Who We Are
Clara Olivas
Founder / Executive Director
Clara Olivas (she/they/ella) is a first-generation, queer, non-binary, U.S. citizen, raised by immigrant parents from Sinaloa, Mexico. Clara grew up with the border as their backyard in Calexico, California.
At 13 years old Clara started their gender affirming care by going to a barber shop across the border and cutting over twenty inches of hair down to a clean-shaven cropped haircut. Since then, Clara has lived openly queer and has been an advocate for visibility and positive representation of the queer community in Imperial County.
Clara and their spouse have lived and worked in Imperial County most of their lives and feel a sense of duty, to the next generation of queer folx, to create a long-lasting resource.
Sandra Mejorado
Founder / Secretary and Treasurer
Sandra Mejorado (she/her/ella) was born in Mexicali and raised in Imperial County. She is a dedicated advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and an enthusiastic leader in nonprofit work.
Having experienced firsthand the challenges of being gay in a region shaped by strong cultural norms and a shifting conservative political landscape, Sandra is committed to fostering inclusivity and support for those who often feel marginalized.
Sandra takes immense pride in being a product of Imperial Valley and has long been involved in community service. Sandra believes that all individuals deserve respect, compassion, and support which drives her dedication to advocacy.
Currently living in Imperial County, Sandra enjoys spending time with her wife and her nieces and nephews. Through her work, she hopes to uplift and empower 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in her hometown, ensuring they have access to resources and a sense of belonging.
Clarissa Padilla
Founder / Vice President
Clarissa E Padilla (they/them/elle) grew up in Calexico and returned to the Imperial Valley after 20 years. They identify as queer (romantically/gender identity) and have been looking for opportunities to commune with and serve the queer community in Imperial Valley. Growing up here, queer, was not easy and they are looking forward to shifting that experience.
Clarissa is passionate about connections and service and is looking forward to making and fostering connections with queer people in Imperial County. They have years of experience supporting others by facilitating support groups.
They have certifications in facilitator training and First Aid Mental Health and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST). Clarissa lives in El Centro and works in IT. They find joy in queercasa, and their 3 young niblings to whom they are especially dedicated.
We cannot achieve our mission without donor support! No donation is too small.
queercasa is acknowledged by the federal and California state government
of the United States as a tax exempt non profit organization (501c3).