About Us
About Safe Space Nova
Providing a safe, accepting, and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth
Providing a Safe, Accepting, and Supportive Environment for LGBTQ+ Youth is an initiative dedicated to ensuring the well-being and inclusion of LGBTQ+ young people. Our objective is to create spaces where LGBTQ+ youth feel valued, respected, and supported in expressing their identities authentically.
At the core of our efforts is the belief that all young people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, deserve to thrive in environments that affirm their identities and celebrate their diversity. We recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, including discrimination, bullying, and a lack of understanding, and we are committed to addressing these issues through education, advocacy, and community-building.
Our approach is holistic and intersectional, acknowledging the diverse experiences and identities within the LGBTQ+ community. We work collaboratively with families, schools, communities, and policymakers to implement policies and practices that promote inclusivity, respect, and acceptance.
oUR tEAM
Jordan L. Costen
FOUNDER & BOARD VICE-CHAIR
Jordan L. Costen, LCSW (he/him) is a licensed clinical social worker, mental health speaker, educator, and nonprofit leader dedicated to creating affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Jordan earned a bachelor’s degree in Television Production from Howard University, a master’s degree in Public Communications from American University, and a Master of Social Work with a clinical concentration from The Catholic University of America. Before transitioning into behavioral health, he spent more than a decade in the Information Technology industry as a Technical Account Manager, where he developed expertise in leadership, strategic communication, and organizational development.
Jordan is the founder and owner of Affirmative Therapy of Northern Virginia, where he provides LGBTQ+ affirming, trauma-informed psychotherapy to individuals, couples, and families throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Beyond his clinical practice, he is a nationally recognized speaker who presents on topics including mental health, LGBTQ+ inclusion, leadership, workplace well-being, and creating affirming environments for youth and adults alike. He is also developing The Affirmative Guy Institute, an organization focused on education, training, and advancing affirmative mental health practices.
Jordan’s passion for serving LGBTQ+ youth began while attending Howard University, where he tutored students at Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools. He later volunteered with Horton’s Kids, mentored youth through the Space of His Own (SOHO) program in Alexandria, and served as a youth facilitator with PFLAG. These experiences inspired him to found Safe Space NOVA, a nonprofit organization committed to creating safe, accepting, and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. As Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, Jordan continues to help lead the organization’s mission through advocacy, community partnerships, youth programming, and mental health education.
Whether providing therapy, speaking to organizations, or leading community initiatives, Jordan is committed to reducing stigma, promoting resilience, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ youth have access to the support, representation, and opportunities they need to live healthy, authentic lives.
GEORGE LINO
BOARD CHAIR
George Lino – aka “Lino” (he/him) is a proud native New Yorker with legacy carried from Central America Honduras, and serves as our Vice President, Global People and Culture after over 20 years of distinguished service in the Human Resources field. As a dedicated Human Resources leader, George has built a reputation for his unwavering commitment to service and advocacy. From his early career, where he helped returning citizens find meaningful employment, he has consistently demonstrated empathy and determination to create opportunities for those in need.
Lino is celebrated for his reliability, compassion, and innovative thinking. His deep technical expertise, particularly with complex HR systems like Workday, ADP, Paychex and Paycom, has allowed him to streamline operations and boost efficiency, even in challenging times. His leadership in HR is marked by a strong sense of financial stewardship and a deep commitment to employee advocacy.
With a Masters and Bachelors in Organizational Leadership and Management, Lino excels at optimizing resources and enhancing staff retention by addressing their needs and concerns. His holistic understanding of HR processes, combined with his technical prowess has earned him widespread respect in the HR community. George’s legacy is one of compassion, innovation, and steadfast dedication to service.
DWIGHT A. ANDERSON
BOARD MEMBER
Dwight Anderson brings over 20 years of experience in human capital management, with a specialized focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His expertise lies in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and driving effective organizational change. With a proven track record in supporting organizational development across the HR sector, Dwight is adept at leveraging his communication and strategic planning skills to implement data-driven, method-based solutions. These solutions accelerate the pace, certainty, and sustainability of successful transformations within organizations.
