Leadership

Anna (she/her) and her spouse Misty (she/her) have been together for over 20 years and are raising 4 children in Sioux Falls. Anna works as a software engineering leader for a South Dakota based technology and manufacturing company. Anna has also been a public school teacher in South Dakota and believes it is important to advocate for youth and find ways for their voices to be heard. Anna's journey as a transgender woman has involved finding self-acceptance and confidence and she strives to help other LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit people find the support and community we all need. Anna is honored and excited to help guide Sioux Falls Pride in its mission to serve our diverse community in the Sioux Falls area and across the state.

Jack Fonder is an independent consultant, educator, LGBTQ2S+ advocate, and public speaker. As a trans man, Jack draws on both his lived experience and professional expertise to drive meaningful change and foster safer, more inclusive communities. He is actively engaged in service, volunteering with local nonprofits, community groups, and boards to advance equity and inclusion. Jack is proud to serve as the Vice President of the Sioux Falls Pride Board. Outside of his advocacy and professional work, he enjoys camping, watching football, and spending time with his wife and their three children.

I'm nonbinary, and use they/she pronouns. I joined the Sioux Falls Pride team as a volunteer in 2018 after working for the organization as an intern for my Spring semester in the Journalism program at Augustana University. I find the most joy working with local businesses and other organizations to keep Sioux Falls Pride engaged in our community and intersectional in our advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit Community.

When community and support connections are placed at the center the conditions of overall wellness ripen. Wellness Advocacy helps cultivate relationships ever welcoming with yourself and others. Tray (they/them/theirs) is a non binary, second generation American person, born to Chilean immigrants in California and raised in South Dakota. As the Health and Wellness chair of Sioux Falls Pride, Tray hopes to create safe and accessible wellness spaces for under served communities such as the LGBTQIA2S, Black, Indigenous and people of color.

Cheyenne (they/she/he) is a public librarian who is passionate about the power of community and access to information. Having grown up in Sioux Falls, Cheyenne has seen the transformative and inspiring growth of Sioux Falls Pride, and they are excited to be a part of the organization as it continues to enrich the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and their loved ones. Cheyenne lives in Sioux Falls with their partner, Jeff, and their very spoiled cat. Outside of their career and advocacy, Cheyenne enjoys reading and writing the weird stories, watching terrible movies, and getting a good meal with loved ones.

Breckin (he/him) and his husband Justice (he/him) live in Sioux Falls, where they enjoy being active in the community. Breckin works as a supervisor at a domestic violence shelter and is passionate about ensuring that survivors have access to the resources and support they need. He hopes to further integrate the needs of social services for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, helping create safe and affirming spaces for all. In his free time, Breckin enjoys running, relaxing in his hammock, playing board games, and visiting the Washington Pavilion. He is honored to continue serving the Sioux Falls community and contributing to its growth and inclusivity.

Samanda (she/her) is a community volunteer, wife, and freelance designer who works in graphic design and social media. She splits her time between Sioux Falls and Madison, South Dakota, where she lives with her wife of 9 years. Samanda has been an active volunteer and advocate with organizations such as ACLU of South Dakota, Indivisible 605, 50501 South Dakota, and Feeding South Dakota. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit community, she believes Pride should be rooted in togetherness, visibility, and safety for all. Outside of her advocacy and creative work, she finds joy in traveling, hiking, thrifting, and spending time with her family and friends.

Oliver Mayes (he/him) is a nationally traveled and recognized performing arts professional, as well as passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit communities. Now calling Sioux Falls home, Oliver serves as Executive Artistic Director of The Premiere Playhouse, where he champions education, collaboration, and accessibility in the arts. With roots in New York, Los Angeles, and Portland, his creative work centers marginalized voices and fosters inclusive storytelling. Oliver brings his deep commitment to equity and queer visibility to the Sioux Falls Pride Board, where he's excited to help shape a more vibrant, empowered future for the local LGBTQIA+ community. When he's not immersed in advocacy or the arts, Oliver finds joy in exploring local coffee spots like The Breaks, capturing life through his camera lens, sampling every salsa he can find, and adventuring near and far with his partner, Ben, and their beloved pup, Sully Bear.