Meet Gerald Garth | Leadership Expert, Curator of Experience

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gerald Garth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gerald, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
“My process for serving as Executive Director of AMAAD was deeply rooted in purpose, passion, and people. I didn’t begin in public health or nonprofit leadership—I actually started in accounting, then transitioned into writing and acting when I moved to Los Angeles in 2013. But I knew I wanted to make a deeper impact.

That journey began at the Black AIDS Institute, where I started as a part-time administrative and finance assistant. Over time, I leaned into my strengths as a communicator and storyteller, eventually becoming a contributing editor and later editor-in-chief of Chill magazine. I used those platforms to amplify the voices of Black and LGBTQ+ communities, especially around HIV awareness and health equity.

When I joined AMAAD in 2017, it was a small but mighty team of three. I saw an opportunity to build something transformative—an organization that didn’t just treat symptoms but addressed the whole person. We expanded our services to include housing, behavioral health, reentry support, and policy advocacy. Today, we’re a team of 40 and growing.

My leadership philosophy is simple: center community, lead with empathy, and never lose sight of the mission. At AMAAD, we take a holistic approach—recognizing that healing and empowerment come from addressing emotional, social, and spiritual needs, not just physical ones. That’s the process I’ve lived, and that’s the process I lead.”

What should our readers know about your business?
“At its core, the AMAAD Institute is about healing, empowerment, and transformation. AMAAD stands for Arming Minorities Against Addiction and Disease, but our work goes far beyond those words. We’re building systems of care that are culturally responsive, community-rooted, and unapologetically Black and queer.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just offer services—we create safe spaces. We support individuals navigating housing insecurity, reentry, behavioral health, and HIV care, but we also invest in leadership development, storytelling, and policy advocacy. We believe healing happens when people are seen in their fullness.

I joined AMAAD in 2017 when we were a team of three. Today, we’re a staff of over 40, and we’ve expanded our reach across South Los Angeles. That growth didn’t come easy. There were challenges—limited resources, navigating systems not built for us, and the emotional weight of doing this kind of work. But we overcame them by staying grounded in our mission and our community. We leaned into faith, collaboration, and innovation.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, learning, and showing up consistently. It’s about building something that outlives you.

What I want the world to know is this: AMAAD is more than a nonprofit. It’s a movement. A movement for equity, for dignity, and for liberation. And I’m proud to be part of it.”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I love this question. LA is such a rich, layered city—especially when you experience it through the lens of Black culture, creativity, and community. If my best friend were in town, I’d want them to feel the heartbeat of the city. Here’s how we’d do it:

We’d kick things off with brunch at The Serving Spoon in Inglewood. It’s a Black-owned staple—been around for over 40 years—and the chicken and waffles are legendary. After that, we’d walk through Leimert Park Village, check out the vendors, grab a book from Eso Won Books, and maybe catch some live drumming or spoken word.

As for nightlife, my friend and brother, Brandon Anthony, is known for creating amazing experiences, especially on Fridays and Sundays. And as a man of faith, I appreciate Sunday worship, so we can go to my own church for vibrant music and inspiring worship at Vision Los Angeles.

I enjoy museums as well, so the California African American Museum (CAAM) to take in some art and history. I also love a good time, so we’d have to check out Lost DTLA. For Brunch, we’d go to Poppy + Rose downtown—Black-owned and known for their brunch, but the dinner menu is just as strong.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d say, “Thank you and dedicate this Shout Out to my younger self. Thank you for not giving up. For holding on when things felt uncertain, when the road ahead wasn’t clear. You didn’t always know where you were going, but you kept moving. And that mattered.

There were moments when it would’ve been easier to stop—to shrink, to settle. But you didn’t. You pushed through the fear, the doubt, the silence. And because of that, lives are being changed today. Communities are being seen and heard. That little boy who once wondered if he belonged? He’s now leading with purpose.

So yes—it was worth it. Every step. Every prayer. Every moment of faith. You were worth fighting for. And I’m proud of you.

Website: https://www.geraldgarth.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garthdotgerald/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-garth-mba-94a7413b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=23431366

Other: https://www.thegarthgroup.com

Image Credits
Davide Laffe, Chris Rodgers