Who We Are & What We Do

The mission of Centre LGBT+ is to bring the community together through LGBT+ education, advocacy, and activities in the Centre County region.

About Us

Centre LGBT+ was founded in August 2014 when a group of community members got together to discuss how we could prevent LGBT+ suicides in our area. The group decided that we wanted to create a grassroots organization centered around enhancing the lives of LGBT+ members and their friends and families.

Centre LGBT+ started with open-mic nights at Webster’s and a community/business fair. From there much of our growth has come as a response to community members’ requests and needs. Teenagers asked for activities - and the annual True to You youth summit was born. The ongoing Bring Your Own Queer (BYOQ) youth group followed. People asked for support groups - and Centre LGBT+ offered two - one for LGBT+ and one for loved ones of LGBT+. Drag Bingo was added, the Gayla party, movie nights, wig/makeup workshops, the “out of the closet” clothing closet, and much more. We now have our own physical location bringing you Centre County's only LGBT+ organization. We have added several sources of support, resources, social groups, and plenty of events and activities that support the work we do. Centre LGBT+ is committed to working with their neighbors to create an inclusive Centre County.

We invite you to visit our Center located at 204 E Calder Way Suite 304 in downtown State College!
Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-5pm
*please refer to our events calendar for any closures/change of hours

Community Diversity Statement

Diversity is a central part of our culture and how we do work at Centre LGBT+. It’s a key to our mission to bring the community together through LGBTQA+ education, advocacy, and activities in the Centre region. Furthermore, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is deeply rooted in our collective values as an organization.

We recognize that differences in age, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability, thinking style, and background bring richness to the work we do and the results we show for our community. Such differences help us connect better with the needs of people within the communities we serve. We believe that attracting, developing, and retaining a base of leaders that reflects the diversity of our community is essential to our success. We also believe success hinges on relationships with diverse partners and professional organizations.

As an organization, we are genuinely committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and understand that the presence of visible diversity does not equate to being diverse and inclusive alone. We believe that a meaningful commitment to DEI requires a dual and concurrent focus on individual behaviors, organizational systems, and change.

We believe in a nonpartisan approach to fostering a diverse and inclusive organization. These are all embodied in our community diversity statement. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best and brightest community members and partners from all walks of life and backgrounds. This requires our organization to have a culture of inclusion where all individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to have their voices heard.

Centre LGBT+ is committed to working with our neighbors to create an inclusive and equitable Centre County. We continue to partner with a wide variety of organizations to foster cooperation and improve the lives of all vulnerable individuals in our community.

Our Staff and Board

Executive Director

Cat Cook (She/Her)

As the Executive Director of Centre LGBT+ Cat realizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships with community partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders. Her deep focus on developing and implementing strategic plans to advance the mission of Centre LGBT+ and remaining focused on the vision of the organization are a top priority in advancing the organization to provide more resources, support, and advocacy for the community she serves and loves. Outside of work Cat enjoys spending time with her husband of over 30 years, four children and 2 grandchildren as well as her rescue pups and cats.

Staff Assistant

Chloe Evans (She/They)

Chloe has been a long time volunteer with Centre LGBT+ and was recently brought on board as a staff assistant. Chloe is a theatre major and senior at PSU. Originally from Washington State but her family is based in Dallas. Chloe enjoys being involved in multiple clubs on campus, baking, and is an avid movie lover.

Youth Program Coordinator

Erin Mietus, They/Them

Erin is an emerging public health leader with a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). In their leadership roles at oSTEM, including as Interim Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, they have spearheaded the development of strategies aimed at fostering inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM, while ensuring accessibility across physical and digital platforms. Erin brings extensive experience as a public speaker and educator, having designed and delivered impactful workshops such as Allyship in Action™. Their work centers on cultivating inclusive communities and advocating for underrepresented groups, with a specific focus on addressing the intersectionality of neurodiversity and gender identity. Erin is deeply committed to driving equitable health and social outcomes for multiply marginalized individuals by empowering others with the tools for respectful and responsive communication.

