Jessica is a Director at FirstBank with over two decades of financial services experience. She is specifically focused on people-centric leadership and applying empathy and inclusivity to enhance operational strategy. She has served on several non-profit organization boards and was most recently the Chairperson for Spero Recovery in Evergreen, Colorado. Jessica’s passion for volunteerism has established collaborations with non-profits throughout Colorado, primarily centered around substance use disorder and mental health. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Alliance Employee Resource Group at FirstBank, facilitating LGBTQ+ employee engagement and increasing visibility for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. Jessica graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Kate Huckabay is a social justice advocate, facilitator, and coach with more than 15 years of experience in academia, consulting and volunteering. She is a senior consultant at the Karrikins Group, a global behavior change company. Previously, she worked at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and revived the Anschutz Inclusivity Alliance. Kate graduated with a master’s in Higher Education from New York University and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Colorado, Boulder. 

Rich Bailey supports his dedication for expanding education and resources in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (questioning), intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community by creating connections through his active involvement in the greater front range region. He has more than 20 years’ experience working in Information Technology for large-scale health systems providing workflow and organizational expertise, technical implementations and training. Rich currently manages client services for ambulatory applications at MultiCare Health System. He has a master’s in Human Resources Development from Drexel University and a bachelor’s in Business Administration from DeVry University. 

Steven Haden is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Colorado-based Envision:You. As a mental health and social justice advocate, Steven focuses on the disproportionate burden behavioral health concerns have on marginalized communities, especially those that identify as LGBTQ+. At Envision:You, Steven leads a team committed to addressing the mental health and well-being of individuals from the queer community. The organization is focused on promoting awareness and understanding around mental health to reduce stigma and increase access to care, while ensuring providers receive comprehensive training to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ folks. Steven received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, his Master of Business Administration from New York University, and his Master of Social Work degree from Simmons University.

With over 10 years of experience in real estate, Chase Huddleston has a proven track record for making the home buying and selling experience seamless for his clients. After launching a very successful real estate career in Texas, he decided to expand to a second home in Colorado in 2016. As a Certified Relocation Specialist, he is especially inspired to assist clients who are relocating to his newfound home state, as well as those whose real estate needs evolve over time.  Chase is always enthusiastic to share his knowledge with clients. As a member of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods and the robust networking group, ProVisors, he recognizes the importance of working with an agent who is always building relationships in the community.  Active through volunteering and fundraising, Chase continues to direct awareness to local nonprofits and advocacy groups, including the Mile High United Way, Envision:You, One Colorado, among others. He is a dedicated member of the Colorado History Center, the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art and the Denver Botanic Gardens.

MJ (Maleeka Jihad)(she/they) is the Director of MJ Consulting and the nonprofit MJCF: Coalition, an Agency focused on dismantling systemic racism in the family regulation (child welfare) system through education, advocacy, and policy reform. MJ recently took on the new role as Director of Family Justice Programming with the Office of Respondent Parent Counsel (ORPC) where she provides training and consultations to professionals as it relates to race, culture, and community within child welfare. As an adjunct faculty member at the Graduate School of Social Work with the University of Denver, she teaches on  race, privilege, social justice, therapy, leadership, and child and family law courses. 

Emma McDevitt works as part of the Engaged Philanthropy team at The Denver Foundation. In their role, they work directly with donors and community organizations to bridge the gap in fundraising between those who have historically held to resources and those in need. Emma 5+ years of work in nonprofit fundraising, events and development have given them insight on ways to change traditional philanthropy. Previous LGBTQ+ organizations they have worked with include; The National Center for Lesbian Rights, San Francisco Womens March and Openhouse. As a new Denver transplant they are thrilled to help build what a safe, inclusive community can look like in Colorado.

Trent's varied background is impressive and compelling. Trent created, directed, and established a theatre for social change program at the University of Colorado that created a way for participants to engage Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in innovative and creative ways. Trent received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and Theatre Performance, and a Master of Science is in Social Psychology, focusing his energies on group dynamics and facilitation. Trent continued his love of theatre as the co-founder and director of the University of Colorado’s Interactive Theatre Project and Affinity Arts Consulting (AAC). Through AAC, Trent has created and facilitated performances about social issues for a variety of audiences. He has served as the Assistant Director for Organizational Diversity at the University of Colorado Boulder. Trent is also a professional photographer, writer, ski instructor and avid cyclist. Trent shares his life with his wife/partner Nina and their two children.