New PS Pride executive director talks vision, overcoming sponsorship shortfalls
Luis Avila
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride has a new leader at the helm — and she’s stepping in at a critical time for the organization.
Jasmine Sullivan-Waits has been a steady presence in local government and LGBTQ+ advocacy for nearly two decades. Now she steps into the spotlight as the new executive director.
But along with the new title comes a major challenge. Palm Springs Pride is currently facing a $325,000 sponsorship shortfall ahead of this year’s festival and parade — a serious financial hurdle with just over two months to go before the city’s streets fill with celebration.
Despite the daunting number, Sullivan-Waits is confident that the organization can weather the challenge — largely because of the way Pride has been structured.
“The organization functions as each individual event is self-sustaining. The revenue that comes into the event is produced as that event. The revenue that comes into a program is then what is produced in that program — so at no point in time does the organization stretch itself too far or overspend.”
Jasmine Sullivan-Waits, Palm Springs Pride Executive Director
Sullivan-Waits brings deep knowledge to her new role. As a former Pride liaison and longtime city staffer, she played a major part in relocating the festival to downtown Palm Springs back in 2014.
That experience, she says, will be key in tackling the budget shortfall. But it will also require a renewed partnership with the community.
“Right now, we’re really leaning into community. We’re hoping the community will come forth and put in energy to help the organization grow and ensure the festival and parade are produced at the level it has been.”
Jasmine Sullivan-Waits, Palm Springs Pride Executive Director
For her, the work goes beyond budgeting and event planning — it’s about preserving the space Palm Springs Pride creates for the LGBTQ+ community every year.
Sullivan-Waits will officially assume the role of Executive Director on September 1. Mayor Ron deHarte will remain as President of the Board and CEO.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.