Executive Director

She/They

Amy has called the mountains of Western North Carolina home for 10 years. Prior to joining Blue Ridge Pride, she worked in advocacy and leadership in behavioral health for 20 years, beginning Buncombe County’s Syringe Services and Post Overdose Response Team programs, and piloting the first Healthy Opportunities program for people with mental wellness and substance use challenges. She devoted her behavioral health career to helping people obtain their basic needs and rights.

Through that time, Amy served on several Boards and Councils, including Autistics United and Asheville’s Homeless Initiative Advisory Council; she is currently Vice President on the Board of Hendersonville Connections Center. She received her Bachelors in English and Creative Writing from the State University of New York at Geneseo and her Master in Public Health from Lenoir Rhyne University. In 2020, she received the North Carolina Attorney General’s Dogwood Award for her work leading efforts to combat the opioid overdose epidemic.

Amy came out to a very religious family in her late twenties; she has since made strides in debunking stereotypes within her family and beyond by loving and living out loud. Amy identifies as both nonbinary and a lesbian. Despite feeling agender most days, she has deep resonance with the creative-making and maternal aspects of her female sex. She lives in Hendersonville with her wife, and they are expecting their first child in June! In her spare time Amy enjoys hiking, writing, singing and gardening.

Education and Outreach Coordinator

She/Her, They/Them

Luna proudly identifies as a trans femme artist, writer, climber, musician, educator, and activist. She lives in West Asheville with her husband, Forest, and their two dogs, Arrow and Rosie.

Luna was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and spent most of her childhood enmeshed in the Appalachian Mountains. Growing up, Luna would spend many afternoons with her mother and sister painting rolling landscapes or stills of wildlife and countless weekends backpacking through the Appalachians with her brothers and father. Luna left the South in 2015 to pursue her education in the Northeast. She graduated from Tufts University in Boston, MA with a B.A. in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies & American Studies. After completing her undergraduate degree, Luna moved to Brooklyn, NY to complete her M.S. in Education at Bank Street College. In the fall of 2023, Luna moved back south to return to her roots & build community in the soft embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Over the past decade, Luna has oriented her practice as an educator towards the development of anti-racist and liberation-oriented curricula in a variety of settings. From undergraduate classrooms to school workplaces, from preschool centers to bookstores and local community spaces, Luna has created content and workshops focused on raising awareness, opening space for discussion, and building collective understanding of best practices and guiding principles in service of anti-oppression. Luna has just finished writing her debut children’s book about a trans family navigating an increasingly hostile world which she hopes to publish in the coming year.

Oral History Project Director

She/Her

Amanda Wray grew up in Kentucky as the youngest daughter in a family of elders who knew the history of the land and who took the time to storytell. I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of KY. While completing a PhD at the University of Arizona, my life was forever changed when I learned that oral history and storytelling could “count” as an academic pursuit. In 2011, I joined the faculty at UNC Asheville, where I now serve as the Director of Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies Program and teach writing and gender studies courses.

In 2019, I partnered with Blue Ridge Pride to launch the LGBTQIA+ Archive, an oral history and physical artifacts repository that aims to preserve LGBTQIA+ history of the South. Blue Ridge Pride LGBTQIA+ Archive has grown to become the largest LGBTQ+ collection in the state of NC, and we are among few repositories working toward full digitization and open (free) access. Our lives. Our stories. Our way. We are actively recruiting folks to be interviewed and to conduct interviews (all training provided), and we welcome any physical materials related to LGBTQ+ history that you can share (we’ll scan, digitize, and return).

Bookkeeper

She/Her

Stephanie is a former Atlanta native that decided sitting in gridlock traffic and being part of the grind wasn't for her anymore.  She set her sights on Asheville and slowly made her way here 10 years ago.

Stephanie has an eclectic professional history that spans multiple industries including construction, mental health, alternative medicine, outdoor recreation, and non-profits.  She has held multiple roles in the managerial, consulting, training/development, and accounting capacities. 

Stephanie lives with her husband, three sons, three dogs and a cat. When she is not working she is most likely reading, getting blissfully lost in the woods or at a concert.

Website and Graphic Design Coordinator

They/He

Des Brotak was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. He discovered his queer identity while attending the University of South Carolina for Media Arts, and has been striving to become his authentic self ever since. They are passionate about queer liberation, understanding history through intersectionality, and building a safer world for transgender kids, POC, and everyone who faces discrimination and marginalization.

When he isn't at Blue Ridge Pride, you can find Des working at the Asheville Community Theatre, playing with cats at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, or making all kinds of art!

Board President

Pronouns: she/her

Josie is a Native of Western North Carolina. Born in Sylva, Josie has spent 10 years in Bryson City, 10 in Sylva, 10 in Asheville and 2 years in the Philippines in her youth. She is an alum of Smoky Mountain High School where she graduated with honors and attended Western Carolina University as a Teaching Fellow until she found drag through the amateur drag competition and came out to her Southern Baptist preacher Father. She dropped out of school and began her extensive career in Female Impersonation until 2012 when she began her transition. She is an alumnus of AB Tech and Fayetteville State University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling through Western New Mexico University, with the hopes of better helping address the mental health crisis that affects so many Queer people in the south.

