williams, the mission and objectives of the office were to:
Serve as liaison between the Mayor, government agencies, City Council, and the LGBT community
Identify areas of need for the LGBT community
Advise the Mayor on policy issues affecting the LGBT community and the District government
Collect and disseminate research on the impact of public policies and legislation affecting the LGBT community and make recommendations to the Mayor regarding these policy and legislative issues
Two decades later, the office has lived up to the values it was established to uphold. The community has greatly benefited from this office’s services and leadership in the community.
Today, it serves as the:
Largest LGBTQ+ focused grantmaker solely focused on the District
Serves as the central hub for support and resources to the community.
Just this weekend, WorldPride was hosted in DC, where we witnessed an unprecedented turnout, generated more than half a billion dollars in economic impact, had a historic increase in metro ridership, and hosted hundreds of events. As the gayest city in the world, the queer community is a powerful economic engine.
DC has long served as a beacon of hope across the country, providing refuge for those facing anti-LGBTQ attacks. It’s because of this office and the critical resources it provides that organizations like the Wanda Alston Foundation can offer life-saving support to the community.
Thank you for your time and allyship.
Cesar Toledo
Executive Director
Wanda Alston Foundation
Wanda Alston Foundation Appoints New Executive Director
Washington, DC - The Wanda Alston Foundation proudly announces the appointment of Cesar Toledo as its new Executive Director, following a planned leadership transition launched in November 2024.
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2025
Contact: Cesar Toledo, ctoledo@wandaalstonfoundation.org
Washington, DC - The Wanda Alston Foundation proudly announces the appointment of Cesar Toledo as its new Executive Director, following a planned leadership transition launched in November 2024.
A seasoned LGBTQ+ advocate, Cesar brings over a decade of experience leading national campaigns, shaping public policy, and building inclusive communities. Most recently, he served as the National Deputy LGBTQ+ Engagement Director for the Harris for President campaign and has built a career focused on advancing equality and equitable education.
Cesar succeeds June Crenshaw, who will be stepping down after nearly a decade of visionary leadership. In honor of June’s legacy, the Foundation will host a celebration on May 20, 2025.
Board Chair Glymph, Esq. shared:
“June’s leadership has been truly transformative. We are immensely grateful for her dedication and equally excited for the energy and experience that Cesar brings to lead us into this next chapter.”
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About
The Wanda Alston Foundation was established in 2008 in memory of Wanda Alston, a fierce LGBTQ+ activist, national advocate, and government official who was admired by District residents. The foundation opened the first housing program in the nation’s capital in 2008, providing pre-independent transitional living and life-saving support services to LGBTQ+ youth. Through its two transitional housing programs — Wanda’s House and Alston’s Place — and its Capacity Building Assistance Program, the Foundation provides safe housing, life skills training, and access to essential support services across all eight wards of DC.
Honoring a Legacy of LGBTQ+ Advocacy
Washington, DC - On May 20, 2025, the Wanda Alston Foundation will celebrate June Crenshaw’s nearly decade of service to LGBTQ+ homeless youth in the District of Columbia. While stepping down from her role as Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation, June will continue serving the community as the interim Deputy Director of Capital Pride Alliance, DC World Pride 2025.
Longtime DC LGBTQ+ rights advocate June Crenshaw will be honored on May 20th at Crush Dance Bar for her nearly decade of service as the Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation.
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2025
Contact: Cesar Toledo, ctoledo@wandaalstonfoundation.org
Washington, DC - On May 20, 2025, the Wanda Alston Foundation will celebrate June Crenshaw’s nearly decade of service to LGBTQ+ homeless youth in the District of Columbia. While stepping down from her role as Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation, June will continue serving the community as the interim Deputy Director of Capital Pride Alliance, DC World Pride 2025.
“When I first joined the foundation, I was facing the real possibility of closing our shelters,” said June Crenshaw. “But thanks to the unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community and strong, steady leadership of our Board, nearly a decade later, we’ve not only kept our doors open - we’ve expanded our impact. As I pass the torch, I’m filled with pride in the organization's next chapter.”
“June’s nearly decade of service transformed the lives of hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth in the nation’s capital,” said Darrin Glymph, Esq., Board Chair. “She led with heart, vision, and an unshakeable commitment to our most vulnerable youth. We are immensely grateful for her service and look forward to her continued leadership in the community.”
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About
The Wanda Alston Foundation was established in 2008 in memory of Wanda Alston, a fierce LGBTQ+ activist, national advocate, and government official who was admired by District residents. The foundation opened the first housing program in the nation’s capital in 2008, providing pre-independent transitional living and life-saving support services to LGBTQ+ youth. Through its two transitional housing programs — Wanda’s House and Alston’s Place — and its Capacity Building Assistance Program, the Foundation provides safe housing, life skills training, and access to essential support services across all eight wards of DC.