Loretta Worthington, MA - Executive Director

Loretta is an queer activist with over a decade of experience working to reduce health disparities in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, specializing in the prevention and intervention of substance abuse including tobacco. Over the last decade, Loretta worked to improve LGBT health with the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and served as the Chairperson for the LGBT Constituency Committee for the CA State Department of Alcohol & Drug Programs for several years. As the Director of Programs for Rainbow Health Initiative, Loretta leads the effort to improve the health of LGBT communities throughout MN.

Ani Koch-Community Outreach Manager

Originally from Iowa, Ani started young as an activist and community organizer. In Dubuque, Ani worked with Gay Straight Alliance groups, opened a LGBTQ youth resource facility, and planned LGBTQ specific community events. S/he has had many roles working for grassroots political campaigns, most recently within the labor movement with Working America Twin Cities, Rochester, and St. Cloud.  Ani has a bachelor’s degree in sociology, criminal justice, and gender studies, was named an honorary recipient of the 2003 Matthew Shepard Scholarship, and is currently a LAAMPP Fellow. S/he is dedicated to systemic change to address serious health disparities within oppressed communities.