TONY BROWN
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Tony Brown is a public health researcher, evaluator, and community-engaged consultant with more than a decade of experience advancing health equity for LGBTQ+ communities. As the Founder and Principal Consultant of Insight Evaluation & Research Solutions, he partners with nonprofit organizations, public health agencies, healthcare systems, and academic institutions to design and evaluate programs that center community voice, equity, and measurable impact.
Dr. Brown’s work focuses on HIV prevention and care, health insurance opportunities, LGBTQ+ health, and community outreach strategies to improve access, engagement, and health outcomes among historically marginalized populations. His experience spans federal, state, nonprofit, and academic settings, where he has led evaluations, facilitated community-informed research initiatives, and supported programs addressing HIV prevention, linkage to care, and culturally responsive service delivery.
He holds both a Master of Public Health and a Ph.D. in Public Health, with a concentration in Health Services, Policy, and Management. His expertise includes qualitative and quantitative research, program evaluation, and translating complex data into actionable strategies that strengthen organizations and communities. Throughout his career, Dr. Brown has remained committed to combining rigorous research with authentic community engagement to drive sustainable, inclusive public health change.
Anthony A. Beckett
BOARD MEMBER
Anthony A. Beckett is an education systems leader, instructional architect, leadership development strategist, ordained minister, and community-engaged advocate with more than two decades of experience advancing learner-centered education, LGBTQ+ youth affirmation, student voice, and equitable access. As Founder and Chief Learning Architect of The Legendary Education Consortium, Anthony designs learning ecosystems that strengthen belonging, leadership, educator capacity, and future-ready pathways for young people and the adults who support them.
Anthony’s work bridges public education, nonprofit leadership, ministry, HIV/AIDS prevention and outreach, LGBTQ+ engagement and advocacy, and community-based learning. Anthony has served as a school principal, DEIA specialist, founding lead teacher, instructional coach, HIV/AIDS prevention specialist, nonprofit executive, and National Executive Director. Anthony also previously served as President and Vice President of Education and Outreach for SC Black Pride, as a member of NEA’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Committee, and co-founded Unity: The GSA at South Carolina State University, the only Gay-Straight Alliance at a public HBCU in South Carolina.
Anthony is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at George Mason University and is a certified Leadership Coach through Messy Roots Coaching Academy. A Stonewall LGBTQ Curriculum Teacher Fellow and national presenter on affirming educational spaces for Black LGBTQ+ students and other minority LGBTQ+ youth, Anthony brings expertise in leadership development, culturally sustaining pedagogy, restorative practices, community development, and data-informed coaching. Across all of this work, Anthony remains committed to building spaces where LGBTQ+ youth are protected, affirmed, empowered, and free to thrive.
Danté Rhodes
BOARD MEMBER
Danté Rhodes is a Houston native, educational leader, and advocate dedicated to creating affirming, inclusive spaces where LGBTQ+ youth and other historically marginalized students can thrive. With more than a decade of experience in education, he has led initiatives centered on belonging, student voice, restorative practices, and educational equity.
Throughout his career, Danté has partnered with students, families, and educators to strengthen inclusive school communities, elevate underrepresented voices, and build systems where every young person feels seen, valued, and safe to be their authentic self. His leadership is grounded in the belief that belonging is essential to both learning and well-being.
Danté is currently completing his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, where his work focuses on equity, belonging, and justice-centered leadership. He is committed to advancing Safe Space NOVA’s mission by helping create safe, accepting, and supportive environments where LGBTQ+ youth are empowered to be their authentic selves and thrive.
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon
BOARD MEMBER
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon
BOARD MEMBER
Bio and Headshot Coming Soon
BOARD MEMBER
Operations Team
LEO m.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
CHANTEL R.
COMPLIANCE MANAGER
WEI l.
TRAINING FACILITATOR
Amy C.
SENIOR ADVISOR
LINH H.
WEB ADMINISTRATOR
Tony T.
TRAINING FACILITATOR
