Meet Our New Board Members: Q&A Spotlight!
We’re thrilled to announce two new lab partners to our amazing board who help propel the Rainbow Labs mission forward! As our organization continues to grow, having a board of innovators and change-makers play a titular role in our foundation, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to expand the team!
We’d like to introduce Marcos Perez-Ogilvie (He/Him) and C.J. Stermer, MBA (He/Him)
Perez-Ogilvie is a seasoned media executive and producer. He has held a wide range of roles across leading global companies, including Google, Netflix, NBCUniversal, the National Football League, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. His expertise spans content production and development, strategy, business development, and financial analysis. Currently, he serves as the Strategic Content and Filmmaker Partnerships Lead for 100 ZEROS, Google’s innovative content production vehicle, forging relationships with filmmakers, production houses, and distributors. His innovative approach and deep understanding of the evolving media landscape have consistently driven significant value for his organizations and partners. In addition to his role at Google, he is one of the founding partners of Steel Violet Productions, where he serves as the Head of Content Development and Production. In his free time, he manages his own media consulting business, Streaming Spark. Beyond his corporate achievements, Marcos is a passionate advocate for underserved communities. He serves on the board of Beauty 2 the Streetz and is the chair for the LGBTQ+ Committee of Impact Guild. Marcos holds a degree in finance from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. A native of Miami, Florida, and the proud son of Cuban immigrants, he currently resides in West Hollywood, California, with his husband, Donn, and their dog, Domino.
Stermer has more than 20 years of marketing experience and has dedicated over 10 years to his passion for youth advocacy and thought leadership within public health, throughout a variety of health topics. He’s worked to develop LGBTQ+ tobacco prevention campaigns with the FDA, substance use prevention programming with the CDC, and, most notably, hosts a youth empowerment podcast, the Champions for Youth Podcast, through the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. He possesses a degree in psychology from Appalachian State University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Southern California. Stermer is also an active board member for a variety of nonprofits outside of Rainbow Labs, including the current board chair for the Doctor Yum Project, a youth nutrition literacy and behavioral health intervention organization for early childhood educators.
Q: What inspired you to join the Rainbow Labs team?
Perez-Ogilvie: “The passion of the team. The work these mentors and staff do is so transformative. They foster genuine relationships that drive long-lasting benefits for these communities. Honestly - seeing these beautiful mentor relationships in person at the Violet Visionary Awards truly moved me to try and do what I can to help the cause.”
Stermer: “My passion for youth advocacy runs deep. As an openly LGBTQ+ cis man, the mission of Rainbow Labs is very personal. Our work is vital to the health and wellness of our local LGBTQ+ teens, especially now more than ever.”
Q: What about Rainbow Labs mission and identity resonates with you?
Perez-Ogilvie: “I saw myself in these kids. I wish I had resources like these when I was coming up. The ability to support and build a safe environment for LGBTQIA+ kids to thrive is truly life-changing. Having programs dedicated to them, for them, by people like them can be so beneficial in their personal development.”
Stermer: “I truly wish I had something like this growing up. I didn’t meet or know someone like me until I went to college. I always imagine that if I had something like Rainbow Labs, how different my life would be. This is about paying it forward and doing what I can to help, even if one person, thrive and strive to be a better version of themselves.”
Q: What do you hope to contribute or accomplish during your time as a board member?
Perez-Ogilvie: “I hope to bring as much awareness as I can to this amazing organization in an effort to amplify the resources we have to continue building lasting and impactful programs.”
Stermer: “Get involved with establishing a more robust mentor recruitment strategic plan and expanding our Labs opportunities for our youth.”
Q: What message would you share with the LGBTQIA+ youth we serve through Rainbow Labs?
Perez-Ogilvie: “I am here for you. As a board member, my entire job is to make sure you all have what you need to feel safe, supported, and loved.”
Stermer: “You are amazing, and I’m so grateful for you. I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing effects Rainbow Labs has had on these young people. It’s powerful. Keep going!”
