Lesbifriend Luminary: Samantha Watson
lu·mi·nar·y
/ˈlo͞oməˌnerē/ - n - a person who inspires or influences others, especially one prominent in a particular sphere.
Each month we take a moment to show appreciation for an exemplary member of our community. Affectionately named “Lesbifriend Luminary”, we honor you.
Samantha Watson, CPCC, PCC, MA (she/her) is a certified leadership and mental coach, event organizer, and entrepreneur who, both in her personal and professional life, focuses on creating resources, spaces, and communities that center intersectionality, foster real connection, and create change.
After a career in international development, primarily in Africa and Latin America, she transitioned to coaching in 2015, seeking a more local and personal impact. She has maintained a small private practice while also coaching for a larger firm. This year, she’s expanding her practice to focus on mental health and identity coaching for women and queer individuals with intersectional identities, helping them navigate systems that aren’t designed to support their unique dreams and challenges.
Samantha is herself a Brazilian American lesbian, raising a multi-racial neuro divergent family, who has struggled to find spaces that feel inviting. She has been organizing events for queer women in DC for about a year through Meetup, including organizing happy hours, volunteer opportunities, game nights and more.
After noticing a lack of spaces catering to queer women in their 40s as well as more intersectional spaces, she is now dedicated to building inclusive, community-driven events centered around this age group and this objective. These spaces are meant to be fun, foster deep connections, and provide opportunities for self-expression.
Samantha is also committed to supporting minority-owned businesses, innovating fresh ideas, and creating environments where diversity is celebrated. The goal is to craft events that do not center whiteness and instead embrace all cultures and experiences, providing a welcoming space for everyone.
How to Support
As she launches this new part of her business, Samantha is actively seeking feedback from the community to make these events even more impactful. If you’re interested in shaping these spaces, she invites you to fill out her survey and share your thoughts. Your input is invaluable in creating spaces that truly reflect the needs and desires of the community.
You can also follow Samantha’s Eventbrite group to stay up to date with her endeavors.
Use button below to complete survey!
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