Meet The Team

Executive Director

Mico Lucide (He/Him)

Mico Lucide has a lifelong history of LGBTQIA+ advocacy and organizing. His journey began in High School, fighting anti-LGBTQIA+ policies, and as time went on he developed a passion for community organizing and being of service to the LGBTQIA+ community in varying capacities. During his years in college, he successfully spearheaded efforts to implement gender inclusive housing and initiated the conversations that led to the creation of a Women's, Gender, & Sexuality Center. Most recently, prior to being on ACQA's Board, he was a co-coordinator for Pride in Mays Landing and Atlantic County Pride in the Park. Mico is the co-founder and inaugural Director of the Atlantic County Queer Alliance.

Deputy Director

Melissa Tomlinson (She/Her)

Melissa Tomlinson, a special education teacher of 24 years in South Jersey, found her passion for being a public education advocate in 2013, recognizing the intersectionality of social justice issues with fighting for equity in schools. She is a leader in the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), representing members on the county and state Executive Boards.  She can often be found at local school board meetings, standing for the rights of LGBTQIA+ students and educators. Melissa successfully established a GSA at her middle school in 2021. After two years co-organizing Atlantic County Pride in the Park, Melissa began serving as the inaugural Deputy Director for the Atlantic County Queer Alliance.

Administrative & Events Coordinator

Lauree Klein (LK) (She/Her)

Lauree Klein is an experienced counselor and devoted adjunct professor at Atlantic Cape Community College. With a strong dedication and passion for helping underprivileged communities, she serves as an advocate on their behalf while also empowering individuals to advocate for themselves. Her commitment to supporting and guiding people through challenges is evident in her work both in the counseling field and within the academic setting. Her experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy includes time at Montclair University's Office for Social Justice and Diversity, where she oversaw educational outreach and trainings, as well as coordinated campus events geared towards the community.

Treasurer

Billie Bates (They/Them)

Billie Bates worked for years in social work before transitioning to finance. Their passion for organizing grew after gaining familiarity with the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and how often those needs are overlooked in traditional service agencies. They joined ACQA with the goal of deepening their involvement within the queer community, and reaching historically underserved and underrepresented groups within the queer community. Billie serves as the Treasurer of the Atlantic County Queer Alliance.

Resource Coordinator

Van Nhi Ho (She/Her)

Van Nhi Ho is a dedicated therapist with a strong background in LGBTQIA+ advocacy and organizing. During her graduate studies at Stockton University, she served as the President of the Pride Alliance, where she focused on uplifting LGBTQIA+ BIPOC voices and addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by these communities. She also served as the graduate assistant for LGBTQIA+ Programs and Services for Stockton University's Women's, Gender & Sexuality Center. Her work emphasizes the intersection of identity and mental health, and she is committed to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for all. Committed to fostering inclusive and supportive environments, she also seeks to help vet resources to connect LGBTQIA+ community members with the right people and services. Van Nhi is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to the support they need.

Training & Education Development

Johanna Durazzi (She/Her)

Johanna is a dedicated advocate for all things social justice. She works as a consultant to provide educational workshops and training on inclusivity. Johanna's experience includes providing supportive services to LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness in New York City, LGBTQ+ outreach advocacy at the Center for Family Services, and providing support for survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Johanna also chaired the LGBTQ+ Task Force for the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence. She serves as co-chair for GLSEN Southern NJ, and is the Training and Educational Development Coordinator at ACQA.

Advocacy Coordinator

Laurie Greene (LG) (She/Her)

Laurie Greene is a professor of anthropology at Stockton University and founder of the LGBTQIA+ Youth Safe Space Initiative. A passionate and lifelong advocate for LGBTQIA+ causes, she is the co-founder and former president of ACPride, an author of LGBTQIA+ restorative histories, and a contributor to the LGBTQIA+ state education curriculum. Laurie is a founding member of ACQA, and proudly coordinates ACQA's Emergency Response Team.