Who is Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet?
Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is a passionate advocate, dedicated community leader, and proven problem solver. With a lifelong commitment to equality, justice, and empowerment, Felipe is running to represent District 42 in the Florida House of Representatives to ensure that every voice in our community is heard and valued.
Felipe’s journey is one of resilience and determination. As an LGBTQ+ immigrant who came to this country in search of opportunity, he has firsthand experience of the challenges many Floridians face. On January 1st, 2010 — Felipe embarked on a 1,500-mile journey, walking from Miami to Washington, DC, to raise awareness about the struggles of young immigrants and to advocate for a more just and equitable future that serves all. This powerful act of activism inspired a nationwide movement for social change and solidified Felipe’s role as a champion for our diverse community and immigrant rights.
Through his advocacy work, Felipe has fought tirelessly for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and access to public education, and economic security, earning recognition for his leadership at local, state, and national levels.
As the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization with a $3.8 million budget and a team of over 30 staff members, Felipe brings valuable leadership experience and a proven track record of impact. Through his work, he helps families achieve economic prosperity by addressing challenges such as affordable housing, workforce development, and financial empowerment. His ability to navigate complex issues while keeping the needs of the community at the forefront has transformed lives and inspired change.
Felipe’s leadership extends beyond the workplace. As a leader in nonprofit organizations and coalitions, he has successfully brought people together to create real change. He has worked with diverse communities to address pressing issues, from housing affordability to education equity, and from economic growth to equality for all. His proven ability to build bridges and foster collaboration sets him apart as a leader who gets things done.
Felipe’s candidacy is rooted in the belief that District 42 deserves a representative who will listen to the community, fight for its needs, and deliver results. His Thriving Together Agenda focuses on ensuring affordable housing, expanding access to quality education, protecting the environment, and advocating for policies that create opportunities for all.
Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Florida. Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is ready to bring bold leadership and a fresh perspective to Tallahassee—and he’s counting on your support to make it happen.
Felipe’s Family
Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet’s story begins in Rio de Janeiro, where he was born into a humble and hardworking family. Raised by his remarkable single mother, a domestic worker, Felipe learned early on the values of resilience, determination, and compassion.
At the age of 14, Felipe moved to Florida, where he was raised by his older sister, who became a guiding force in his life. As a young immigrant, Felipe faced the challenges of limited educational opportunities due to his immigration status. These experiences shaped his resolve to fight for equity and opportunity, inspiring him to embrace his journey and grow into the most authentic version of himself.
Today, Felipe is proud to call Central Florida his home. He is happily married to his husband, Luis Sousa-Lazaballet, and together they share their life with two wonderful puppies, Papito and Cosito. Their family reflects the love and commitment Felipe brings to his work and his vision for a Florida that uplifts all families.
Felipe’s Professional Experience and Education
Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is a passionate advocate, experienced community leader, and proud immigrant dedicated to fighting for equality, justice, and opportunity for all. He is running for the Florida House of Representatives, District 42, to ensure every voice in our community is heard and valued.
Felipe’s journey into public service began with his own story. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Felipe moved to Miami at the age of 14, seeking a better future. As a Dreamer, he experienced firsthand the barriers facing undocumented youth. Despite excelling in school, he struggled to access higher education due to the exorbitant cost of out-of-state tuition for undocumented students—even those raised in Florida. Before Tuition Equity was passed in Florida—a policy change he is so proud to have played a leadership role in passing—these barriers felt insurmountable for countless students like him.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Change
For nearly two decades, Felipe has dedicated his life to creating real, lasting change. As an immigrant and member of the LGBTQ+ community, he has tirelessly championed the rights of marginalized groups. His efforts have included:
Leading the fight for Tuition Equity for all high school graduates in Florida, ensuring access to higher education for countless students.
Playing a pivotal role in the creation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), providing work permits and stability for hundreds of thousands of immigrant youth, many of whom contribute to Florida’s economy today.
Advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace protections, military equity, and policies leveling the playing field for LGBTQ-owned businesses.
Campaigning for the Orlando Trust Act, which promotes immigrant safety and trust in law enforcement.
Felipe’s activism reached a national stage in 2010 when he walked 1,500 miles from Miami to Washington, DC, on the Trail of Dreams. This journey raised awareness of the struggles faced by immigrant youth and inspired a movement for systemic change.
Leadership and Community Impact
Felipe currently serves as the Executive Director of the Hope CommUnity Center, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering immigrants and marginalized communities. In this role, he oversees daily operations, leads a team of more than 30 staff members, manages seven impactful programs, and drives financial growth for the 50-year-old organization. Felipe’s leadership emphasizes collaboration with advocates, leaders, and organizations to create a stronger, more interconnected Central Florida.
Before joining Hope, Felipe served as the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Senior Specialist for the City of Orlando’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, where he developed policy recommendations, advocated for LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, and expanded outreach to underrepresented groups.
Felipe also managed long-term recovery efforts following the Pulse tragedy as the City of Orlando’s Manager of Collaborative Partnerships. He played a vital role in ensuring mental health and social services were accessible to those affected and advocated for marginalized communities at every step.
Education and Professional Experience
Felipe holds an Associate of Arts in International Relations from The Honors College at Miami-Dade College and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies with a Minor in Economics from St. Thomas University. He has held key leadership roles, including:
Co-Director of GetEQUAL, a national LGBTQ+ social justice organization.
Deputy Managing Director at United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth network in the U.S.
Director of Strategic Partnerships at ThoughtWorks- Office of Social Change Initiatives, a multinational software company.
Commitment to Community
Felipe’s commitment extends beyond advocacy. He has served as:
Co-Chair of One Orlando Alliance, a coalition of LGBTQ+ organizations formed after the Pulse Tragedy.
Treasurer of the Florida Immigrant Coalition board.
Co-chair of the WorldPride 2026 Bid, an initiative that could have brought $200 million in tourism dollars to Central Florida.
His career shows his effectiveness in passing policy change, building strong coalitions, and his solution-oriented approach to tackling challenges. Felipe is excited to represent everyone in District 42. Felipe’s guiding philosophy is rooted in his lived experience as an immigrant and LGBTQ+ person. He believes in the power of love, the importance of centering those most impacted by injustice, and the need to build solidarity movements that drive meaningful change.
Together, we can create a more equitable, inclusive Florida. Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet is ready to bring his vision, experience, and passion for justice to Tallahassee—championing the needs of District 42 every step of the way.
