As part of the celebration of June's Pride Month, the Chargers organization is highlighting the impact of game changers across the Southern California community. Kim Washington is up next.
What is your name and what is your title/organization you work for?
My name is Kim Washington and I am the VP of Philanthropy & Marketing for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles.
How has your identity shaped the person you are today?
Being a Black woman, born and raised in Los Angeles, and proudly gay, my identity has been a powerful lens through which I see and move through the world. Each part of who I am has shaped my experiences and deepened my empathy. Growing up at the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality has taught me to listen more intentionally, respect differences without judgment, and create space for others to be fully themselves.
Los Angeles, with all of its complexity, diversity, and contrast, showed me early on the importance of understanding perspectives different from my own. My lived experience has strengthened my ability to navigate challenges with resilience and to lead with authenticity. I've learned that embracing who you are—fully and unapologetically—is not just empowering for yourself but liberating for others who are still finding their voice.
Ultimately, my identity has taught me the power of inclusion, the beauty of community, and the responsibility I have to uplift and advocate for those whose stories mirror mine, as well as those who walk a different path. It's not just shaped who I am—it fuels why I do what I do.
What inspired you to work in your field?
I'm inspired to work in this field because the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles is deeply aligned with my values and personal purpose. I believe every young person in our city deserves to be heard, seen, and supported with the resources and opportunities to succeed—not just survive. Working in and around Los Angeles County, I have witnessed firsthand the barriers that many of our youth face due to persistent inequities. That experience fuels my passion to be part of real, tangible change.
What drives me daily is knowing that I can contribute to a future where our kids feel empowered, their families feel supported, and our communities feel stronger. Working in this space allows me to pour my energy, skills, and heart into something meaningful—investing in the next generation of leaders, creators, and change-makers who will shape the future of this beautiful city we call home.
What does Pride Month mean to you?
It's a month where I honor those who came before me, especially the Black and Brown LGBTQ+ trailblazers who paved the way. It's also a chance to uplift others, to create space for love, truth, and solidarity, and to reflect on the progress we've made while acknowledging the work still ahead. Pride, to me, is both personal and powerful—a moment to stand tall in my truth, and a reminder that living openly and authentically is an act of courage, and of love.
How do you celebrate Pride?
I celebrate Pride in my own way by creating space for reflection, learning, and connection. I spend time reading and watching stories that amplify LGBTQ+ voices—especially those of Black and Brown individuals—because representation matters and every journey holds wisdom. These stories remind me of how far we've come and how powerful it is to live our truth.
What message would you tell the next generation of LGBTQ+ community to help guide their efforts?
Make it a point to support others through their own journeys, whether that means being a listening ear, offering encouragement, or simply showing up for someone who's still learning to embrace who they are. Pride isn't just about parades and parties—it's about honoring identity, building community, and reminding each other that we're not alone. Celebrate—with intention, compassion, and pride in every part of who you are.
Tell us about a moment in history that shaped your career or life?
A moment that shaped my life was watching my mom break through racial barriers when we moved to Orange County. As one of the only Black families living in Fountain Valley in the early 1970s, we often felt the weight of not being welcomed. But my mom met that challenge with unwavering strength, patience, and pride. She rose from being a housewife from Arkansas to becoming a pillar in the community—leading the PTA, championing girls' athletics, ensuring I received a top-tier education, staying active in our church parish, and showing empathy even to those who failed to accept her because of the color of her skin.
Her example taught me everything. Because of her, I learned to be proud of who I am, to stand strong in the face of adversity, and to lead with compassion. She made me believe I deserved a seat at every table—regardless of the color of my skin. And even as she built a life in Orange County, she never lost connection to our roots. Every weekend, we were back in Watts, Compton, or South Los Angeles—present for our family and grounded in our community.
Her grace and courage not only shaped my identity—they gave me the blueprint to lead, love, and live with purpose.
