Carla Peña is a queer, non-binary writer, educator, and activist. Committed to equity and
social justice, they have focused their life’s work on LGBTQ+ rights, inclusive
education, youth work, and community organizing.

Born and raised in Queens, New York (the unceded land of the
Matinecock/Munsee Lenape people), Carla is the proud child of an immigrant
Cuban father and Nuyorican mother. They believe it is everyone’s birthright to
thrive and they are expressly dedicated to the liberation and prosperity of
QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black/Indigenous, People of color) communities.

They currently serve as Director of Training at Gender Spectrum. Gender Spectrum
seeks to create a gender inclusive world for all children and teens. To accomplish
this, we engage others in exploring evolving understandings of gender and
considering the implications for the work they do with youth and the constellation
of adults who support them. Through professional development, strategic
partnerships and thought leadership, Gender Spectrum is the foremost leader in the
field of gender inclusion and support. Working with thousands of professionals,
caregivers and youth every year, we envision and seek to create a world in which
the gender diversity of every young person is seen, celebrated, and respected.