Deja Lynn Alvarez is a passionate and award-winning transgender advocate, activist, and public health professional. As the Deputy Director of World Healthcare Infrastructures, she helps lead the charge to improve healthcare accessibility for marginalized communities around the globe.In addition to her impressive work in public health, Deja has made history as the first Transwoman in the state of Pennsylvania to run for public office. She ran a historical race for State Representative in the 182nd district in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, where she would have become the first Latina and the first transwoman in the Pennsylvania State House, as well as the first Trans Latina elected in the nation.Deja's commitment to public service extends beyond her political aspirations. She has served in leadership roles for several local organizations, including Mayor Kenney’s Commission of LGBT Affairs and the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs. She is also the President of The Women’s March on Philadelphia, former Chairwoman of the Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee, and former Chairwoman for International Trans Day of Remembrance.As a former core Trainer and Educator for the Transgender Training Institute and LGBTQ Care Coordinator for the Department of Public Health, Deja is dedicated to empowering and educating marginalized communities. She was also a co-founder and director of the first LGBTQ-specific shelter and recovery facility, The LGBTQ Home for HOPE.In recognition of her leadership and dedication to many marginalized communities, Deja has been honored with several awards, including The Bayard Rustin Award in 2022, the Community Playmaker Award from the Philadelphia Flyers and Walmart in 2018, and the LGBTQ Person of the Year Award from the Philadelphia Gay News in 2016. Her many accomplishments also include the Community Hero Award from the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (DVLF) in 2016 and the Jaci Adams Outproud Transgender Award from Philly Pride in 2015.