WHO IS UP NORTH PRIDE?

SHE/HER
PRESIDENT & ADVOCACY CHAIR

It has long been Anna’s belief that there is far more that connects us than divides us, and she constantly strives to illuminate those threads that stitch us all together. Her ultimate goal is to create inclusive environments in which people build each other up rather than knocking others down to get ahead. Anna is convinced she’s found the perfect “secret beach” in all of Northern MI (which she may or may not share with you), and she lovingly refers to her cats as her Tabby Rainbow. 

Email Anna community@upnorthpride.com

SHE/HER
VICE PRESIDENT &
MARKETING CO-CHAIR

Kendall is a professional Theatre Educator and Social Media Manager from Clarkston, Michigan. She has been working in Traverse City for 5 years on various projects including volunteering for Up North Pride, the Traverse City Film Festival, and Parallel 45 Theatre. When she’s not working on a project you’ll find her going on a jog, singing, making videos, and watching her favorite LGBTQ humans on Twitch. 

Email Kendall marketing@upnorthpride.com

THEY/THEM
TREASURER

With degrees in accounting and sustainability, Kate believes in creative approaches to complicated issues. At work and at play, they use their skills as a capable and dedicated problem-solver to get sh*t done. Kate is the controller and sustainability manager for a local digital marketing agency. They are happiest when fully involved in a house project, biking and kayak camping in NoMi, or sipping drinks with friends and family. Kate has lived in TC since 2017 with their wife, Alice, and their Welsh terrier Alfalfa.

Email Katelyn finance@upnorthpride.com

SHE/HER
SECRETARY & MARKETING CO-CHAIR

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 Kristen marketing@upnorthpride.com

SHE/THEY
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR CO-CHAIR

Chelsea has always experienced a strong pull towards helping those in need, bringing people together, and connecting with fellow members of the community. Through her volunteer work with local non-profits, a passion was ignited and has been a driving force in her life to continue to be an advocate for change, social justice, and equality.With her vast and varied background being involved in project management, aviation, administration, and customer service, she feels that this diversity has given her the experience to not only help coordinate events to ensure that they run smoothly but also help engage and connect members of this growing 2SLGBTQIA+ community.In her spare time, you can find her hiking/exploring northern Michigan with her dog Rue, spending quality time with her partner Rory and their three children, or being mistaken for another lesbian around town (if you know, you know).

Email Chelsea
volunteer@upnorthpride.com

SHE/HER
MERCHANDISE CHAIR

Karen Hilt 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

SHE/THEY
WEBSITE & PHOTO CHAIR

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

HE/HIM
DEVELOPMENT CO-CHAIR

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

SHE/HER
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Email Jonelle
development@upnorthpride.com