On top of academia, she is a small business owner, creating The Stoned Witch LLC during the pandemic. Her store specializes in sourcing only ethically and female owned. She started with the simple idea of a pun and it grew into something wild! She believes in respecting indigenous cultures and does not sell white sage, unlike other metaphysical shops in Asheville. She prioritizes actually and authentically being Trans BIPOC Female first generation owned and operated.

Josie is also a competitive drag artist and pageant promoter capturing the titles of Miss Gay Hickory America 2013, Miss East Coast Don’t H8 2013, Miss Asheville Unlimited 2014, Miss Land of the Sky EOY 2014, Miss Asheville Firecracker 2015, Miss Fiesta EOY 2016, Miss Samhain 2017, Miss Super Queen 2018, Miss Lupercalia 2022, Miss Ostara 2023, Miss Yuletide Gay 2023, and most notably Miss Western North Carolina Pride 2012, a precursive attempt to create a small pride in her home town that paved the way and led to Sylva pride’s formation, culminating with Miss Blue Ridge Pride 2022, Miss Sylva Pride 2023, and Miss Tripride 2023. Josie is one of the only people to capture all three of the pride titles in an hour radius in one year. The art of drag is a passion of Josie’s as well as advocacy for the diversity, equity, and inclusion of BIPOC persons in queer spaces. She never misses an opportunity to advocate, celebrate, educate, or serve her community.

When she isn’t pouring her heart out on stage, advocating for the Queer community, promoting pageants, or excelling in academia, she spends her free time at home with her two partners, fellow trans community members Colton Lund (Leo Scott) and Carson Walden, both Hendersonville natives, their 18-year-old rescue dog Pig, and newest member of the family kitten Priyankera. She enjoys reading about the occult, philosophy, religion, and botany. She has a collection of an array of tropical plants including 7 monsteras, and over 30 pothos. She also strives to be eco-friendly and reduce her household’s carbon footprint.

Board Vice President

Pronouns: she/her

Neomi Negron is a woman who wears many hats. She is currently the owner of Buggy Pops, a seasonal popsicle business in Asheville, NC. She works for AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) as the Memberships & Community Engagement Manager where she works with local business owners. For almost 2 years, she has been on the board of Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival, where she currently is the VP of the board. And her most important job of all, is being a mom, wife, dog mom, and chicken mom.

Neomi grew up in Paterson, NJ where her interesting story began that has led her to live in New York, Connecticut, Florida, and finally landing in Asheville. All of the experiences in her life have manifested themselves into quite an eclectic life filled with a variety of life experiences.

Her greatest achievement of all is being a mom to her non-binary teen queer child. She believes that self love leads to the love of others.

Neomi’s anthem is Whitney Houston’s song, Greatest Love of All.

Board Treasurer

Pronouns: she/her

Andrea Owenby is originally from Charlotte and has lived in Asheville for nearly 30 years. She attended UNCA and has dedicated her career to serving nonprofit organizations. In her role as a Manager for Wegner CPAs’ Assurance department, Andrea specializes in performing financial statement and compliance audits for a diverse range of nonprofits.

Andrea lives with her husband, Nathan, and they have two teenage daughters and two cats. Andrea enjoys hiking, cooking, and comedy shows. Andrea and her family are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.

Board Secretary

Pronouns: she/her

Dorian relocated to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina in the summer of 2023 and is excited to make this her permanent home. Originally from Louisiana, she pursued English studies in Portland, Oregon, and later embarked on a career in the visual arts in New York. Eventually, her path led her to earn a Master of Science in Arts Administration.

In 2014, Dorian felt a called to shift from the visual arts to the nonprofit sector, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on her communities. Transitioning into communication and philanthropy roles, she contributed her skills to various 501(c)(3) organizations, including Fresh Artists, Girls Inc., and Planned Parenthood. Currently, Dorian serves in communications and fundraising for Our VOICE, the anti-sexual violence organization in Buncombe County.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dorian can be found in the company of her spouse, two (perfect) cats, and a good book. Her leisure activities include exploring new restaurants, immersing herself in the cultural scene of Asheville, and doing anything on the water.

Board Member

Pronouns: he/him

Dr. Travis A. Rountree is an assistant professor in the English Department at Western Carolina University. He earned his PhD from the University of Louisville, his MA in English from Appalachian State University with a certificate in Appalachian Studies, and his BA in English from James Madison University with a minor in American Studies. He teaches first year composition courses as well as graduate courses in composition and rhetoric. His research interests include queer archival research and pedagogy, Country Music, Appalachian rhetorics, place-based pedagogy, and public memory studies. He has been published in The North Carolina Folklore Journal, Journal of Southern History, and Appalachian Journal.

