Justin Abril, He/Him/His, Volunteer & Outreach Manager

LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert

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Justin Abril was born and raised in sunny San Diego, CA, having moved out to the desert in the summer of 2020. Prior to joining the Center, Justin was a director and part-founder of a pharmaceutical start-up specializing in novel drugs for chronic pain and opioid addiction for military veterans. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a police officer working for the Department of Defense and California State Police. During his tenure, Justin trained over 50 military and civilian law enforcement personnel and helped redevelop many long-standing policies, bringing the department up to modern standards. Justin also brings with him his experience and passion for volunteerism, having spent time with Mercy House with services to the homeless, San Diego Youth Services co-facilitating substance abuse and anger management for young teens, and at the San Diego LGBT Community Center. He is a proud cat dad who enjoys the outdoors, science fiction novels, and spending time with family and friends.