Pride Foundation- LGBTQ Community Foundation

One of my first tasks when I joined Pride Foundation in January was to form statewide steering committee to help guide our work in Montana, and now that they are settled, it’s high time I introduced them to the wider world.

The Montana Leadership Action Team serves as Pride Foundation’s “boots on the ground” when it comes to raising money, visibility and developing local leaders across the state. Because Pride Foundation believes strongly that local people know best what is needed in their communities, all our funding decisions – from grants to scholarships to sponsorships – are made by volunteers across the state.

I am so grateful for the support, hard work, and thoughtful dedication of this team. In just nine months, they’ve helped host eight house parties, attended countless community events on Pride Foundation’s behalf, and will determine how we distribute $5,000 in sponsorship money this year. Their work is directly shaping a safer, more equal Montana and strengthening our community’s philanthropic prowess.

Missoula:

Rep. Bryce Bennett – Bryce works the political director of Forward Montana and became the first openly gay man to be elected to the state legislature in 2010 at the tender age of 26. He’s been named one of the 40 Under 40 by the Advocate. Bryce is passionate about getting young people involved in the equality movement. As one of the best organizers in the state, his regional and national connections are an asset to Pride Foundation’s work.

Mel Fisher – Mel’s background in social justice combined with her Master’s in Public Administration and strong grant writing skills are a huge benefit to Pride Foundation. Mel serves on Pride Foundation’s grants advisory and leadership development subcommittee, and her dream is to one day be the glitter czar of Missoula. She also really likes unicorns.

David Herrera – If you are plugged into the world of HIV/AIDS prevention, you know how crucial David’s work has been to securing better services to protect the lives and health of members of our community. As the head of FDH & Associates, David runs the Gay Men’s Health Task Force, which works across the state. David is also the founder of Montana’s Two Spirit Society, a board member of the Western Montana Community Center and a longtime Pride Foundation volunteer. When he’s not volunteering, you’ll find him on the tennis court.

Arlee:

Mary Stranahan – Mary is a retired physician and Montana philanthropist through her High Stakes Foundation. She’s also a board member of the Montana Human Rights Network. She brings a long history in the community, a passion for racial justice work, especially in Indian Country, and she has a keen eye for effective grant-making. When she’s not improving the lives of Montanans through her activism, she’s kicking ass on the tennis court.

Helena:

Ginny Furshong – Ginny is a longtime Pride Foundation volunteer who works in public health at the state level. She’s a proud straight ally and passionate about HIV/AIDS prevention. She’s the niece of Rep. Diane Sands, the first openly lesbian woman to serve in the state legislature, and a Butte native. Ginny is the proud momma of 8-year-old Emma, whose favorite way to volunteer is painting nails at the Pride Foundation table during Pride Celebration.

Pat Kemp – Pat is a licensed counselor with a passion for achieving political equality for all Montanans. She’s the longtime partner of the first openly lesbian state senator, Christine Kaufmann, and an advocate for social an economic justice for all Montanans. With deep roots in Montana, Pat brings helpful connections, political savvy, and a thoughtful and reflective nature to Pride Foundation’s team.

Mike Wessler – Mike works in communications at the Montana Democratic Party and has a flair for all things related to cause marketing, not to mention a vast network of state and regional relationships. Mike is a board member of Missoula AIDS Council and volunteers for a host of other nonprofits, at least one of which requires him to swim outside during the winter. He’s tough like that.

Bobbie Zenker – If we could just clone Bobbie, the rest of us could take a vacation, and equality would be a reality within the week. She’s a woman who gets things done, whether it’s testifying at the state Legislature, advocating for the rights of the disabled, or helping pass city-wide nondiscrimination ordinances. Bobbie is the first openly transgender attorney in the state of Montana and is now the legal director of Disability Rights Montana. She’s on the boards of Montana Pride Network, Montana Human Rights Network, and a champion of Montana’s Transgender Day of Remembrance. Bobbie’s also a great liaison with the faith community, as a Christian who truly walks the walk.

Bozeman:

Tom Marsh – Remember how awesome the 2011 Pride Celebration was in Bozeman? Well, that was Tom Marsh. Of course he’ll be the first to tell you about all the help he had, but as the chair of the committee, he was the man behind the magic, despite his modesty. He’s only been out for a couple of years, and we are all excited to welcome him into the LGBTQ community. Tom’s got a huge heart for the equality movement and making Montana a better place – a motivation that comes in part from parenting his darling 5-year-old, Colin.

Greg Smith – Greg grew up in Twin Bridges and was a Jesuit priest before coming out and blossoming into an incredible activist and blogger on the national scene. Greg is also a licensed psychotherapist, which is a huge benefit to any group. Greg is particularly passionate about LGBTQ youth and HIV/AIDS prevention, and he spends time volunteering with the Gay Men’s Health Task Force, the Pride Celebration, and many other organizations. You can read his blogs at From Eternity to Here, LGBTQ Nation, and the Bilerico Project.

Billings:

Aaron Browning – As the former political director of the Western Organization of Resource Councils, Aaron brings serious savvy to rural progressive organizing. He’s orchestrated many successful political campaigns, serves on the board of Forward Montana, and is an avid outdoorsman and snowboarder. Aaron recently became a consultant with Hilltop Public Solutions in Billings, and he’s originally from the Boise area, like me!

Suzie Eades – Known both as “Sporty Spice” and “Mustang Sally” to her friends and colleagues, Suzie is a go-getter of the first degree. She’s the operations director of the Big Sky State Games – basically the Montana Olympics – and a personal trainer who keeps us all on our toes! She’s a board member of TAP 365 and the force behind the 4 Pride Event Series, which raises money for Pride Foundation scholarships in Montana.

Shelley Hayes – Shelley is a longtime volunteer with Pride Foundation, a board member, a member of the 5-State Committee which helped develop and implement our recent Regional Expansion. She’s also a life coach and author with a passion for social justice and coalition building. Shelley is the former director of Yellowstone AIDS Project and has held numerous board positions.

We will not be adding new members to the Leadership Action Committee until Spring 2012 at the earliest. If you are interested in being considered for this two-year commitment, submit a cover letter and resume to caitlin@pridefoundation.org.