Kristian Cosme is a force of nature. From his time at Colonial High School to his graduation from UCF to his career with AT&T, Kristian has supported his community through volunteerism and political action.
I met Kristian in 2002 working together to elect democrats in Orange County. We bonded over phone banking and door-to-door canvassing. I had the honor of being the first person Kristian came out to. It is a moment I cherish; the moment that made Kristian family.
In 2003, he was an integral part of the newly elected leadership of the Orange County Young Democrats. Using smart strategies, outreach and hard work, the leadership grew the organization from a handful of members to over 100 members in under one year. His horizons expanded nationally in 2011 when he was elected Chair of the LGBTQ Caucus of the Young Democrats of America.
In September 2019, Kristian was the recipient of the first annual AT&T Community Impact Award for his work mentoring teenagers. For the past eight years, he has led the local AT&T Aspire program partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida, Jobs for Florida’s Graduates, Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Special Olympics of Central Florida and DECA.
Kristian grew up in a working-class family with parents who fostered in him the idea that there is no limit on what he could achieve. They inspired him to excel and instilled in him that education was the greatest pursuit. Kristian understands how vital it is for youth to have supportive relationships with people who understand and accept them. When asked about the importance of mentoring young people, he said “to find people who are like you during your critical teen years can make all the difference.”
The AT&T Community Impact Award provided Kristian the opportunity to select a nonprofit organization to receive $10,000 from the AT&T Foundation. The Zebra Coalition is a worthwhile and unique organization whose mission is to provide mentoring and counseling, medical support, education services and more to LGBTQ+ young adults. Perhaps most importantly, Zebra Coalition provides safe housing to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. Their mission to safeguard this vulnerable population at this crucial age speaks to Kristian’s passion which is why he selected them.
Kristian is a shining example of volunteer spirit and community service and he has earned his place in Watermark’s Most Remarkable People of 2019.