Staff Member

Sabrina Lanning, She/Her

Sabrina is a student at Penn State who is involved in the work-study program. She is a transfer student in her first year at Penn State; Sabrina just moved here from Southern California, but was born and raised right around Louisville, Kentucky. She has obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Louisville in criminal justice and gender studies and is currently pursuing a B.A. in journalism and international studies.

She is an out and proud queer woman who shared... "It wasn't easy, being raised in a very rural, very conservative community, but I'm proud of who I am and how far I've come! I look forward to learning more and being an active part of the community here in State College, helping others feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Thank you for having me!"

Board Chair

Kerry Wiessmann (She/Her)

By profession Kerry was an Elementary School Counselor (retired) and she is the proud mother of two Chinese daughters. She and Beth have been married since 1989, and lived in Centre County since 1982. As a Quaker with deep spiritually based values, Kerry is led to help lead the youth program, work with faith communities, and provide LGBT+ affirming spaces in our area.

Vice Chair & Pride Chair

Kevin Kassab (He/Him)

Kevin is retired from the State College Borough after 34 + years, served as Borough of State College LGBTQ+ Liaison
for the residents and visitors of the State College, member of the Diversity Group, He served in the United States Navy, he is married to Thomas M. Tate and is the
father of two daughters, both graduates of the State College High School, and PSU, and proud Grandfather of 7 Grandchildren. Kevin has been dedicated to insuring a safe and Sustainable community.

Founding Member, Board Treasurer

Susan L. Marshall (She/Her)

Susan is an Independent College Advising & Admissions Counselor and owner of College Gateways, LLC. She is also a Restorative Practices Practitioner & Trainer and partners with community groups and institutions like PSU to provide Restorative Practices Training and to facilitate conferences aimed at repairing harm and restoring relationships.

Board Recorder & PR/Marketing Chair

Fermin Almeida (He/Him)

Fermin Almeida is a Los Angeles native currently living in State College pursuing a Bachelors in Biology with a premed focus at PSU. Fermin is also an undergraduate researcher at Baum’s lab
which studies marine evolution and ecology to provide coral conservation efforts. Despite his background in the sciences, he is also experienced in PR/marketing and served as a brand
developer for a private investment firm in Mexico. Since moving to State College he has volunteered in local political campaigns and for Centre LGBT+, recognizing the importance of being
active in the community to ensure LGBTQA+ communities have proper representation and resources. Fermin has truly become enamored with Happy Valley and is proud to serve the
community all while wearing his unique cowboy boots.

Board Member, Advocacy Chair

Rafael Alvarado (He/Him)

Born in El Paso, Texas, Rafael completed his undergraduate education in St. Louis, Missouri, where (despite
a degree in mechanical engineering) he learned that his passion lay in the field of education. He received a
master’s degree in student affairs in higher education in Oxford, Ohio, where he got to work directly with first-year college students in residential life. This experience opened his eyes to the larger legal and policy frameworks that delineate and restrict the possibilities for learning and growth, both in and out of
the classroom. This sparked a curiosity which led him to pursue a law degree and doctoral degree in higher education at Penn State. As a graduate assistant, he had the opportunity to research topics like affirmative action in university admissions, barriers to admission for formerly incarcerated persons, and
Black women faculty’s experiences of tenure and promotion policies; in addition to learning substantial information on these topics, He also developed his research, writing, and public speaking skills.

Member at Large, PR Team Member

Michel Lee Garrett She/Her

Michel Lee Garrett (she/her) is a multi-published author and poet, recovering journalist, former political campaign communications director, member of the Professional Speechwriters Association, and a strategic communications industry professional. A proud queer and transgender woman, she has been a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, liberation, and equity. She has lived in small-town Pennsylvania since she was 16 years old and has been a resident of State College for more than a decade. She lives with her amazing wife and two beautiful children, and is a proud co-parent in a joyous blended family. She is honored to serve the local queer community as a board member with Centre LGBT+.

