Our staff
Justina J. Sotelo, MAT
she/they - Executive Director
justina@stonewallchico.org
Justina Sotelo is a nonprofit leader, community organizer, and educator committed to advancing equity and access. With a Master of Arts in Teaching and more than ten years of experience as a community organizer and advocate, they now proudly serve as the Executive Director of Stonewall Alliance Chico.
As a BIPOC changemaker, Justina sees identity and resistance as inextricably linked. Following in the legacy of BIPOC queer and trans organizers who have always been at the forefront of resistance, Justina leads with a commitment to ensuring that liberation is inseparable from inclusion.
Justina’s deepest passion lies in collaboration — working alongside community members, local organizations, and businesses to build spaces where LGBTQ+ people not only find support but also thrive with pride, joy, and possibility. Through this approach, Stonewall has reimagined services, strengthened regional and statewide partnerships, and deepened its impact with programs rooted in cultural competency and collective care.
Marisa Diaz-Walker
she/they - Operations and Outreach Coordinator,
marisa@stonewallchico.org
Marisa is a lifelong Californian, and has lived in Butte County for the past 12 years where she’s had the privilege of building strong relationships in our community and advocating for marginalized groups within it. Marisa has years of experience working as a peer advocate and operational specialist. In addition to being at Stonewall, Marisa has earned an Associates in English, a Bachelors in Multicultural and Gender Studies, and is currently working on a Masters in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
They believe their lived and learned experience provides them insight into the needs of each individual they encounter, and helps them be a great member of the Stonewall Alliance community. They have been with the Stonewall team for nearly 5 years and are grateful for every opportunity to learn and grow alongside their community.
Lucy (Alyssa) Larson
She/her - Social Media Coordinator
alyssa@stonewallchico.org
Lucy has been working at Stonewall Chico since 2016. She’s held many roles including Center Coordinator, Events Coordinator, and now Social Media Coordinator. For most of her time at Stonewall, Lucy has gone by Alyssa - but she’s recently taken on her nickname fulltime. Lucy loves Chico and considers it her hometown, though she now lives in San Francisco and works remotely.
Lucy’s degree is in Organizational Communications and she comes from a diverse background of nonprofit and activism work, event and theatrical production, and community organizing. She is happy to say she continues to work in all of these fields, in various positions. She is passionate about facilitating change and joy through collective experience, and about giving voice to those who are often silenced.
Open Positions
We currently have one open position: Operations & Outreach Coordinator.
Applications will be reviewed until midnight on 10/26/2026.This position is part-time, 30-35 hours per week with a base pay of $19-$22 per hour. It offers some flexible scheduling, paid time off, and a 401(K). This job is in-person based in Chico, CA with minimal travel and site visits, primarily in Butte county.
About the Position:
The Operations & Outreach Coordinator keeps the community center welcoming, connected, and responsive to the needs of LGBTQIA2S+ community members and their allies. This position helps with the day-to-day flow of the Center, including front desk and shared-space operations, support for administrative systems, interns and volunteer management, and helping make sure community members feel welcomed and supported when they walk through our doors. They also lead Stonewall Chico's tabling and outreach coordination and opportunities, share resources and referrals, support community members with short-term resource navigation, and represent Stonewall at community meetings and events
This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys working with people, organizing systems, supporting a busy community space, and building relationships both inside and outside the Center. The position focuses on two main areas: Center Operations and Community Outreach.
LGBTQIA2S+, People of color, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply:
review the full description and submit your resume and cover letter to center@stonewallchico.org.
Applications will not be considered without a cover letter.
Blue Martinez
He/him - TGNC (Trans & Gender Non-Conforming) Program Coordinator
blue@stonewallchico.org
Blue is originally from Southern California, but moved to Chico in 2021 attend California State University Chico. He is excited to be a part of Stonewall’s new role as Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Program Coordinator, and hopes to expand Stonewall Chico's gender-affirming care programs and especially to increase resources for Trans and Gender Non-conforming People Of Color.
During his free time, Blue is a Pokemon trainer and loves collecting Pokemon. His favorite Pokemon is Gastrodon!
Maximilian Cordeiro
He/him - Education and Advocacy Coordinator
max@stonewallchico.org
Max has been living in Chico for about four years now, but grew up in Oroville. He went to college in New York for Political Science and Education, and spent most of his life working in college access for first-gen students at various non-profits and universities in New York, Rhode Island, and in the Bay Area! He moved back to this part of the world to be an uncle to his niece and nephew, and has been SO delighted by the community here in Chico!
He plays the drums, likes to go out dancing, watch movies at the Pageant, takes lots of creative (and sometimes professional) photos, and plays Stardew Valley at home. He speaks a bit of Spanish and is in his second year learning ASL through ASL Sign Club, and is super happy to practice with anyone also learning!
Our Board Members
Jeff Merrell
He/Him - Board Chair
jeff@stonewallchico.org
Jeff has lived in Chico since 1995 after spending his formative years on the East Coast. He is a Program Manager in the IT Department at Enloe Health. Jeff has 3 kids, 2 of which are part of the LGBTQ+ community. He was motivated to join the Board by the actions of the current federal administration toward LGBTQ+ people, especially those who are Trans. Jeff is a Navy veteran and is especially passionate about issues related to LGBTQ+ veterans. Jeff enjoys running in his spare time so you may seem him solving the world’s problems on a local trail.
Julian Lacombe
He/They - Treasure
julian@stonewallchico.org
Julian (He/They) grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills and moved to Chico (his second hometown) in the summer of 2020. He has been involved with Stonewall in various capacities since 2021 and currently facilitates three social and support groups in addition to serving on the board. Outside of Stonewall, you might find him involved in the local art scene, running Dungeons and Dragons games for youth at the CARD Community Center, or leading creative events and groups at the Penny Ranch Art Studio. Julian is passionate about building community and creating inclusive spaces where people feel free to express themselves and forge connections.
Trey Wagner
He/Him - Board Members
trey@stonewallchico.org
Dr. Trey Wenger (he/him) joined the Board of Directors in November 2025, soon after moving to Chico with his husband. Trey is an assistant professor of physics at Chico State, where he teaches, mentors students, and studies the nature of our Galaxy, the Milky Way. Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Trey received a B.A. in astronomy and physics from Boston University in 2013 and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Virginia in 2019. He then held postdoctoral fellowships at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in British Columbia, Canada and the University of Wisconsin-Madison before joining the faculty at Chico State.
Throughout his career, Trey has been an advocate for inclusive spaces and marginalized voices. He has served on several community and workplace boards and committees, organized community outreach, education, and engagement events, and secured local, state, and federal grants to support his advocacy. Trey is excited to bring his analytical mindset and more than a decade of advocacy experience to the Stonewall Board of Directors. In his spare time, Trey enjoys relaxing with his dog, Samson, playing games with his husband, Matthias, and exploring the mountains, rivers, and lakes of Northern California.