Nimbus CEO Nelson may be the next Chair of Desert Stonewall Democrats, Coachella Valley Region

Nelson is one of two candidates nominated to be the next ....                                            Chair, Desert Stonewall Democrats

PALM DESERT, CA — Outgoing Chair of the Desert Stonewall Democrats, Dr. Frank Figueroa, has officially announced his endorsement of Stephen Nelson to succeed him as the organization's leader. “After years of dedicated service to our community, I can think of no one better equipped to lead this organization forward than Stephen Nelson,” said Dr. Figueroa. “His blend of professional executive experience and deep-rooted passion for LGBTQ+ advocacy makes him the ideal choice to champion our values and ensure our voices remain powerful in the Coachella Valley.”

Nelson, a current member of Desert Stonewall Democrats steering committee, Co-Chair of DSD’s Political Action Committee and principal of Nimbus Networks, Inc., enters the race with a proven track record of extensive executive experience and the community’s trust. During his 2024 campaign for Palm Desert City Council District 3, Nelson earned the endorsements of Equality California, HONOR PAC, and The Honorable Karina Quintanilla, Palm Desert Councilwoman-District 1, who continues to champion his leadership today.
“Stephen Nelson is a leader who understands that progress requires both courage and a seat at the table,” said Lory Fraraccio, Former Colleague. “He has consistently shown up for LGBTQ+ community, not just in times of celebration, but in moments of challenge. His commitment to equity and his ability to bridge gaps between business and advocacy make him the right leader to guide the Desert Stonewall Democrats into the future.

Defending Visibility and Inclusivity
Nelson authored the landmark Palm Desert Pride Resolution, a definitive document that solidified the city’s commitment to inclusivity. Earlier this month, when the current City Council moved to repeal the resolution, Nelson stood on the front lines alongside members of the LGBTQ+ community to defend it. Following the resolution’s survival against this latest attack, Nelson reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Palm Desert remains a place where everyone is welcomed without judgment.   "Palm Desert is the center of the valley—home to our high-end retail, beautiful golf resorts, and amazing residential communities," said Nelson. "I am here, we are here, and all of us together make this city a better place for everyone. I am proud that our city’s commitment to visibility overcame another challenge."
 
 

A Legacy of Advocacy and Professional Leadership

Nelson’s journey began in Columbus, Ohio, where as a freshman in the Lesbian and Gay Alliance (LAGA), he organized a historic caravan of students to travel to Washington, D.C. This experience sparked a lifetime of advocacy spanning San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Coachella Valley.
In his professional life at Nimbus Networks, Inc. and many other organizations, Nelson has consistently:
Prioritized LGBTQ+ and women of color in his hiring practices.
Advocated for "a seat at the table," ensuring queer professionals are elevated to executive and high-level leadership roles.
Mentored LGBTQ+ talent to bridge the gap between technical innovation and social equity.

Vision for a Representative Future
"As Chair, Nelson will revitalize the Desert Stonewall Democrats (DSD) by modernizing our brand and operations to reclaim our status as a powerhouse in Coachella Valley politics. He is committed to building a truly representative club that spans from the East to the West Valley. By prioritizing Gen-Z outreach, Nelson will ensure the next generation of leaders has a seat at the table as we diversify our membership and expand our influence."
“Stephen doesn't just talk about representation; he builds the infrastructure for it,” The Honorable Mary Jane Sanchez-Fulton, Trustee, College of the Desert. “From defending city resolutions to mentoring LGBTQ+ talent in the tech sector, he has spent his life ensuring our community is heard, respected, and empowered” said Carolyn Nelson aka Mom. 

His Professional and Volunteerism include but not limited to the following:
·       Commissioner, Public Safety Committee
·       Former Commissioner, Sustainability Committee
·       Former Vice Chair, School Site Committee, Desert Learning Academy
·       Former Vice Chair, School Site Committee, Rancho Mirage Elementary
·       Delegate, 2026 CA Democratic State Convention, CADEM 
·       Alternate Member, Riverside County Democratic Party
·       2001 President’s Club Award, Western Region, Executive 
·       2019 Region Executive Award
 
About Nimbus Networks, Inc.: Based in Palm Desert, CA, Nimbus Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative business connectivity and secure communication infrastructure. Under the leadership of Stephen Nelson, the firm specializes in tailored networking solutions—including secure cloud services and managed IT—designed to empower businesses throughout the Coachella Valley while maintaining a steadfast commitment to diversity and executive representation. # #