Our
Board
Cody
ChairHe/Him
It is important that we create safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community to foster connection and growth. I believe that we can accomplish this by using each of our unique skills together and understand that we each bring a different perspective and life experiences to the table.
I have volunteered with St. Cloud Pride since 2019. I am the Chair of CentraCare’s LGBTQ+ Ally employee resource group where we work to create safer spaces for both LGBTQ+ patients and employees. I am a part of the team that worked to achieve the Leader HEI (Health Equity Index) with HRC (Human Rights Campaign) for St. Cloud Hospital. I lead the SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) task force who has worked to include tools in CentraCare’s electronic medical record to document patient’s Gender Identity, Pronouns, Legal Sex and Sex Assigned at birth. Along with continued enhancements to provide a safer patient experience for LGBTQ+ patients. I was recently nominated for CentraCare's Deb McCarl Diversity Award.
Ben
Vice ChairThey/Them
My goal is to get people to just be okay with people and accept everyone for who they are! I am a lover and a fighter, LOL.
After being out of the work world for many many years, I am back into a lead position. I create a safe environment for everyone in my buildings. I was a licensed cosmetologist and focused on the LGBTQ+ community and kids. I’m looking to get that back!
Kristi
TreasurerShe/Her
I believe everyone deserves to be respected and accepted for exactly who they are. In joining the board of Saint Cloud Pride, I am excited to be a part of community and youth-focused events which continue to create a safe space for all LGBTQ+ people while also promoting education and acceptance within the greater Saint Cloud community.
I have a background in education and the arts and have worked in youth arts programming in the past. Due to somewhat frequent moves for my spouse's job, I went back to school for an accounting degree which is my current profession. My proudest and most challenging accomplishment is being the mom of two creative and witty kids. I've always tried to teach them the importance of making the world a better, more patient and understanding place for all people in any large or small way we can. I hope I can continue to fulfill these values through my role on the board of Saint Cloud Pride.
Angel
SecretaryShe/Her
My goal is to serve our LGBTQ+ population with gratitude and purpose, so that they may feel supported and cared for. I appreciate my chosen family and our beautiful, adventurous life together. One of my favorite quotes is: "The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have." -Vince Lombardi
I am a registered Nurse with 22+ years’ experience, who is Board Certified in Gerontological Nursing. I work in Community Health and Wellness and focus on providing Safe Space Training for community members as well as businesses and professionals. As a Registered Nurse, I want to improve the health and equity of our LGBTQ+ community by educating others on disparities that we face and teaching others to be more inclusive of our community. I also serve on the CentraCare’s LGBTQ+ Ally resource group with Cody and too actively work at creating a safer, more inclusive experience for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Dusty
Board MemberShe/Her
I have volunteered with numerous organizations over the years, but St. Cloud Pride is near and dear to my heart. I can't wait to plan more events to bring the community together.
Working with the St. Cloud Pride board has been a wonderful journey. This is a great organization, and I can't wait to grow more within the community.
Alex
Board MemberThey/Them He/Him
My name is Alex, I am a 22 year old non-binary folk, and I use They/He pronouns. As a student, I have made it a goal to learn as much as I can about all areas of interest and continue to develop my education through classroom and real-world settings. I strive for human rights and equality and believe that all people should have access to basic and advanced human needs. I am passionate about creating a safe-space community for any and all to come and express themselves or to be with people with similar interests and lives. As president (and former treasurer) of the Drag Troupe of SCSU, I help develop new and returning member roles and help create and build storylines or aesthetics for their roles. With years of leadership experience, I work hard to ensure that those who are seeking leadership opportunities have the ability to express those feelings and work towards their goals in a way that works best for them. I am devoted to helping any and all who need or want help and will work tirelessly to ensure that this is possible and attainable.
I graduated high school with Honors and college Cum Laude. I have been the President of the Drag Troupe of SCSU for the last two years. I have taken roles of leadership at my place of employment for the last year, as Night Lead and Pacesetter.
Parker
Board MemberHe/Him
I value teamwork and cooperation and creating environments that are safe for everyone.
I have been a CMA for about five years and graduated with honors from college.
Sam
Board MemberShe/Her They/Them
I want to make sure that events are accessible for as many people as possible. Let me or another board member know if there are any accommodations you need in order to attend our events and we will do our best to accommodate you.
I have a chronic illness and I often stubbornly don't want to ask for help, so I know it can be hard to ask for help. But if you need it, please let us know.
I was a co-editor for a published anthology for Spoon-Knife 2: Test Chambers and was published in the first Spoon-Knife anthology
I am surviving day to day with a chronic illness and trying (and often failing) to thrive.
Meredith
Board MemberShe/Her
It is important that LGBTQ+ people in the area feel safe and supported. I am privileged to help grow the sense of community and inclusion through St. Cloud Pride.
I am a Program Manager with ten years of experience in non-profits. I have worked with people in residential facilities, foster care, people affected by dementia, and people with disabilities. These roles have provided me with a unique look at how the challenges of life can impact people in different ways. The universal thread to my experience has been the need to support improved quality of life. I have found that nothing accomplishes that more profoundly than connection to a supportive community. I look forward to supporting other LGBTQ+ people in our area through my work with St. Cloud Pride.
Kelly
Board MemberShe/Her
I have joined the board to use my skills and energy to help build and maintain the vibrant queer community in Central Minnesota.
As a practicing attorney, I have endeavored to help people understand the complexity of the world we live in, and to come to reasonable solutions to their problems. I have served on several local non profit boards working on business, aging, and arts issues. I also currently serve on the board of directors for Project Stop Loss, which works to promote better youth mental health and gun safety in the Central Minnesota community. In my personal life I am a pansexual single parent, bibliophile and avid kayaker.
Betty
Board MemberShe/Her
My wish is for the LGBTQ+ community to be just as accepted as everyone else, and to feel welcome. I aim to be part of making that a reality for people in our community. It is very important to me that we all be seen and heard and feel safe to be who we are.
I am a Sales/Service Distribution Associate with the United States Postal Service. I have been with the USPS for the past 15 years. I enjoy working with the public and have been open and honest about who I am. I didn’t want to hide who I was and I also wanted people to see that we truly are in every day life. I take pride in my work and I take pride on our community. Just as I strive to make work a more positive inclusive environment, I will do the same in our community.