Gulnar Feerasta, MMSA, MNO

Director of Programs/ Non-profit Practitioner

Cleveland, Ohio

United States, North America

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Cohort Year:

2023

Bio

Gulnar Feerasta (she/they) brings a wealth of experience and passion to their role as a champion for equity within LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. With a strong background in strategic planning, advocacy, and program management, Gulnar's career is dedicated to addressing health disparities and advancing health equity.

Their leadership journey at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, where they rose from Director of Programs to Managing Director, is characterized by a track record of success in strengthening and expanding core programs, developing evidence-based interventions, and facilitating community collaboration to improve social determinants of health for the LGBTQ+ community. Most notably, Gulnar spearheaded the Center’s efforts to secure a transformative $2 million grant through Mackenzie Scott’s Yield Lever for Change open call—an investment that will deepen the Center’s capacity to serve and uplift LGBTQ+ communities across Northeast Ohio.

With dual master's degrees from Case Western Reserve University and international experiences in New Zealand, Australia, and South Korea, Gulnar’s leadership philosophy emphasizes solidarity and community-centered approaches, rooted in the belief that "we are who we serve.” As a distinguished Senior Atlantic Fellow for Global Health Equity, she advocates for social justice and health equity locally and globally. In recognition of her contribution to community leadership, Gulnar was honored as a 2022 Notable Immigrant Leader by Crain's Cleveland, a 2024 "Lend Your Voice - Health Care for All” champion by the Universal Health Care Action Network (UHCAN) of Ohio and more recently recognized by Engage Cleveland as a “24 to know in 2024” Emerging Professional.

Beyond their work at the center, Gulnar actively contributes to local committees, boards, and research studies, leveraging her expertise to promote equitable healthcare access and community empowerment. Her diverse background and unwavering commitment to inclusivity make her a driving force for positive change in service of fostering resilient communities.