Meet Our Team
Executive director
Gxiana McQueen
Gxiana is a writer, model, filmmaker and advocate. She pursues social equality through her writing, public speaking and philanthropy; devoting her efforts to the Persist 4 Peace Initiative, Volunteers of America and the Atlanta Veterans Mental Health Advisory Council.
Why Co+Co: As a newly identified transwoman, the need to amplify the voice of my community and augment our visibility and acceptance remains a priority. I have been privy to watching my peers, both LGBTQ and Veteran, navigate various Mental Health systems much to their disadvantage. It is my goal that these disadvantages and their barriers are recognized, acknowledged and corrected on a national scale. I feel that Connect+Commune’s mission perfectly aligns with that objective.
Operational director
Michelle Hope
Michelle Hope is an award-winning public speaker and educator of human sexuality and development. With a master's degree in human development, as well as extensive post-graduate training in sexuality, Michelle is currently active in the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Community Engagement Group at the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.
Why Co+Co: I have always been open about not identifying as a survivor, rather a thriver in mental health, because I turned my experience and pain into personal power to advocate for others. Audre Lorde says, “In our world, divide and conquer must become define and empower”
Program Director
Chris Mossiah
Chris Mossiah is an out nonbinary and queer Executive Director at JPMorgan Chase. Although wearing many hats in the community, like serving on the TGNC & Nonbinary committee of Open Finance (a forum that unites LGBTQ leaders of major financial services organizations across the NY metro area); Chris' passion project is being the co-chair of Gender Expansive Council, a group focused on supporting and advocating for our transgender and nonbinary employees.
Why Co+Co: I do the work I do, for a real reason. I want my son to be able to be free in who he is and not ever have to worry. I always consider this: “the journey is hard but the outcome and freedom is worth the fight.”