LGBTQ+ Advocates at SAC
Below is a list of staff and faculty at Santa Ana College who want to be visible allies and advocates for our LGBTQ+ students.
Steve Bautista He/Him
Counselor/Coordinator, Center for Teacher Education, Bautista_Steve@sac.edu
Hey SAC Scholars! I am a dedicated counselor, inclusive educator, and LGBTQ+ advocate committed to fostering equity, belonging, and student success! I love working with future educators and believe classrooms and our P-12 teachers should reflect the diversity of our students. I am also an avid Star Wars fan and enjoy spending time with my wife at the Disneyland Parks walking and eating. I am here to inspire hope and to provide support.

Dr. Chris Becerra (he/him/his)
Assistant Professor, Child Development and Education Studies, Becerra_Christopher@sac.edu
Chris identifies as a gay, cis, male. He is also a proud, first generation, Mexican-American, college graduate.

Jennie Beltran she/her/ella
Professor, Biology Co-Chair, Beltran_Jennie@sac.edu
I am an ally that openly supports LGBTQ+ students, colleagues, and community.

Sarah Bennett (she/her)
Associate Professor Journalism and Media Studies, JAMS Department Chair
Bennett_sarah@sac.edu; Office: C-207 (in hallway); Office phone: (714) 564-5675

Carin Jacobs She/Her
Interim Associate Dean, Fine & Performing Arts, Jacobs_Carin@sac.edu
I have been an activist for the LGBTQ+ community and supporting students for many years as a faculty mentor and board member of various LGBTQ+ organizations in California and nationwide. Our big fat gay family includes my wife, our twin daughters, their partners and 3 grandchildren! Check out my film, "Perfectly Queer" here

Annie Knight (she/they)
Librarian / Associate Professor, Knight_Annie@sac.edu
Hello! I identify as queer and am passionate about supporting students by listening, advocating, sharing about my experiences, and using my skills as a librarian to help connect people with information and resources.

Megan Lange (she/her/hers)
History Department Chair, Assoc. Prof., Lange_Megan@sac.edu
Hi! I am available to you as an ally and advocate, and I would especially love to share with you stories of bravery, resilience, and creativity of incredible people and organizations from the past. I look forward to meeting you!

Kelvin Leeds (he/him/his)
Mathematics Professor, Leeds_Kelvin@sac.edu
I met my husband in 1993. Since then, we have faced many different situations in regards the evolution of the legality of our relationship status. From not being legally recognized at all, to being one of the 18,000 couples that was in limbo after Prop 8 passed in 2008, to now having full legal recognition of our marriage, we are fully aware of how important legal and societal right are for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community. At Santa Ana College I want to be a safe place for LGBTQIA+ students to seek support.

Lisa Macafee, PsyD (they/she)
SAC Pride! Counselor / General Counselor, Macafee_Lisa@sac.edu
Hello! I am a non-binary, autistic, and disabled counselor working at Santa Ana College serving our LGBTQ+ students and general counseling. I am a passionate believer that education can open doors for people and bring a sense of self-worth and dignity to people who are struggling (it did for me!). I am a first gen college grad and earned my PsyD in Clinical Psychology this year, with my research focusing on gender diversity in autism. I have two sparky kids, a lovely and supportive husband, a shy cat, and run www.AffirmingNeurodiversity.com
Mario Robertson (he/him)
Dept. Chair of Anthropology, Sociology, and Women's Studies, Robertson_Mario@sac.edu
I have always been an ally to support my friends and family who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and participate as an advocate in areas where I can add value to further LGBTQ+ causes. I view LGBTQ+ issues and causes as part of the broader spectrum of universal human rights.
Luisa Ruiz
High School & Community Outreach, Ruiz_Luisa@sac.edu
I am very committed to all students; however I have special circumstances due to death in our family because of him being gay. After his death, I have passionately work above and beyond for students by assisting them with funds, scholarships, meals and any support a student needs to continue in college and higher education. In his loving memory, i have assisted many students and will continue to dedicate time and efforts for their success.
Kim Smith (She/her/hers)
Professor of Legal Studies, Smith_Kim@sac.edu
I have been a long-time ally and plan to continue. My personal experience having a brother who struggled with accepting his sexuality, and those consequences (depression, substance abuse, suicide and early death) impresses further upon me the importance of not tolerating bigotry; and instead celebrating and supporting those who don't necessarily conform to the traditional binary. I think encouraging folks to live their authentic self is good mental health.
Gregory J. Toya, Ed.D. (He/Him/His)
Dean of Student Affairs
Amber Vasquez-Nodal, she/ella
Basic Needs Coordinator, Vasquez-Nodal_Amber@sac.edu
I am an advocate dedicated to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community, standing in solidarity with their rights and struggles for equality.