New staff and
base of operations for Point Foundation

The Point Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentoring for LGBT college and graduate students, announced this week that its new executive director, Jorge Valencia, has officially taken the reins at the organization after being appointed to the position a few months ago. Valencia, formerly the executive director of the national LGBT teen suicide prevention hotline the Trevor Project, is joined by new development director Chris Fritzen and by Darrin Wilstead as executive and development associate. "In the short time the Point has been doing this work, we have truly begun to appreciate the scope of the challenges faced by LGBTQ young people and those seeking access to higher education," Valencia said in a statement. "I am both thrilled and honored to build on the extraordinary work of the Point's original trustees and staff, and increase our support from and visibility with the LGBT and allied community, corporations, and educational institutions." The foundation, which has funded more than 70 students since its inception in 2001, also announced that it has moved its base of operations to Los Angeles from Chicago. (The Advocate)