NEW YORK, NY, Monday, July 17, 2006—The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is pleased to announce that Wendy Ann Sealey has been named its Director of Development. With an extensive background in non-profit management, Sealey brings a wealth of experience and has worked on behalf of women's rights and social justice issues for many years.

Astraea is the world's only lesbian-led, feminist foundation focused on both U.S. and international LGBTI human rights. This past year Astraea issued more than $1 million in grants to LGBTI organizations around the world working for the empowerment and civil rights of all sexual minorities. Separated by continents, language and culture, Astraea grantee partners are seizing opportunities, and laying the groundwork for women and LGBTI people to live freely and safely.

"I have long admired Astraea's mission and accomplished track record of providing resources to Lesbian-led and People of Color organizations," said Sealey. "Working at Astraea," she continued, "makes me feel as if I am working towards a solution, not adding to, or turning my back on, the problems that continue to plague my community."

Prior to joining Astraea, Sealey was the Director of Professional Advancement Opportunities, at Prep for Prep, a leadership development organization, where she directed programs including an annual institute for entrepreneurship and a corporate internship program. Prior to that, Sealey served as Executive Director of Harlem Textile Works (HTW), a non-profit dedicated to training youth in textile design, production and merchandising.

Sealey also served as the Membership Director for the Social Enterprise Alliance (SEA), a national membership association for non-profit and for-profit social enterprises; and is a founding board member of Dwa Fanm, a Haitian women's rights organization in New York City.

Katherine Acey, Astraea's Executive Director said, "After a rigorous search process, the Astraea staff and board is delighted to welcome Wendy as a key and pivotal addition to our team. Wendy's programmatic and fundraising skills as well as her managerial experience are proven assets for Astraea as we expand our constituency, donor programs and income streams over the next several years."

An active member of the Riverside Church, Sealey sits on the Riverside Sharing Fund, which awards grants to social justice groups worldwide; and she chairs the Marantha Service Committee, a component of the church's LGBT ministry. Sealey lives in Harlem with her partner, Ines Gonzalez.

The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice works for social, racial, and economic justice in the U.S. and internationally. Our grantmaking and philanthropic advocacy programs help lesbians and allied communities challenge oppression and claim their human rights.

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