I am a queer, nonbinary research scientist who is ethnically Vietnamese-Greek, born and raised in Canada. I have engaged in social advocacy for many years, fueled by the adversity I’ve faced regarding my sexuality, gender identity/expression and race. I tend to be on the quiet side and very reserved, but I make up for it by being very detailed and verbose in writing that’s driven by my passion!

Currently working as a high school math and science teacher for special needs students, Riley began her work in the queer community after initiating her medical and social transition in March of 2023. As an openly transgender educator, she strives to be a pillar of support and guidance for all those navigating the stressful path of being a queer youth in today’s society.

Riley has helped trans youth and their families navigate the legal transition process, provided access to counseling for those students whose families are not accepting of their identity, and aided parents in contacting medical professionals to assist with, and dispel misinformation regarding medical transition. She has led her school’s Gay and Straight Alliance (GSA) for the past two years, serves on an inter school Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) council, and regularly volunteers throughout the queer community here in Calgary. Beyond education, she also skates under the name 'Rocket' with Calgary Roller Derby’s Jane Deere’s, further strengthening her ties to Calgary’s queer community.

She feels she has been fortuitous in her coming out journey, and is committed to helping as many people as possible who are not in her position. Riley brings a firsthand perspective of what the queer youth experiences growing up in modern Alberta, and how best to support them. Riley’s goal is to be the person she wishes she had access to as a closeted transgender child.

Darren is the Managing Director at Utility Network & Partners Inc. ("UTILITYnet"), where he leads a growing network of Community Energy Marketers across Alberta, championing affordable and accessible energy solutions for all. With a background in education and a decade of experience working with students with learning disabilities, Darren brings a people-centred approach to leadership that emphasizes mentorship, collaboration, and innovation. Deeply committed to community and advocacy, he serves as Treasurer for Calgary Pride and as a Board Director with the BC Broadband Association, advancing equitable access to energy, connectivity, and inclusion across Western Canada.

Alberto currently lives in the southwest of Calgary, but his heart will always belong to the coast of Ecuador. He is a Senior Manager, People and Culture, with over five years of experience driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategies and fostering supportive, inclusive work environments. In Alberto’s role, he leads the development and implementation of HR strategies, with a strong focus on talent management, employee engagement, and inclusive workplace practices. He is passionate about aligning people's strategies with broader organizational goals and ensuring leaders have the tools to champion a culture where everyone can thrive. Outside of work, Alberto stays deeply connected to his community through volunteering and supporting programs that reflect his values of inclusion, representation, and equity. When he is not shaping workplace culture, you’ll find him connecting with friends, dancing, staying active outdoors, or indulging his inner foodie. Alberto loves exploring local eats and global cuisines—and if you ever want a taste of Ecuador, he highly recommends trying Bolón: a savory mashed fried plantain ball, best enjoyed with a sunny-side-up egg on top.

Taylor Sanford brings a diverse professional background to their work with Pride. With experience working as an electrical draftsperson and leading graphic design and communications projects for a variety of volunteer efforts. From May to October 2020, Taylor volunteered as a Communications Coordinator and Lead Graphic Designer for recent interim leader Dr. Amita Kuttner during the Green Party of Canada leadership contest. While volunteering for Winnipeg's vegan festival, VegFest, Taylor created promotional materials and helped manage festival activities during the event. Taylor holds an Honours B.A. in Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications from the University of Winnipeg. They have a true passion for community outreach and experience crafting communications content to reach a diversity of stakeholder groups.

Outside of work, you can find Taylor playing DnD with their friends, listening to horror podcasts, and bird watching in and around Calgary.

Taylor Sanford (they/them) is a passionate volunteer and diligent professional with profound communications expertise across a variety of grassroots projects. From volunteering as Lead Graphic Designer for interim leader Dr. Amita Kuttner during the 2020 Green Party of Canada leadership contest, to volunteering with Winnipeg’s premier vegan festival, Vegfest, Taylor has worked hard to make positive change in their community. Taylor holds an Honours B.A. in Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications from the University of Winnipeg, and has a true passion for community outreach and experience crafting communications content designed to reach a diversity of stakeholder groups.

Vicki is an artist based out of Calgary. She has a long history centered around arts and education, teaching dance and working with several companies to make theatre more accessible. Their work with the size-inclusive dance company Fierce and Curvy Empire takes them across Alberta. She has over a decade of experience as both a volunteer and volunteer coordinator with Alberta Theatre Projects, Front Row Centre Players, and Vertigo Theatre (among others). Much of their passion lies in community engagement and accessibility within arts and culture, focusing on education as an introduction to the importance of creativity in all aspects of life.

