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.

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 joined the Pride Board to create safe spaces for youth. Aa a high school teacher she joined with the encouragement of her students to build and create connections for youth during and after high school. She now coordinates the Spokane Pride Parade where she endeavors to being safety and security without compromising the celebration that is Pride.

Treasurer
Jacob Beye is a nonprofit marketing and operations professional who joined the Spokane Pride Board in November 2024 after volunteering with the organization. As Treasurer, he is committed to supporting Pride as a unifying force for the Inland Northwest. He believes our mission celebrates LGBTQIA2S+ differences, builds connection, advances safety and freedom, and honors the history and resilience of the community
Captain of Maps & Vendors

Contact:

treasurer@spokanepride.org

Board Mom

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.

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.

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.