Ariadne Getty is the President and Executive Director of the Ariadne Getty Foundation. A lifelong philanthropist, Ariadne has a keen focus on serving disenfranchised populations. Her sense of integrity and compassion help to guide the AGF’s investments.
Ariadne was born in Italy and currently resides in Los Angeles. She has two adult children who are also philanthropically minded.
Nats Getty is an advisor to the Ariadne Getty Foundation. He is a designer, artist, activist and philanthropist with an enduring passion for self-expression and radical social progress. Nats’ fine art practice and commitment to advancing LGBTQ rights lay the foundation for his work as the Creative Director for Strike Oil. His brand uses mixed media to convey his bold message of civil rights and serves as a charitable partner to underserved causes such as LGBTQ and womens’ rights.
Nats is the son of Ariadne Getty and currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Gigi Gorgeous.
August Getty is an advisor of the Ariadne Getty Foundation. A world-renowned fashion designer and founder of the fashion house, August Getty Atelier, August creates stunning couture with the goal of empowering women and for them to feel safe and confident in his designs. Philanthropy is extremely important to August, who is a champion of LGBTQ+ rights and advancing the global fight against discrimination and prejudice.
August is the son of Ariadne Getty and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Leigh Vales is the Vice President of the Ariadne Getty Foundation. She comes to the AGF from the Los Angeles Fund for Public Education and has an extensive background in nonprofit management. Before transitioning to philanthropy, Leigh spent five years in New York City working at Rubenstein Communications, a global public relations firm.
Leigh was born and raised in St. Louis and currently resides in Los Angeles. She holds a B.S. in Media Studies from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.
William Anzevino is an advisor of the Ariadne Getty Foundation where he is able to marry his passion of philanthropy and art. A well-established fashion designer, William is a consultant at August Getty Atelier. Prior to his current post, he had his own line where he collaborated with such notable organizations as the Andy Warhol Museum, Coca-Cola and the Susan Sontag estate. Hugely passionate about LGBT rights and human rights, William has donated thousands of articles of clothing from his line to homeless shelters across the country.
William hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Santa Monica where he pursues his passions of photography, fine art, painting and music.
Matthew “Seth” Benoist is an advisor of the Ariadne Getty Foundation. He has always been passionate about advocating for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves, and for lending his voice to those who are disenfranchised. Having worked in both the hospitality and medical fields, Seth has always sought to provide comfort and support to those in need.
Originally from the Midwest, Seth moved to Los Angeles and attended the Art Institute of California. His passion and connections to various LGBTQ organizations will play a key role in the AGF’s work.
Shelly Fitzgerald is the Director of Programs for the Ariadne Getty Foundation. Her background is in youth education and counseling which serves as a springboard for her current dedication to LGBTQ+ activism and advocacy. Her work includes but is not limited to program assistance to LGBTQ+ organizations nationwide.
Shelly resides in Indianapolis with her wife, Victoria and their daughter Sofia. She holds an M.S. in School Counseling from Indiana University. She commits her time and energy to ensuring a world free of discrimination, inequities and injustices.
Photos by Ricky Middlesworth