Placer LGBTQ+ Center is currently open for scheduled programs, meetings, and appointments only.

Please contact us before visiting.

Placer LGBTQ+ Center is currently open for scheduled programs, meetings, and appointments only. Please contact us before visiting.

about us

Placer LGBTQ+ Center

A space built on connection, support, and community.

our mission

Why We’re Here

Our mission is to cultivate Placer County as a safe and supportive place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their families through education, mentoring, peer support, and access to resources. We believe everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and respected in their community, regardless of identity, background, or lived experience.

Through inclusive programming and community-centered services, we work to reduce isolation, increase understanding, and create meaningful opportunities for connection. Our approach centers compassion, dignity, and empowerment, meeting people where they are and supporting them as they navigate life’s challenges and milestones.

By offering educational opportunities, fostering mentorship, and providing spaces for peer support, Placer LGBTQ+ Center helps build resilience, strengthen relationships, and promote well-being across all ages. Our goal is not only to provide resources, but to help create a community where LGBTQ+ individuals and their families can thrive, belong, and feel safe being themselves.

our vision

What We’re Building

We envision Placer LGBTQ+ Center as a trusted resource and education hub where LGBTQ+ people and allies can safely gather, learn, and support one another. A place rooted in connection, care, and belonging, where individuals and families feel welcomed, affirmed, and empowered to show up as themselves.

The Center serves as a space to coordinate advocacy efforts, share knowledge, and strengthen community ties across Placer County. By offering a physical location dedicated to safety, visibility, and support, we help create opportunities for collaboration, healing, and growth.

This vision of a consistent, accessible gathering space has long been needed in our region. Today, that vision is no longer just an idea. It is a reality, and it continues to grow alongside the community it serves.

our history

How We Got Here

Placer LGBTQ+ Center was originally founded in 2014 as PRISM-Q LGBT & Allies Resource Center in response to the need for LGBTQ+ connection, support, and visibility in Placer County. In its early years, the organization hosted community events and outreach efforts that helped bring people together in affirming and meaningful ways.

Like many grassroots organizations, PRISM-Q faced challenges related to limited resources and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed progress and disrupted programming. Even during these pauses, the need for a dedicated LGBTQ+ community space in Placer County remained clear.

In 2020, Daniella Zimmerman stepped into leadership and helped revitalize the organization by assembling a committed board focused on creating a permanent LGBTQ+ Center. In late 2022, the organization officially began operating as Placer LGBTQ+ Center. Today, the Center is open and actively serving the Placer County community with programs, services, and a welcoming space for connection and belonging.

our community

Who We Serve

We serve LGBTQ+ youth, young adults, adults, families, and allies throughout Placer County, including Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn, Lincoln, and surrounding communities. Our programs and services are designed to meet people where they are, honoring the wide range of identities, experiences, and life stages within the LGBTQ+ community.

We support individuals who are seeking connection, affirmation, and resources, as well as families and allies who want to learn, show up, and build understanding. From those just beginning to explore their identity to those looking for ongoing community and support, the Center exists as a welcoming space for all.

Placer LGBTQ+ Center is committed to serving people across generations and backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel safe, respected, and valued. No matter how you identify or where you are on your journey, you are welcome here.

our team

The People Behind the Center

Behind Placer LGBTQ+ Center is a dedicated group of leaders, volunteers, and community members who care deeply about creating a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for all. Our team brings together lived experience, professional expertise, and a shared commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ people and their families across Placer County.

Each person involved with the Center contributes their time, skills, and heart to help build programs, provide resources, and strengthen community connections. Together, we are working to ensure the Center remains welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the needs of those we serve, today and into the future.

Daniella Zimmerman wearing glasses and a colorful scarf while smiling indoors

Daniella Zimmerman

Board President / CEO
(she/her)

Jacque Vaughn smiling next to her husband Atom indoors near a window

Jacque Vaughn

Vice President
(she/her)

Cindy Baudoin with short gray hair and glasses wearing a colorful shirt while seated indoors

Cindy Baudoin

CFO / Treasurer
(she/he/they)

Ender Jones wearing glasses standing next to Nancy outdoors near a vehicle

Ender Jones

Board Secretary
(he/him)

Nancy McKernan smiling while standing against a textured wall indoors

Nancy McKernan

Member at Large
(she/her)

Jen Brookover smiling indoors with a home interior visible in the background

Jen Brookover

Member at Large
(she/her)

Nicole Williams smiling outdoors with greenery in the background

Nicole Williams

Member at Large
(she/her)

Claire Coleman with blonde hair and glasses looking at the camera indoors

Claire Coleman

Volunteer Co-Chair
(she/her)

Daniella Zimmerman

Board President / CEO

(she/her)

Daniella Zimmerman is an active ally, passionate advocate, mom, and retired Social Sciences and English teacher with over 45 years of experience working with diverse youth of all ages in both high school and University settings. She joined the Board in 2018, served as Board Secretary until 2020, and chaired the Placer Pride Planning Committee in 2020 (virtual), 2021 (postponed), and 2022 (inaugural in-person event). Daniella is also a past PFLAG Greater Placer County chapter Board member, serving in various capacities from 2019–2025, and continues now as a volunteer peer-facilitator for PFLAG's monthly friends and family support group. From 2018–2023, Daniella helped launch and was co-leader of The Landing Spot, a support, educational, and social group for LGBTQ+ teens and their families in Placer County. Knitting, hiking, attending live music and theater performances, and spending time with friends and family bring her joy.

