Meet Devon Trotter, also known as “Dvonne” behind the DJ booth. With over 15 years of experience transforming systems from the inside out—from nonprofits to philanthropy to local government—Devon brings a deep passion for equity, strategy, and queer liberation. As the new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Administrator for the City of Newport News (and a certified life coach, facilitator, and nightlife creator), Devon is no stranger to building community and shifting culture. Now, as the newest member of LGBT Life Center’s Board of Directors, Devon is bringing all of that brilliance home to Hampton Roads.
Name & a nickname you go by (if you have one): Devon Trotter & Dvonne (stage stylization to simplify the pronunciation)
Current Job Title/Employer: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Administrator, City of Newport News, Va.
Past Experience: I bring over 15 years of leadership and expertise in organizational development, finance, operations, and governance across local, national, and international nonprofits, philanthropy, and local government. I hold a Diversity and Inclusion Professional Certificate from Cornell University, an International Coaching Federation certification, and a B.A. in International Relations from The College of William and Mary. I’ve advised executive teams and boards, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led cross-functional initiatives, supported fundraising efforts, and advanced organizational strategy and DEI goals at institutions such as the National Audubon Society, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Institute for Sustainable Communities. As a volunteer, I developed and facilitated peer mentoring and coaching programs for Whitman-Walker Health in Washington, D.C., and served on the gala planning committee for SMYAL (Supporting and Mentoring Youth Advocate Leaders, a queer youth services organization), including three years as gala co-chair. I currently serve as Chair of the Board of Directors of HIPS (Honoring Individual Power and Strength), the premier harm reduction nonprofit in Washington, D.C.
What are some of your skills, abilities, talents?: I’m a DJ and started planning nightlife events in 2010. Additionally, I’m a certified life coach and experienced trainer, facilitator, and peer mentor.
How did you become interested in this position?: Serving on the Board of Directors of the LGBT Life Center is a natural extension of both my personal values and professional expertise. With a background in diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership, public health-informed community work, and strategic board governance, I’m eager to support the Life Center’s growth, sustainability, and continued impact across Hampton Roads.
What makes our organization’s mission powerful to you?: As an HIV+, Black, queer, millennial man and longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ equity, health, and belonging in both the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, the mission of the LGBT Life Center deeply aligns with my life purpose. My work consistently focuses on transforming institutions to be more inclusive, just, and responsive to the needs of historically marginalized communities, including queer individuals living at the intersections of race, gender, ability, and economic vulnerability.
What is an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?: In addition to International Relations, I also studied French and dance while at William and Mary! I also spent three years in Prague and retained a bit of Czech!
What would you like to say about joining the LGBT Life Center Board of Directors?: As someone who believes that care is a form of justice and visibility a tool for liberation, I view serving on the LGBT Life Center’s Board as both a responsibility and an opportunity to invest in the wellness, dignity, and resilience of our queer community in Hampton Roads. Growing up, HIV felt like a death sentence. When I contracted the virus, I never imagined I would live as long as I have. Being able to live a full life and support the wellness of others living with HIV is not only an honor and a responsibility—it’s also a way to pay tribute to those we’ve lost.
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