Umut Dursun (he/him) is a passionate and visionary leader who strives to create a positive and lasting impact for marginalized and underserved communities. Umut is the Executive Director of Harbor Camps, the first-ever summer camp established for transgender and non-binary/gender-nonconforming youth. Umut’s leadership fosters a culture of excellence, collaboration, and diversity among the staff, volunteers, donors, and partners.
Prior to Harbor Camps, Umut served as the Co-Director of YES Institute, a non-profit rooted in suicide prevention and a nationally recognized industry leader in providing powerful, action-oriented dialogue and research-based education on topics related to gender and orientation. Umut is a highly requested consultant and trainer who authentically shares his lived experiences as a transgender man, creating space for others to be vulnerable and eliminating the shame and stigma around these topics.
As a Marine Veteran who served under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Umut navigated coming to terms with his identity juxtaposed against the intolerance LGBTQ+ service members faced. In honor of his service, the Florida Panthers recognized Umut as a “Heroes Among Us” honoree.
Umut’s commitment to serve is the backbone of his career. He joined Teach For America (TFA) in 2011 as a high school teacher in Miami-Dade, FL, openly out as trans, leveraging his visibility to be a role model for youth. Since leaving the classroom, he has collaborated with thought leaders across various industries to implement systems change, tirelessly advocating for the well-being, safety, and belonging of queer and transgender youth.