Andaiye McAndrew (she/her) is EV’s new Policy and Communications Coordinator. She recently graduated cum laude from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona where she earned her B.A. in Political Science. As a proud daughter of immigrants, raised in Los Angeles, Andaiye became passionate about taking an intersectional approach towards empowering and uplifting marginalized communities.

Prior to joining Equality Virginia, Andaiye served as the Lead Program Assistant for Undocumented Student Services, an advocacy and resource center providing holistic support for immigrant-identifying students and allies. While there, she led the center’s organizing efforts, coordinated community-based civic engagement events and workshops, and worked with local media outlets to advance the voices of the immigrant community.

When she’s not working, Andaiye enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading a good book, and watching great movies Having recently relocated to Richmond, she is excited to connect with the diverse community in Virginia and is ready to collaborate on cultivating a Commonwealth where all people can thrive.

You can send her a warm welcome at: [email protected].

Mario Guevara (he/him) is EV’s new Development and Operations Coordinator. Growing up in a small conservative town with an immigrant father from El Salvador and mother who loved to travel, Mario enjoyed a unique Southern upbringing in South Carolina, spending his childhood vacations on family road trips traveling through the US and Central America. Mario began his professional career in 2012 planning, marketing, and managing events for a hospitality group.

After 4 years in hospitality, he made a jump into the nonprofit world as the Special Events Manager for the Columbia Museum of Art where he worked with the Development Department. Over the years volunteering and working with local cultural arts and LGBTQ organizations, Mario's passion for fundraising and community development blossomed.

In his downtime he enjoys running, playing piano, live music, and taking care of his many house plants. Over the past year and a half Mario has loved completely immersing himself in the vibrant Richmond community, and cannot wait to help further progress and change with Equality Virginia.

You can send him a warm welcome at: [email protected].