Travis hales from Richmond, Virginia and enjoys running, weight lifting, and gardening. He is an avid fan of old-time, bluegrass, and country music. He lives in Sylva, NC with his two kitties.

Travis hopes to use his new role to forge a strong network of organizations, groups, and individuals who seek to build a community in Western North Carolina that is welcoming to all.

Board Member

Pronouns: he/him

Roberto “Bo” Hess, MSW, LCSW, LCAS is a skilled and dedicated licensed clinical social worker and clinical addiction specialist with a track record of teaching, consulting, and providing evidence-based care to individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. He has earned degrees from Western Carolina University, including a Bachelor and Master of Social Work, and is pursuing a Master of Public Health with a focus on Leadership in Practice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bo has worked in diverse clinical settings, ranging from hospital-based behavioral health to private practice. Starting his career at the VA health system working with men returning from Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Bo has a strong background in trauma-informed care, threat assessment and management, and clinical supervision. Bo is particularly recognized for his expertise in personality disorders, forensic interviewing, addiction and sociopathy, having served as the Clinical Director of Tapestry/Pyramid Healthcare and the Lead Clinical Psychiatric Resident Trainer at HCA Mission Health - Copestone Psychiatric Hospital. He is also a co-chair for the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Jail Reduction and Addiction Taskforce and a consultant for various law enforcement agencies in North Carolina.

Now, as an adjunct professor at Western Carolina University, Bo has demonstrated his commitment to educating the next generation of clinicians and social work professionals. Bo is excited to share his knowledge and experience to help future colleagues develop the skills and insights needed to provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based care. Bo has been recognized with several awards, including the Master of Social Work Excellence in Service Award and the Award for Outstanding Community Engagement from Western Carolina University.

Bo’s exceptional work is not limited to his professional commitments. He is a dedicated community advocate, serving on the board of the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, volunteering for Meals on Wheels/Council on Aging, Asheville Humane Society, ABCCM and previously acting as the founding board member for Arms Around Autism Spectrum Disorder. He also serves as a Crisis Response Advocate for Our Voice, providing essential support to survivors of sexual violence.

With an unwavering dedication to helping others and an extensive background in social work, clinical practice, teaching, and community service, Bo is excited to now be a part of the Blue Ridge pride family!

Board Member

Pronouns: he/him

KP Whaley has been involved in public and community broadcasting for nearly two decades. He joined 103.3 Asheville FM as the first paid General Manager in 2017, after nearly four years as a senior talk producer at Wisconsin Public Radio. He also cohosts a queer talk show on Asheville FM called Sweet Tea. He started his radio career as a volunteer and then News and Public Affairs Director at WORT Community Radio in Madison, Wisconsin in 2005. Between those two gigs he has also worked in community television, community food cooperatives, and as the manager of MAIN-FM (WPVM) in Asheville for a year. Once upon a time worked in the private sector in a variety of supervisory, management, and project management roles. KP and his husband Ed Graves also own and operate Tiny Bridge Farm in Hendersonville, NC, a small diversified organic vegetable farm for csa members, farmers markets, and wholesalers.

Board Member

Pronouns: she/her, they/them

Rohini Townsend has a diverse background which includes commercial interior design, being a former licensed minister, owning and operating a nonprofit organization and event planning of all sizes from personal to corporate. Her experience spans everything from Big Pharma and Big Tech to advocacy and working with the public school system in her hometown of Indianapolis, IN.

Through her entrepreneurial mentorship, she has helped more than 200 businesses in Indianapolis start-up or expand. Rohini possesses an exceptional ability to learn quickly and a profound admiration for personal growth.

Rohini is neurodivergent, and has been unschooling her neurodivergent son for four years. Her family of six operates on communication, consent, autonomy and authenticity. She is actively parlaying her life and career experiences into her current business, Light & Quirk, which offers faith and non-faith based spiritual and general counseling, various coaching, teaching, arts and business consulting.

Board Member

Pronouns: she/her

Heather Compton is from Chicago but has spent most of her adult life in Asheville, NC. She has attended Blue Ridge Pride since the early days of the festival. She has a BA in Fine Arts from Brevard College and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University. She has around 20 years of experience in non-profit management, specializing in project and events management, fundraising, and financial responsibility.

Heather has worked with a variety both local and nationally based non-profits including, but not limited to the American Herbalists Guild, Our VOICE, Mother Grove, and the Asheville Art Museum. She is familiar with all aspects of the non-profit structure having held both leadership and collaborative roles as a director, in management positions, as a consultant, and as a volunteer. She is also a freelance writer who published a book with Barnes and Noble’s Sterling Press.

Heather identifies as queer and is bisexual. She has been passionate about the LGBTQ+ community since she was a teenager. She was instrumental in forwarding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in her most recent non-profit role. She continues educating herself to recognize the intersection between colonialism, racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia in our society.

In her free time, Heather enjoys making art, distance running, performing as a dancer, and spending time with her friends and animal babies.