Washington, DC — LPAC, the national political organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ women and nonbinary people to public office, announced today that Liz Culley and Janelle Perez have joined its Board of Directors.
LPAC is the only organization in the U.S. whose mission is to build the political power of LGBTQ women and nonbinary people. LPAC endorses and invests in candidates directly, and supports them through independent expenditure campaigns. The Committee has raised more than $7.8 million and endorsed more than 275 candidates. In 2022, LPAC endorsed the most candidates in the Committee's history, made record contributions to campaigns, and saw representation expand across the country.
LPAC's focus is on endorsing LGBTQ women and nonbinary candidates who share our values — LGBTQ and women's equality, women's reproductive health, and social justice — while also helping coalesce LGBTQ women as a concrete and powerful political demographic.
"I am thrilled to welcome Liz Culley and Janelle Perez to the Board. Liz brings years of experience as a media and marketing executive to LPAC, and helps build our presence on the West Coast. Janelle's experience as a candidate and community advocate in Florida will be an incredible asset to the Board. We are fortunate to have both Liz and Janelle join LPAC as we continue our essential work of building the political power of LGBTQ women and nonbinary people," said Laura Ricketts, LPAC Board Chair.
"I deeply admire LPAC's important work to support LGBTQ women and advance LGBTQ rights, women's rights, and social justice," said Liz Culley. "I look forward to helping LPAC carry out this mission and expanding the Committee's reach in California as I take my seat on the Board."
"LPAC was the first organization to endorse me in 2022 when I ran for the Florida State Senate, and their commitment to my candidacy never wavered," said Janelle Perez. "Florida has become a testing ground for some of the most radical anti-LGBTQ and anti-women policies in the country, something I saw firsthand as a candidate. In these uncertain times I am honored and grateful to work with an organization so focused on standing up for our community."
About Liz Culley:
Liz Culley has been in the entertainment and digital advertising industry for over 13 years. Currently the Executive Director of Entertainment and FYC Partnerships at Condè Nast, she leads studio partnerships and Vanity Fair's FYC strategy. In December of 2022, she was appointed to hold the Brand Revenue lead of them, Condè Nast's LGBTQ editorial site.
A seasoned producer and host, Liz launched her solo podcast "Cool Cool Cool" in the Fall of 2022, rising to Number 3 on the Entertainment Charts. Before the launch of "Cool Cool Cool" she was the co-host of the successful Embassy Row (Watch What Happens Live, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire) produced podcast, "Scissoring Isn't a Thing" and has been featured in Out Magazine, People, E! and Teen Vogue. On Tuesdays, she is the co-host of the popular radio show "The Taylor Strecker Show" and currently writing a book of memoirs.
Outside of podcasting and selling digital media, Liz donates to the Latina Trans Coalition and BLM where she has been profiled for her work most recently in The New York Times. Liz is a member of the Soho
House West Coast Board Committee and Glendale Historic Society. She lives in Glendale with her wife Rachel and rescue puppy, Ravioli.
About Janelle Perez:
The daughter of Cuban exiles who fled Castro's communist dictatorship and became successful entrepreneurs, Janelle Perez is an advocate, policymaker, and small business owner. After graduating from Florida International University, Janelle moved to Washington, D.C. and began her career on Capitol Hill. While seeking her Master's Degree from The Johns Hopkins University, Janelle worked for a non-profit where she led the educational and advocacy activities to support federal funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
At the age of 28, Janelle was diagnosed with Stage IV Follicular Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer. After her diagnosis, Janelle moved to Miami in order to prioritize her health and start a family with her wife, Monica. Today, she is one of the owners of a Hispanic-owned and family- owned Medicare company in Miami-Dade County. It is one of Florida's fastest growing Medicare companies, providing affordable, high-quality medical services to Medicare beneficiaries in the county.
Janelle was the Democratic nominee in the election for Florida State Senate District 38 in 2022. She was endorsed by LPAC in that election. A graduate of Florida International University and The Johns Hopkins University, Janelle currently lives in Pinecrest, FL with her wife and two daughters.
