People and Staff

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Hello all! My name is Danielle Bruce-Steele, and I am the director of the Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Life, a department in the Division of Campus Life. As the director, I maintain and enhance educational, social, referral, and resource programs and support services for students regarding issues of sexual and gender identities. Although my tasks vary from day to day, some of my responsibilities include advising Emory Pride, assessing and maintaining the Emory Safe Space Program and its affiliated events, and hiring and supervising student staff (if you are looking for a job on campus, shoot me an email!). I also assist in planning and coordinating special events such as our annual Pride Awards and Emory’s participation in Atlanta Pride.  When not serving on committees or meeting with students, you can find me in my office with an open door. Come by and say hello!

When not at work at Emory, you can probably find me with my wife at our house in Decatur where I spend much of my time attempting (and sometimes succeeding at) home improvement projects and gardening. On the weekends, we enjoy exploring all the area has to offer, from attending local festivals to hiking in state and national forests. We also like to get out of town to visit friends and family. Finally, I love coffee, so if you’re ever in need of a coffee break, I can usually find the time to join you.

Before starting at Emory in 2010, I worked as the coordinator of GLBT Services at the University of Maine in Orono where I received my Master of Education in Student Development in Higher Education. Prior to my time in Maine, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee in my hometown of Knoxville. In addition to, and as part of my work as assistant  director in the Office of LGBT Life, I serve as the Regions Working Chair for the Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals.

Pronouns: She/Hers

Hello, hello! My name is Jacqueline (Jackie) Veliz and I am the Program Coordinator in the Office of LGBT Life. In my role as Program Coordinator I oversee our Emory Safe Space program, supervise Federal Work Study student staff, advise undergraduate student organizations, and support and organize major office events. 

Before my role in the Office of LGBT Life I was the Program Coordinator to LaGuardia Community College’s LGBTQIA Safe Zone Hub where I was able to initiate a Safe Space program, create the campus’s first Lavender Graduation, and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion across city colleges in New York City on the CUNY LGBTQIA+ Service Council. I had the opportunity to begin my academic career at LaGuardia Community College before transferring and earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from Emory University in 2018. 

As a recent addition to the team I’d like to extend a big welcome to any folks at Emory who are looking for support, kindness, and laughter. I am always eager to hear about the hobbies you love, the music you’re listening to, and the idea you’re pondering so feel free to send me an email or stop by the office to chat!

Soju Hokari is a first year at Emory from Eugene, Oregon. When she’s not working or studying or writing for the Wheel (which is honestly never), she can usually be found playing Ultimate Frisbee. She is currently considering majoring in WGS, Sociology, or Chemistry, but likes all three of them too much to choose. Her greatest claim to fame, besides being a national champion in Ultimate, is that she made every single bathroom in her high school gender neutral through the liberal use of tape, paper, and a printer.

Pronouns: they/them

Isabella Montealegre is a Colombian-American third-year Emory undergraduate, majoring in political science and transitioning towards the Goizueta Business School. They are an Oxford College continuee and a first-generation low-income student. They are from Orlando, Florida. They have been enjoying their experience in the Atlanta area. Isabella is a fan of reading LGBTQ+ fiction, drinking iced coffee, walking on hiking trails, and making Spotify playlists! They are also a fan of deep conversation about social issues and media critique.  

Isabella is passionate about intersectionality, equity, and racial and disability justice. They are dedicated to making safe spaces at the office for QTBIPOC students. They are one of the creators of The House of Animosity Chat (a QTBIPOC GroupMe) so feel free to turn to them if you have questions about it.  

MJ Brown is a first-year office assistant studying creative writing and sociology. They are from Huntsville, Alabama; they love all things Southern (especially the food) and queer (especially the music). They are the campus pagan representative on the Inter-Religious Council and contribute to the Emory Wheel. You can usually find them curled up outside with a book and a cup of coffee. 

Pronouns: They/them/theirs

Pronouns: any