Shelby is a non-binary queer person and community activist. In addition to their work with Calgary Pride, they have proudly volunteered with Amnesty International for more than 20 years, and served as a fieldworker for 5, advocating for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. Professionally they spent more than 10 years in public service, working in disability supports and government oversight. During that time they also volunteered on various government boards and secretariats, working to enhance public policy by actively incorporating diverse perspectives at all levels.

Tim is a community researcher, educator, and advocate, with a background that explores empowering marginalized community resilience. With a degree in Psychology, Tim later worked in the non-profit sector to develop and implement education programs, across Southern Alberta, addressing issues of patriarchal oppression and restorative justice.
Later refocusing on 2SLGBTQIA+ education and empowerment, Tim now also researches trans and non-binary sexual health (with the Cumming School of Medicine), and is pursuing an MA within Werklund's Masculinities Studies in Education. Tim is also a performing artist and freelance evaluator of 2SLGBTQIA+ nightlife entertainment and initiatives.

I am grateful for the rewarding experiences and insight of sharing Blackfoot cultural knowledge to others, to enhance understanding and community harmony. Sharing with others is one of our native core values. As a youth I began to acknowledge the ways of my Blackfoot beliefs and values from my many elderly relatives. My family has always been and is part of the Sundance ceremony in the Kainai Nation. In the early 1990s I did my 4 year vow as a piercing Sundancer, at Morris Crow’s Sundance, were I now earn the rights as a pipe carrier and sweat lodges keeper.

Talking with elders, I have a better understanding of myself as a two spirit person. With this knowledge I have been honored to share with others, in understanding and acknowledging our 2S unique community. Within the past 25 years I have been honored to be of support with presentations, pipe ceremonies, talking circles, and sweat lodge ceremonies for Calgary (Woods Homes), Kainai Children Services, Montana 2Spirit Society annual Gatherings, Calgary 2Spirit Society (Voices), Edmonton 2Spirit Society (YEG), Kainai 2Spirit support group (Awowakii), including Kainai Healing Lodge.(Addiction Treatment ), Centre for Sexuality in Calgary, (youth camp). Blood Tribe Social Services (life Skills Program), Lethbridge Correctional Center, Lethbridge MacMan 5th on 5th Community Services, and Calgary Pride.

Warren Winnipeg aka (Kimmy) is Siksikaikiwan (Blackfoot), a proud Siksika Nation member but resides in Edmonton, Alberta. Warren’s traditionally from the Meat Eater’s Clan. Warren’s became a knowledge keeper since 2006, and has been gifted with cultural knowledge and has been in a leading role since and is presently a lead for the Awowaakiiks 2 Spirit Representative, His family is the McMaster’s, Winnipeg’s, Waterchief’s and de Perez Castaneda. His education background is Social Work, Trainer, Facilitator, Program Developer, Motivational Speaker and Consultant. Warren has obtained his own consultant business called Two-Feather’s Consulting. He graduated from The University of Calgary in 2013 with a degree and attained a diploma from Mount Royal College University.

Warren has extensive years of leading, coordinating Addiction and Mental Health programming. His employment and volunteer experience includes working collaboratively with community development initiatives, programs, addictions and mental health initiatives with local and provincial programs. Some of the prior and current committees that he serves on is the Awowaakiiks 2 Spirit Working Group, Aboriginal Day Culture and Committee for Stony Plain, and the 2 Spirit Circle of Edmonton Society as the Cultural Lead since 2006 and was a former President.

My name is Teddy Manywounds. I am a two-spirited person from the Tsuut’ina Nation. I was raised on the east side of Tsuut’ina, on what is known as Two Crossings Road. I attended elementary and junior school on Tsuut’ina, until grade 9, from there attended Beaver Brook High School in the city of Calgary. Upon graduation I attended Mount Royal University until the journey took me to New York City in 2009, at the age of 22.

Having spent most of my adult life in New York City, and after graduating from Parsons the New School for Design, I worked primarily in the Fashion Industry. In that time, I also had the chance to experience many cultures, experiences, panels, talks, socials, and engagements which have given me a perspective that I continue to imbue to my First Nation(s), while also striving to be the best representation of our First Nations communities.