Jacque Vaughn

Vice President

(she/her)

Jacque is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. As an attorney, she is committed to promoting and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights; and as a third generation Placer County resident, she is passionate about establishing an LGBTQ+ resource center here in Placer County. She has been an active member of the Placer Pride planning committee since 2019, and has coordinated the Placer Pride Car Caravans in 2020, 2021, and 2022. She is the proud dog-mom of an adorable English Bulldog-mix named Priscilla (Prissy) who is also very passionate about LGBTQ+ activism!

Cindy Baudoin

CFO / Treasurer

(she/he/they)

Cindy is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Cindy brings 50+ years of accounting experience. Cindy is also the CFO of the Lavender Library in Sacramento and has helped manage and bring them to fiscal stability. Cindy prides herself on being able to manage funds and work as a team member. Cindy has been on the Placer Pride Planning committee since its inception in 2020. Cindy loves her fur babies Dottie and Cassie. Cindy loves to travel and visit historical sites and is looking forward to doing more of that with her wife Nancy.

Ender Jones

Board Secretary

(he/him)

Ender is a Placer grown trans man who is passionate about justice and making the world a better place. Although very shy he is determined to put himself out there and help however he can. In his free time he likes antiquing, cross stitching, and video games.

Nancy McKernan

Member at Large

(she/her)

Nancy has 10 years serving as vice president on the Board of the Lavender Library, a non-profit lending library in Sacramento. She currently leads the Operations Department and is co-chair of the library’s collections committee. Nancy serves on the Board of PFLAG of Greater Placer County since 2019. This national organization is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people. She is on the Placer Pride Planning Committee and an active participant in the Car Caravan since 2000. Nancy has 40 years’ experience working in telecommunications as a Network Specialist. Installing, repairing, and maintaining fiber optic and switching networks. When she is not volunteering, she enjoys being outdoors hiking, biking, gardening and woodworking. She loves spending time watching documentaries and movies with her wife and 2 dogs.

Jen Brookover

Member at Large

(she/her)

Jen Brookover is a long-time LGBTQ+ ally and advocate. For ten years, she volunteered as a counselor and board member for Camp Dreamcatcher, a camp supporting children and teenagers infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. In this role, she became a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, volunteering at the Philadelphia AIDS Walk, Philadelphia PRIDE, and the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Jen also served as a Gay-Straight Alliance Advisor at high schools in Pennsylvania and California. Most recently, she attended the press conference and hearing for AB1955, the SAFETY Act, which prohibits school districts from implementing policies that out LGBTQ+ students. She continues to speak up for LGBTQ+ students at school board meetings and in the media.

In her free time, Jen loves spending time with her family, traveling, reading, and attending concerts and musicals.

Nicole Williams

Member at Large

(she/her)

Nicole Frances Williams, MSW, is proudly queer and brings deep experience in equity-centered strategy, research, and community support to the board. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she has longstanding ties to the Sierra Foothills and now lives in Sacramento, where she is passionate about strengthening connections between Sacramento and Placer County communities. Her work focuses on expanding access to affirming services, particularly for rural and underserved populations.

Professionally, Nicole serves on the executive leadership team at Ronald McDonald House Bay Area as Senior Strategy Officer, where she leads research, evaluation, partnerships, and strategic initiatives that expand housing, meal, and psychosocial support for families navigating medical crisis. She has held leadership roles across development, marketing, and strategy, and is an award-winning nonprofit marketer. Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Chico State and a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan, with an emphasis on social policy, evaluation, and gender studies.

Claire Coleman

Volunteer Co-Chair

(she/her)

Claire is excited to be joining the Placer LGBTQ+ Center as the new Volunteer Co-Chair. She is a relatively new arrival to Placer County but has quickly found a caring and supportive LGBTQ+ community that she is proud to be a part of. It is one of her goals to see that the community continues to grow and thrive.

Originally from Sacramento she now calls Loomis her home. Working to develop a community of support and acceptance is very important to her. She recently graduated from CSU Sacramento with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology but also took some classes in sociology and humanities.

She is a board member of the PFLAG Greater Placer County chapter and is helping to make Placer Pride 2026 become a reality. In her free time she enjoys learning to cook, reading manga and graphic novels as well as shopping at thrift shops and antique stores.