Our Partners in Impact: Perkins Coie
Rainbow Labs is proud to offer our signature program, Leadership Labs. This ten-month leadership development experience meets three times a month in a hybrid format. It provides youth from throughout Los Angeles County opportunities to explore advocacy and leadership with other queer youth.
In addition to these meetings, youth partake in a service project. This project directly impacts their communities. The youth come together to decide on their cause and how they want to create actionable change.
As of 2026, Rainbow Labs has hosted four cohorts. Here’s what some of our youth and leaders have to say about the program:
“Rainbow Labs provides a safe space that is sometimes absent in schools and public spaces. It means a lot to have an accepting and comforting community.” - Leadership Lab Youth.
“Being a part of Leadership Labs has been quite an eye-opening and emboldening experience for myself, the mentors, and the youth involved. Queer youth are having opportunities to get educated, empowered, and most importantly engaged in efforts to affect change in their communities. As for the adults in the space, we are able to offer our lived experience as guidance and intergenerational support, which has always been a foundational tenet in LGBTQ+ community building, while healing our younger selves.” - BrandElsa Perriera, Leadership Labs Coordinator
We are proud to offer a unique opportunity like Leadership Labs. This is possible thanks to the support of organizations such as Perkins Coie, to whom we extend a special thank you.
Perkins Coie has played a crucial role in building out Leadership Labs programming. Their support enables our youth to receive stipends, attend field trips, and access inclusive programming. These opportunities have helped our youth view themselves as valuable leaders within Rainbow Labs and beyond. We are grateful for the gracious support Perkins Coie has afforded us.
Thank you, Perkins Coie. Your unwavering support empowers our youth to become stronger leaders and more confident advocates, impacting their communities today and shaping a brighter tomorrow.
