Executive Director

matthew@spokanepride.org

Matthew Danielson Grew up in Othello Washington and moved to Spokane the day after graduating high school in 2006. He started working at a couple of the local gay bars and quickly became a fixture of the gay community of Spokane. His work in the bars led him to volunteering with several of the local nonprofits, including Outspokane, and in 2016 was asked to emcee and stage manage his first pride. He was hooked on Pride from then on and has served in almost every capacity on the board of Outspokane/Spokane Pride and is now the organization's first ever Executive Director.

Acting President

president@spokanepride.org

Pronouns: He/Him

Profession: Software Engineer

Why you're on the board:

Jacob joined the board of Spokane Pride at the end of 2023 because he wanted to help further outreach for LGBTQIA2S+ people, to show youth and adults that they aren't alone.

Jacob grew up in Spokane and has always loved being able to help out the communities he finds himself in. Growing up gay in a pretty conservative area and in a restrictive church, he always felt like he couldn't express himself. Since coming out publicly and joining the queer community in 2022, he's found hope and connection he never dreamed of; he's excited to use his time and skills to help reach out to folks and build up the community in Spokane and abroad that's welcomed him!

Keeper of Minutes Past

secretary@spokanepride.org

Anna, a lifelong advocate for the voices of younger generations, has dedicated 23 years to empowering youth in Spokane. From her early days on the Chase Youth Commission to her current role as a high school teacher, Anna has tirelessly championed student voices for positive change.
Her commitment was vividly demonstrated in June 2023 when she marched proudly in Spokane Pride alongside the Spokane Beard and Mustache group, standing in solidarity with students from Riverside High School. The overwhelming response from former graduates witnessing their alma mater's presence in the parade reinforced Anna's resolve to create safer spaces for queer youth.
Recognized for her dedication, Anna was awarded the prestigious NOYCE STEM Fellowship and the IT GETS BETTER Grant in August 2023. With these resources, she collaborated with organizations like Spokane Pride and Odyssey Youth Movement to organize events like the All City Ice Skate Night, providing a haven of love and support for her students.
As a member of the Spokane Pride Board, Anna is elevating the voices of queer youth across the city. Her vision extends to establishing a Teen Advisory Council comprised of LGBTQ+ youth and allies, fostering inclusivity in schools throughout Spokane County.
"I want to help build a sustainable system the youth of today can improve upon tomorrow without having to start over," shares Anna Brougher, whose pronouns are she/they. Through her tireless efforts, Anna aims to widen the door of acceptance and change, allowing the progress of future generations to shine even brighter. See her amazing GSA leaders in action in their advertisement to help reach other here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3RXVZqronl/.
In addition to her advocacy work, Anna finds time to give back to her community, crafting blankets and hats for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, mentoring robotics teams, training youth actors, and fostering a love for coding, gaming, and Magic the Gathering among her students.
Discover the powerful voices Anna collaborates with daily and join her in shaping a brighter future for Spokane's youth.

Board Mom/Keeper of Coin

treasurer@spokanepride.org

Val is an Associate HR Generalist and has worked in healthcare for 28 years, She joined the board to broaden her perspective and help out a great group.

Keeper of Coin

treasurer@spokanepride.org

Chris Drohan has been on the edges of the Pride world for a long time through his relationship with Matthew and has been forced to volunteer since 2017 because of that. He also became a 911 operator at the age of 19 and has now moved up to be a fire dispatcher and has served our community in that capacity for over a decade. Recently he made his relationship with Spokane Pride official and became it's treasurer, along with his relationship with Matthew as they got engaged around the same time.

board member

Conrad came to a board meeting and saw the amazing cookies that were offered as a treat after eating what he expected to be a chocolate chip cookie, he was digusted with the otmeal raisn cookie that he was now chewing on. Demanding justice he joined the board to make sure we continues to only have the most delicious Chocolate chip cookies .Came for the cookies and stayed for the cookie justice.

technomancer

Dave was born and raised in Spokane. During his mid 20’s he wandered into a small bar called Irv’s where he enjoyed the karaoke hosted by Matthew Danielson, Dave had no idea this encounter would change his life. After building a friendship with Matthew, he would find himself helping run sound for random events with Matthew. He would end up helping run sound for pride, After many years Dave decided that he wanted to do move and work towards a change in the world and knowing the best was to do that is help within your neighborhood first. Thus Dave joined the board for pride.

The Angel

Faye Wilson has been a part of Spokane Pride since 2014 when she was part of the group of three Peace Angels. She officially became a Board Member in 2016 and the Director and Organizer of the Spokane Pride Peace Angels that same year. We have done an amazing job to grow the Angels from three to over twenty every year since they first started.

She married her wonderful husband in 2021 and moved to California, but that doesn't stop her from being a part of Spokane Pride as it is very dear to her heart. She attends meetings via zoom and have never missed a Pride event because that's a promise her husband is sure to keep.

She always say Peace, Love, and Hugs are so important.

Mother of Merch

After spending a decade living on capital hill in Seattle, Shelby Dirks moved back to her home town of Spokane Washington in 2020. Shortly after moving home she opened a non profit thrift store in nine mile. She realized the there was a lot of work to do to make the area more accepting . Shelby then decided to volunteer with Spokane pride for the first time in 2023. Since joining the pride board she has been taking lead on merch to help raise money for pride. She has also been a big part of the assembly team. For Shelby pride is a family and community.

Oregon Emissary

Finn grew up in Spokane and attended college in Portland, finally moving to Oregon in 2021. Having family in Spokane, Finn has wanted to give back to the community they know and love. Finn has been involved with the arts community and has been a member of Spectrum Singers. Finn started as a volunteer with Spokane Pride and moved into a position with the board. In their off time, they enjoy exploring the city where they live and exploring new cuisines. Finn is continuing education in business management.

Queer Paparazza

Whitney, a lifelong resident of the Spokane area, has established deep roots in the community, having been raised, educated, and having started a family in this picturesque region of our state. Leveraging her expertise as a Senior Data Analyst at Grainger Industrial Supply, she is leading the data and analytics efforts for Spokane Pride. Throughout her professional journey, Whitney has honed her skills in data collection and analysis, enabling her to discern trends and facilitate crucial business decisions. Additionally, she excels in crafting impactful presentations tailored to inform key stakeholders, including executive leadership. Whitney holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University.

Why I joined:
Motivated by a desire to support, represent, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Whitney is deeply committed to her role on the board of Spokane Pride. Drawing from her personal journey and experiences, she aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the community served by the organization, identify areas for growth and opportunity, and furnish vital data to facilitate the procurement of additional funding in furtherance of the non-profit's mission.