Ari Rosales (they/them) is a writer, educator, and nonprofit professional with over 20 years of experience working at the intersections of LGBTQIA+ justice, youth advocacy, and community-based philanthropy. A former Pride Foundation Scholar and former grant volunteer, Ari brings both lived experience and deep professional knowledge to their work redistributing resources to those most impacted by systemic inequities.
They currently serve as a grant writer and development coordinator for multiple nonprofits focused on educational equity, including expanding STEM access for historically excluded youth. Ari has held leadership roles across the Pacific Northwest, including as senior staff at a transitional housing program for LGBTQIA+ youth, board member of a queer-led housing nonprofit, and consultant for organizations advancing racial and gender justice. They are also a Lambda Literary and Periplus Fellow and hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University. Ari is passionate about building safer futures for BIPOC and QTPOC communities—and has a deep love for capybaras, their favorite rodent and ideal model for communal living and gentle resilience.