Angelica Ross is back—breaking barriers and building the future with TransTech

TransTech, a platform dedicated to fostering talent and building opportunities for trans and non-binary individuals in tech, is proud to announce the return of its founder and Pose actress, Angelica Ross, to the helm earlier this month. Like many who live at the intersection of marginalized identities, Ross and outgoing Executive Director E.C. Pizarro III desire to create a world where doors open for meaningful change.

Ten years after its founding, TransTech continues as a lifeline for trans folks looking to break into the industry. But as Angelica returned, the question became: What now? Where does a community-driven organization go from here, especially when storm clouds of backlash and shrinking diversity funding threaten the horizon?

E.C. Pizarro III: A Legacy of Visibility

"When I started at TransTech, I was stealth–quiet about my trans identity, E.C. confides. "But the more I did the work, the more I realized the importance of visibility, especially for Black trans men like me."

Pizarro's tenure saw a blend of personal growth and organizational transformation. From working on collaborative projects with the Stonewall National Monument to building partnerships with tech giants like Hinge, his leadership was all about creating space for Black and Brown trans folks in tech. The partnership with Hinge is one of Pizarro's standout moments, ultimately leading to a safety feature built into the app for users. An exercise in trust and visibility, bringing the voices of marginalized communities to the forefront.

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But with visibility came a cost.

"One of my biggest challenges was communicating why trans people, especially Black trans people, need these opportunities in tech. Funders didn't always get it," Pizarro admits. Yet, despite the hurdles, he leaves a legacy of leadership grounded in the belief that transferable life skills can take you anywhere. And as he steps down, Pizarro departs with an impactful message: "Trust the process. Trust yourself. Every experience shapes you."

Angelica Ross: The Return of the Visionary

Ross, who founded TransTech in 2014, didn't just return to fill a gap.

She returned with a renewed mission.

Ross knows the stakes, and they couldn't be any higher. "I've done this before; building something from nothing. Now I'm back to breathe new life into it," she says with an unshakable confidence. The challenges are real. The budget is tight and stretched to its thinnest, with Ross admitting they were "down to about $7,000" in operating funds at one point this year. And for her, transparency is key. "I want people to know we don't have more than what we do. I've learned you can't build a legacy on a foundation of false promises."

Related: How Angelica Ross became a tech boss

Yet, even amidst these struggles, Ross is planning big. Discussions around cybersecurity, A.I., and certifications to stay competitive in tech are just the tip of the iceberg. She's also committed to staying true to her principles, refusing to compromise on integrity or human rights, even if it means walking away from potential corporate partnerships.

Ross's return is timely, especially as DEI initiatives face increasing pushback. "I saw this coming," Ross says. She's doubling down on creating spaces that center marginalized voices and isn't afraid of the adversities ahead. "The process of challenges makes us stronger," she reminds us.

A Shared Vision

While Pizarro and Ross are on different paths, their shared vision for TransTech is one of resilience and possibility. As Ross takes the reins, her message to the community is clear: we will endure. "Some days it's chicken, some days it's feathers," she says, quoting what the late activist Nikki Araguz Lloyd told her. "But if you can hold on to yourself through it all, you'll never have to sell yourself short."

TransTech is more than just tech jobs: it's about creating a world where trans individuals can live fully, where our contributions are valued, and where the future is ours to shape. Because the most radical thing we can do when it comes to the fear of change is to stay.

Stay visible, stay resilient, and above all, stay true to your vision.

Marie-Adélina de la Ferrièreserves as the Community Editor of equalpride, the publisher of Out.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The original article mentioned the partnership with Match Group, which owns popular dating apps like Hinge and Tinder, among others. This article was updated to clarify that the partnership was solely with Hinge.

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