OUR TEAM

WHO IS UP NORTH PRIDE?

We are a collective of 2SLGBTQIA+ humans & Allies looking to build a more inclusive and welcoming Northern Michigan. We come from several walks of life. Near and far. Our aim with every event is to educate, celebrate and advocate. From humble beginnings to the largest Pride March in Michigan,  we’ve been fortunate to find great people to take leadership roles and embrace the Up North Pride mission.

  • Kristen Hartley

    SHE/HER
    BOARD MEMBER

    Kristen is a certified weirdo who wears many hats. She's an artist, photographer, actor, and marketer who has called Traverse City home for the last nine years. Kristen is very passionate about creating inclusive, welcoming, and safe spaces in her community. She achieves this through her work at Cherryland Electric Cooperative, her performances in Mash-up Rock & Roll Musical, as well as through her photography business, Harpe Star. Kristen is thrilled to be serving on this board and is excited for what the future holds. She's also the proud cat mom of two fur babies, Indiana and Bonnie, and she loves to share stories about them whenever she can.

    Email Kristenmarketing@upnorthpride.com

  • Karen Roofe

    SHE/HER
    BOARD MEMBER

    Karen Roofe is the owner of My Secret Stash, which supports sales of Up North Pride merchandise to create liquid funds and visibility for Up North Pride. Karen grew up in a diverse culture and enjoys bringing people together and uplifting the community.

    Email Karen
    merch@upnorthpride.com

  • Jes Ryan

    SHE/THEY
    BOARD MEMBER

    Jes is an Aries who prefers being near water (for the cool down) amongst other fiery souls (for the inspiration). Having primarily grown up on Michigan’s west coast, and after traveling and living away for a decade, coming back to Traverse City in 2020 with their partner was a given. Jes has worked as a professional photographer since 2013, finding joy and creative outlet in working closely with families, individuals, and businesses. Her excitement and drive for seeing Northern Michigan grow and change into a more inclusively vibrant city drew her to join UNP.

    Email Jes
    photo@upnorthpride.com

  • Aaron Wright

    HE/HIM
    BOARD MEMBER

    Aaron comes to the UNP board with a passion for fostering a positive and inclusive community everywhere he goes, where everyone feels invited, welcomed, and wanted. He doesn't sit still well, which has led to life experiences all over the world meeting a wide range of people who all live life a little differently. He passionately embraces the weird, and knows that to change one life is to change an entire world. He is a 911 dispatcher in Grand Traverse County and spends his free time with his charming husband Trenton and his 2 sweet sweet kitties Arbee and Sandy.

    Email Aaron
    development@upnorthpride.com

STAFF

Adrienne Brown-Reasner

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Adrienne has spent most of the last 20 years working in the non-profit sector in a wide variety of roles, from marketing and communications to event planning, fundraising and grant reporting, volunteering, and more. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to empowering queer youth through her work with the Grand Rapids Pride Center youth group and has played a role in advocating for LGBTQ+ voices as a Board member of the West Michigan Voices of Pride chorus. Adrienne also has a wealth of experience in community organizing, event planning and advocacy, including producing large-scale arts and cultural events as well as educational programming and trainings. A TC West graduate, Adrienne is very excited to be coming home and continuing to grow Up North Pride as a resource, advocate, and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Email Adrienne
director@upnorthpride.com

SHE/HER

Applications to our board are always open. If we are not actively looking, we will keep your application for the next time we do need new board members.

Alternatively, you can volunteer at our events or to be on a committee that our board oversees below.