Carmen Neely

New York, New York | Chair, Board of Directors

Carmen Neely hails from Charlotte, NC. She graduated from Howard University with a bachelor of fine arts in theatre and a minor in film production. She also holds a master of science in teaching with specializations in childhood and special education from Fordham University.

Upon arriving in New York City, Carmen worked at Manhattan Theater Club, first in ticket sales, then as a general management assistant. Later Carmen worked as an executive administrative assistant at Goldman Sachs. Most recently, she worked in the New York City Department of Education as a special education teacher. 

Neely is also the co-founder and president of Harlem Pride. Harlem Pride is Harlem's LGBTQ Pride organization and its mission is to empower Harlem’s LGBTQ community (which includes family, friends and allies) to improve its physical, mental and economic health and wellness. Though Carmen is quite busy managing Harlem Pride, she is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and many other Harlem based LGBTQ organizations. She is a co-chair of the LGBTQ Committee of the NAACP, Mid-Manhattan Branch, a co-chair of the Black & Latino LGBTQ Coalition, a board member of the LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent, Director of Communications at Rivers of Living Water Ministries UCC, a board member of the Harlem SGL•LGBTQ Center, and a co-chair of the NYC Pride & Power Political Club.