Hailing from Wingdale, NY (a small town 90 minutes north of Manhattan), Terrence Ford (he/him/his) matriculated through Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC, obtaining his BA in psychology. He later studied Adlerian psychology with a concentration in guidance and counseling education at Bowie State University in Bowie, MD. Living in the Washington, DC area for over the last 20 years, Terrence’s background largely consists of social work, where he gained experience creating person-centered and community-grounded opportunities for people living with HIV and AIDS, low-income families, at-risk students, and youth, and those diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Terrence’s digital organizing and strategy work began in the late 90s as a moderator and graphic designer for a fan club dedicated to the legendary Whitney Houston. Still a huge fan of the singer today, this work launched his own graphic design company, Ford Illustra. For seven years and since its founding, Terrence served as the director of marketing for the Washington, DC, chapter of Impulse Group. This is an entertainment-based nonprofit organization funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to address sexual wellness, mental health, substance use, and racial equity in fun and engaging ways. Elected by his peers with support from leaders representing 26 chapters of Impulse United from around the globe and local LGBTQ community members, Terrence is now serving as president of the DC chapter and cluster leader over the chapters in New York and Chicago. Terrence is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and spends his spare time serving on DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Advisory Council for LGBTQ Affairs. His past work experience includes being employed as a digital principal for Fireside Campaigns and Foglamp Digital, overseeing the advocacy and fundraising campaigns for DC Vote, Close The Gap, YWCA, Sarah McBride, Will Jawando, and many others. Terrence, a co-parent of a miniature schnauzer, Braxton, and the father of a beautiful daughter, Jasmyne, enjoys eating seafood and spicy Thai food (the hotter, the better), binging "Real Housewives," and creating memorable moments with friends and family.