The people behind Casa de Luz.

After moving to San Diego from Switzerland in 1998, Markus broke into the construction industry, secured his state contractor's license, and opened a custom cabinetry shop. Shortly thereafter he introduced a German cabinet line to San Diego and became an exclusive dealership. Be sure to check out Studio Europa for beautiful designs.

Jack immigrated to the United States from Holland in 1989 at age 19. After building a successful career in real estate, he relocated from the Midwest to California in 2008. A lifelong supporter of nonprofit work, Jack has contributed to organizations such as the Red Cross, Pathways Behavioral Services, YWCA, Lions Club, and Sports for Exceptional Athletes. In 2020 he became actively involved with Casa de Luz in Tijuana, taking on a leadership role to ensure the program's long-term sustainability. He founded the U.S.-based 501(c)(3) to support fundraising and acquired the property that now houses the shelter. Passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ refugees, Jack continues to dedicate his time and leadership to creating a safe, supportive space for those seeking refuge and hope.

Tan, a local pharmacist, immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee from war-torn Vietnam in 1989, settling in Cleveland, OH with his mother and three older brothers. He earned his PharmD from the University of Toledo in 2011 and moved to San Diego in 2016. As a student he led monthly AmeriCorps volunteer projects - preparing meals at Ronald McDonald Charities, assisting residents with disabilities at the Josina Lott facility, and supporting the homeless through Cherry Street Mission. In recent years his efforts have focused on mentoring student pharmacists and organizing free community health events. Tan now hopes to expand his impact by contributing to Casa de Luz and continuing to give back to the community that welcomed him.

Manuel is the Policy Advisor, Community Representative, and LGBTQ+ Liaison for San Diego City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, where he guides legislative priorities and community engagement. He holds a Master of International Affairs and a B.A. in International Studies from UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy. His work includes advancing community recognition in the legislative process, notably through historical proclamations celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions in San Diego. He completed the Young Professionals Council Academy at the San Diego LGBT Community Center and is enrolled in the Chicano Federation's Leadership Training Institute. He also volunteered with AfghanEvac and serves on the Executive Board of the San Diego Democrats for Equality and the DEI Advisory Committee for the San Diego Diplomacy Council.

Kiki started her days in California as a U.S. Marine. She deployed to Iraq in 2003 and fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, where she was injured and medically retired from the Marine Corps. Afterward she lobbied and fought for better care for war veterans - work she continues today. In 2015 she began cooking for the Scott Carlson/Dan Ferbal Thanksgiving Community Dinner and has been head chef and producer ever since, which drew her into the Imperial Court de San Diego's charitable events. Today she is a professional chef, burlesque dancer, philanthropist, activist, and business owner. She was the first straight ally crowned Princess Royale in ICSD, has been awarded Crown Princess of the Americas and the Ricky Alves Community Service award, and was recently crowned Ms. International Royal Pride 2025.

Michael Albo, MD, is Vice Chair and Clinical Professor in the Department of Urology at UC San Diego, where he has served since 1996. He earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame in 1983, his medical degree from the University of Utah in 1988, completed a urology residency at the University of Virginia in 1994, and a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at UC in 1996. After Notre Dame he joined the Holy Cross Associates as Program Coordinator at Eden Youth Center. Following residency he volunteered at a hospital in Solalá, Guatemala, providing urologic care to rural farming communities, and later at McCormick Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Erick has spent over a decade advancing HIV care, prevention, and advocacy, with a focus on underserved communities. For the past six years he has been a Pharmacy Sales Representative with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), building referral networks and expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment in Las Vegas and San Diego. Born in Nayarit, Mexico, and raised in the Inland Empire, Erick began his career at 19 with Bienestar Human Services, supporting young gay and bisexual men. That sparked his lifelong passion for serving LGBTQ+, Latinx, and migrant communities facing barriers to care and stigma.

Moe is the GM and Owner of Gossip Grill and Barrel & Board, and has worked in and for this community for 24 years. Her mission is to provide a safe and fun environment for women and the LGBTQ+ community. She has won numerous Nicky awards including Business Woman of the Year, and has twice been named by the San Diego Business Journal among the top 50 leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. Moe received the Stonewall award, was Grand Marshall in 2021, and has been recognized by State Senator Toni Atkins and many media outlets for her work in the Hillcrest community.

Jere heads Avenir Thinking, a premier San Diego digital marketing agency focused on growth marketing and AI solutions. He is also President of the Gay Men's Spiritual Retreat, a nonprofit that has served GBT men seeking spirituality and community since 1991. He brings both sides of that work - growth strategy and three decades of nonprofit leadership - to Casa de Luz.

Ed is a retiree especially interested in tracking, documenting, and presenting the benefits of thoughtful, planned immigration and what it provides to our country. He also volunteers for ElderHelp of San Diego and Promises to Kids, and is a certified Ombudsman for the State of California's Long-Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities, acting as a resident advocate.

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1957, adopted by two loving parents and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Mike came out as gay in 1975. He later lived in New York and Los Angeles before settling in San Diego to care for his best friend, Tino Graziano, who passed from AIDS in 1989. That loss inspired a lifelong commitment to raising funds for organizations supporting those affected by HIV/AIDS, especially Being Alive. Over 30 years he has served on numerous boards, advised four San Diego mayors, and co-founded charities including the Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation and Grocery Hearts at Mama's Kitchen. Now retired from the food and beverage industry, he devotes more time to photography, a passion he's pursued for decades.

A lifelong San Diegan and the son of public servants, Nick has worked in public service since the age of 17, across both county and city government. He began as an intern in then-Councilmember Todd Gloria's office in 2014, went on to manage Gloria's campaign for the California State Assembly, and served as his Communications Director in the Assembly. In 2019 he managed Gloria's campaign for Mayor - the race that made Gloria the first person of color and the first LGBTQ person elected Mayor of San Diego. In May 2021 Nick was appointed by the Mayor, on a unanimous vote of the City Council, to the San Diego County Water Authority, the region's wholesale water supplier. He now serves as its Board Chair, the youngest and first openly LGBTQ+ person to lead the Authority's Board of Directors.