About
Hi! I'm Jamie (he/they).
I’m passionate about LGBTQ+ rights – particularly trans rights – and social impact. I'm the co-founder and executive director of InReach (fka AsylumConnect), a trans-led tech nonprofit providing the world’s first open source platform matching LGBTQ+ people facing persecution or discrimination with safe, verified resources.
My work has been published and featured in national outlets including The HuffPost, The Advocate, Forbes.com, NowThis, Teen Vogue, and The Hill. I've also been a featured speaker on LGBTQ+/TGNC rights, LGBTQ+ asylum and forced migration, and technology for social good. For my work helping other trans and queer people find the safety to live authentically, I was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30, Class of 2020 in Law & Policy.
I received a B.A. cum laude with distinction in public health from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.S. in management from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Highlighted Coverage of My Work in the News
INSIGHT Into Diversity, “Resource Hub Sees Spike in Demand as Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Grows,” May 14, 2023.
Fast Company, “The most innovative companies with fewer than 10 employees in 2023,” March 2, 2023.
The Clinton Foundation Stories, "One CGI U Alum’s Journey to Harness Technology to Connect LGBTQ+ Individuals with Safe, Verified Resources," June 28, 2022.
ABC 7 New York, "Watch the 2022 NYC Pride March," June 26, 2022.
Greatist, “Millennial Change Makers,” April 27, 2021.
NBC OUT, “Trump proposals threaten LGBTQ asylum-seekers' hopes of refuge in U.S.,” August 20, 2020.
The American Prospect, “The Public Comment Battle to Save American Asylum,” July 15, 2020.
Forbes.com, “Trump’s New Asylum Regulations Could Have Devastating Effects For LGBTQ People. The Leaders Of AsylumConnect Explain Why,” July 12, 2020.
Forbes, “2020 30 Under 30 Law & Policy,” December 3, 2019.
Teen Vogue, “LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Face Layered Marginalization, So These Four Organizations Are Here to Help.” September 5, 2019.
Forbes.com, “Jamie Sgarro’s AsylumConnect Helps LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Access Safe Services.” August 14, 2019.
Clinton Foundation’s “Why Am I Telling You This?” Podcast, “Stonewall 50: Pride, Progress, and the Future Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights.” June 27, 2019.
NowThis, “AsylumConnect Helps LGBTQ+ Asylum Seekers Find Resources in the U.S.” (Video). June 20, 2019.
Philadelphia Gay News, “Resource for LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Launches in Canada and Mexico.” May 9, 2019.
The Advocate, “LGBTQ Asylum Seekers Cannot Wait Safely in Mexico.” January 4, 2019.
The Advocate, “We Must Fight Trump's Asylum Attacks With Everything We Have.” November 12, 2018.
The Hill, “LGBTQ Central Americans need asylum and America needs them.” October 28, 2018.
The Advocate, "Trump Policies Will Send LGBT Asylum Seekers To Their Deaths." July 9, 2018.
Medium (The Clinton Foundation), "The Honor Roll: A young leader provides a lifeline for LGBTQ asylum seekers in the U.S." December 8, 2017.
The Bay Area Reporter ,"Online LGBT asylum resource launches in SF." November 30, 2017.
Forbes.com, "What Moves A Millennial: My Year Of Inspiration 2015." November 2, 2015.
What Can I Do For You?
I'm always looking to write or guest speak about LGBTQ+ issues and social entrepreneurship. I am also very interested in giving back through joining nonprofit boards and providing pro bono mentorship to transgender youth. I have experience in the following areas and I'm open to new opportunities.
LGBTQ+ advocacy & TGNC youth mentorship
Brand campaigns (partner with InReach on a brand campaign to showcase your company’s commitment to trans justice and the diverse, intersectional LGBTQ+ community)
Freelance writing (op-eds/news articles on LGBTQ+/trans rights and LGBTQ+ forced migration; & commentary/interviews for issues related to InReach’s work)
Guest speaking & panels (trans & LGBTQ+ rights, social entrepreneurship, technology for social good, tech nonprofits)
Nonprofit board advising
Interested in working together? Contact me.