Board Member: Kent Love-Ramirez

“There is no Community Center without community.”

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For Kent Love-Ramirez, advocacy has long been a part of his life. From working on LGBTQ+ family equality nationally to supporting regional and local initiatives, he has always believed in the power of community-driven change. But it wasn’t until recently that he turned his focus to local impact after relocating to Ann Arbor with his family several years ago. With the 2024 presidential campaign underway and LGBTQ+ rights under renewed threat, Kent decided to get involved with the Jim Toy Community Center as a volunteer board member. What started with an online volunteer interest form quickly led to a conversation with the board president—one that inspired him to help shape the center’s future.

“You see the immediate impact of your involvement when volunteering with a local community organization,” he reflects. Bringing his professional skills to fill key gaps, Kent has found purpose in helping strengthen an already dedicated network of volunteers. He envisions the center as a truly intergenerational space—one that offers support for LGBTQ+ parents and families, resources for teens navigating their identities, and a sense of belonging for elders who have long fought for LGBTQ+ rights.

Ann Arbor's 2024 Pride stands out as a defining moment. Seeing his family, neighbors, and allies gathered together reinforced his belief that a strong community requires active participation from everyone. “There is no Community Center without community,” he says. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply showing up, Kent urges others to find their own meaningful way to contribute. Because in the fight for equality, no action is too small.