Member at Large

Sharon Dixon-Brytczuk (She/Her)

Sharon graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. She worked (now retired) in the hospitality industry in restaurants, hotels and entertainment and venues in management and general management. She is involved with numerous nonprofit organizations. Soroptimist International of Centre County, our mission is to work to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Our efforts are also taken globally, helping with domestic abuse, education and literacy. United Way’s Taste of the Town, Sharon chaired the restaurant committee for the past 20 years with Kevin Kassab. She is also a graduate of Leadership Centre County Class 2008. She has been on their special events committee. Tips Networking Club is the oldest business networking group in State College. It is an exclusive membership group where 40 non-competing businesses meet each week exchange ideas to increase their sales and business.
She is the mother of two daughters and one son and four grandchildren.
Having family members and best friends in the LGBT+ community, Sharon has learned a lot. Through education, she has taught her children and grandchildren to be very open and accepting.

Member at Large

Sonya Wilmoth (She/Her)

A Maryland native, Sonya has lived in State College for over ten years. She began her career at Penn State as the Assistant Director of the then LGBTA Student Resource Center. She was elevated to Director of the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity in July of 2020. She has provided support and advocated for students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

She currently serves as the chair of the State College Borough LGBTQ Advisory Commission, and co-chair of the Rainbow Roar Employee Resource Group on campus.

Wilmoth received her Bachelor of Arts in English from La Salle University and a Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Sports and Athletics Administration in 1995 from West Chester University. She completed a second Master's in Higher Education with a concentration in administration from Penn State World Campus in 2018.

Prior to her work in student affairs, Wilmoth enjoyed a successful career in athletics at West Chester University and The University of North Florida as head softball coach at both institutions. She served as an adjunct professor at the University of North Florida and Jacksonville University in their sports administration program. In her free time Sonya enjoys reading, time at a beach and spending time with her daughter Dylan.

Member at Large, Events Chair

Glenda Palmer (She/Her)

Glenda grew up in Mifflin County and moved back right before the pandemic from Seattle Washington. She was very active and volunteered in the LGBTA+ community in Seattle and Olympia areas.

An employee of Penn State in the Human Research Department she is planning her retirement in the next few years. Glenda is also the co-facilitator of the Golden Group for the 55+ demographic with the group at over 50 members strong. Glenda is passionate about creating a large, supportive community for all!

In her free time, she loves to go camping with her dogs, Cosmo and Kramer and kayaking with her granddaughter, Myelyn.

Board Member

Evan William, He/Him

Evan Williams is a proud two-time alumnus of Edinboro University, where he earned a Bachelor's in Communication Studies and a Master's in College Counseling. Since joining The Pennsylvania State University system in 2015, Evan has tirelessly advocated for marginalized and minoritized students.

At Penn State Greater Allegheny, he pioneered the Empowering Purpose through Individual Cultural Awareness (EPIC) Awards, celebrating first-generation and underrepresented students. As a Residence Life Coordinator at University Park, he fostered inclusive dialogues around queer identities in the professional sphere. He also served as the inaugural Assistant Director of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Penn State Harrisburg, where he enhanced support for diverse student organizations and spearheaded impactful initiatives, including the Multicultural Graduation Ceremony and the first ever Pride Prom.

Currently, Evan serves as the Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center at University Park. Outside of work, Evan enjoys spin classes, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends while pursuing his doctorate.

We invite you to visit our Center located at 204 E Calder Way Suite 304 in downtown State College!

Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-5pm

Who We Are & What We Do

About Us

We invite you to visit our Center located at 204 E Calder Way Suite 304 in downtown State College! Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-5pm *please refer to our events calendar for any closures/change of hours

Our Staff and Board

We invite you to visit our Center located at 204 E Calder Way Suite 304 in downtown State College! Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-5pm

We invite you to visit our Center located at 204 E Calder Way Suite 304 in downtown State College!
Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-5pm
*please refer to our events calendar for any closures/change of hours

We invite you to visit our Center located at 204 E Calder Way Suite 304 in downtown State College!

Hours of Operation: M-F 9am-5pm