Stephanie Haynes Moving on From PFP

After 15 years as the guiding light of Philadelphia Family Pride, Stephanie Haynes has decided to step down as Executive Director.

Stephanie's last day with the organization will be May 1st. Long time board members Sandra Telep (she/her/ella) and Jadzia Axelrod (she/her) are taking over the staff roles with the group and are already hard at work.

As PFP has grown and changed in the past decade and a half to meet the challenges LGBTQIA+ families face, the one constant has been Stephanie, working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every event, party and potluck goes off without a hitch.

“Stephanie has been a star player in all things PFP,” says PFP co-chair Lori Keslowitz. “I have always admired her dedication and persistence at creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ families."

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Jadzia, Stephanie, and Sandra after a recent staff meeting.

Stephanie was hired as PFP's Community Coordinator in 2009, a role that would eventually become the Executive Director. She saw the beginning of PFP’s Family Matters Conference, and has been instrumental in its success. She has forged lasting bonds between PFP and other LGBTQIA+ organizations in Philadelphia and the counties around it. Stephanie’s organizing savvy is well-known, with many local leaders in awe and amazement at her ability to stretch PFP’s modest budget into so many must-attend events.

But her strength has always been her unending support for LGBTQIA+ families in Philadelphia, including their creation.

“Like many families in our community, Stephanie has played a critical role in forming and supporting my pathway to parenthood,” says PFP co-chair Micheal Galvan. “Her impact on Philadelphia is immeasurable, and we are so fortunate to have had her leading the way for Philadelphia Family Pride for 15 years. PFP's board, our members, and all our families wish her nothing but success in all her future endeavors - her impact on any organization or community will truly be admired.”

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"I'm filled with so much gratitude and a little grief as I prepare to step away from Philly Family Pride," Stephanie says. "Most of all I treasure the connections I’ve made over the years with all of you. I couldn’t have done this work for so long without the support of my wife Vicky, our twin sons, the group's numerous committed board members, and all of the community support for LGBTQIA+ led families. I am so grateful to Sandra and Jadzia for taking on these leadership roles and am excited to see what new directions the group takes in the coming years. "

Throughout her tenure, Stephanie has made it a mission to make every family who might fit in under PFP’s umbrella feel welcome. “There isn’t just one or two ways to make a family or one way to be a family,” she told Philadelphia Magazine in an interview in 2017. This philosophy of inclusion has been instrumental in allowing PFP to blossom into the organization it is today. While Stephanie moves on to her next adventure, PFP always be guided by her impact and generosity of spirit.

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To celebrate Stephanie's tenure at PFP, we are holding a farewell party in her honor on Saturday, April 27th from 4-6pm at the William Way Center, 1315 Spruce Street in Center City Philadelphia. There will be refreshments, sharing of well wishes, and an appearance by drag queen Brittany Lynn. We invite you to reserve your "pay what you can" tickets now at this link. If you aren't able to make it and would like to make a donation to honor Stephanie's work with the organization, you can do so here. Thank you!

Read the article in the Philadelphia Gay News from 4/3/24.

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