Ace Mann (they/them)
PRESIDENT
Ace has served VPS in various roles including communications, Instagram manager, writer, Secretary/Executive Administrator, Vice-President, and now President! They truly believe in the potential of this organization and have countless ideas about how to help VPS become even more community-focused, transparent, and engaging for all communities.
Originally from the Unceded Traditional Territories of the K’ómoks First Nation, they now live on the Unceded Coast Salish Territories of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. A lifelong queer whose passions have always revolved around amplifying marginalized voices and providing support to their community, Ace has volunteered for GSRD spaces for over 20 years from here to “Manitoba” and back.
Together with their partner, Ace co-founded the Trans and Loved community on Instagram. As avid scuba divers, Ace and their partner are happiest on, in, or under the water. Otherwise, you can find Ace writing research papers, hiking with their dog, creating drag looks, crafting something new, or helping their partner in the kitchen.
NICK LUNEY (he/him)
VICE PRESIDENT
Nick has been on the VPS board of directors since 2019, serving as the Director of Youth Initiatives. In this role, he has overseen the expansion of services provided to local 2SLGBTQAI+ youth by VPS through significant fundraising initiatives. With experience living in very closed-minded communities, Nick continues to work to build relationships in the community and create safer spaces for all.
Born in China, Nick grew up in Qu’wutsun territories where he worked with youth in the non-profit sector as well as a martial arts and kickboxing coach. He moved to the territories of the Lekwungen nation in 2015 and currently works for the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
When he has spare time, Nick works on self-improvement by working out, writing music or experimenting with drag to express his inner queen!
SCOTT DALY (he/him)
PAST PRESIDENT
Scott has been on the Board since 2018 and has volunteered in many roles including Volunteer Director and Communications Director. He continues to focus on VPS communications as well as long-term planning to build the organization’s capacity to serve the growing local queer community.
Scott grew up on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People, also known as Ottawa, and has been living on unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations since 2004. He has worked for over 10 years in communications and marketing roles for a variety of local technology companies and with the BC government.
When not working, you can probably find Scott spending time with his husband Tom, going out with friends or reading about urban planning.
Michael Keeghan (he/him)
TREASURER
Michael is a passionate advocate for the advancement of 2SLGBTQAI+ interests. Originally from Melbourne, known as Naarm in the language of the Wurundjeri people, Michael moved to Victoria in 2022.
As a Certified Public Accountant with over six years of experience in professional services, Michael is well-versed in all things accounting. He has also been an active presence in promoting greater representation and inclusivity for the 2SLGBTQAI+ community within his industry. Michael is dedicated to using his skills and expertise to support and advance the goals of the Victoria Pride Society. He is committed to listening, learning, and using his privilege to bring about meaningful change.
Outside of work, Michael loves spending time with his fiance Jon and their cat, Ian.
Jo McFetridge (she/her)
DIRECTOR AT LARGE
Jo was first elected to the Victoria Pride board in 2019 and provides timely legal advice while ensuring that the society fulfils its legal obligations under the Societies Act. Being mindful of the massive benefits she enjoys because of the community’s past struggles to win rights has inspired her own involvement in the ongoing fight for equity and her work with VPS.
Jo grew up in Hong Kong, moving to the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations before making the Lekwungen Territories her home in 2007. Aside from being the managing lawyer at a full service law firm, she brings a wealth of experience as an active community member, business owner and former member of the Canadian Forces Reserve.
When not practicing law in 2SLGBTQAI+ and polyamory communities, Jo can often be found spending time with her partner and three children.
Gala Vega(they/them)
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Gala was born and raised on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən, Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. The team welcomes her decade of Event Management experience including being Co-Producer and Founder of the International Isle of Tease Burlesque Festival. Gala has been involved in the local Drag and Burlesque communities for almost ten years and has performed all over Canada and the USA as a solo performance artist and member of The Cheesecake Burlesque Revue.
Sloane Chomeakwich (they/them)
PARADE COORDINATOR
Rae Scott (she/her)
COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST
Rae has volunteered with VPS since 2021 and has assisted in many areas, including social media, community engagement, copywriting, and tech support.
Rae has lived on the unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations her entire life and is passionate about serving the 2SLGBTQAI+ community that resides here. She has been a Social Media Strategist and Copywriter for over five years and works for a local Advertising and Design agency. In her spare time, Rae can be found starting a new art project, reading, or spending time with her cat, Dean.
Heather Zeh(she/her)
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
She grew up on the unceded territory of the Bodwéwadmi people and has recently moved to unceded land of the Hupacasath First Nations.
Jessica Gallant (she/her)
PARTNERSHIP COORDINATOR
Jessica recently moved from the East Coast with her partner and their golden retriever puppy, Duncan. She is looking to expand her networks and relationships within the GSRD community, while remaining connected to her passion: working with non-profit organizations. Jessica brings years of experience within the sector and is currently working remotely as the South East Sexual Assault Centre manager.
NATHAN ZHANG (he/him)
FINANCE VOLUNTEER
Nathan began his journey with VPS in 2021 and was quickly welcomed with open arms and was appointed as Treasurer in February 2022. Nathan dove right into the finances and immediately became an important part of the team by providing oversight on the society’s financial management as well as advancing the society’s financial resilience.
No stranger to volunteering, Nathan has freely given his time and skills to organizations such as the Saanich Volunteer Services Society and the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Association. Nathan volunteered with several local non-profit organizations, supported significant change management and financial sustainability planning efforts, and made a positive impact on local communities.
Nathan grew up in China and originally came to Victoria to complete his undergraduate studies in 2003. Since then, he’s settled on the beautiful lands of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples and currently calls it home. In his spare time, Nathan can be found enjoying the outdoors, running or reading books about social psychology. Nathan is honored to serve local 2SLGBTQIA+/GSRD communities and bring his financial expertise to the society.
David Tillson (he/him)
Past President
David Tillson has been a cornerstone member of Victoria’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community for over 40 years.
Born in the UK, he grew up in northern BC before moving to Victoria. He worked for years in the hospitality industry, and managed a popular local queer bar called Rumors (later called Hush). For many years, David entertained crowds and produced events, including lending his talents to countless AIDS fundraisers.
In the 1990s, David was one of the founding members of what would become the Memorial Drag Ball Game (check out Victoria Pride’s documentary Drag Ball: Then and Now on this history!). He remains committed to seeing the game remain true to its roots – free from advertising and politics.
David was the first president of the Victoria Pride Society when it was founded in 2005 and held the position until 2021. It is hard to understate the impact that David has had on the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community and on Victoria Pride.
Britton Kohn (they/them)
Past President
Britton has been volunteering for the Victoria Pride Society since 2011 and later joined the Board in 2015. Since then, they have become a pillar in the queer communities and have served as Vice President, Parade Director, Community Engagement Committee Chair, Website Architect and more!
Britton has a reputation as an enthusiastic and approachable people person which came in handy for event management and coaching. Seeing a need for a more streamlined system, Britton was the mind behind the 2018 digital update which revolutionized the way all applications are received, processed, and organized. Britton has a vested interest in making the VPS digital footprint as efficient and user-friendly as possible and plans to continue working with VPS’s skilled board to improve the digital footprint! Britton is passionate about serving the queer communities and is always open to hearing new ideas and perspectives to further development and engagement.
Raised on the territories of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, Britton is frequently spending time connecting to nature with their favourite people. Whether helping direct dragon boat and paddling events, camping, foraging for mushrooms or berries, or hiking with their partner and dog, Britton tries their best to make time for the simple—and fundamental—things in life.
As the president, Britton is excited to bring their teamsport mindset and spirit of collaboration to help ensure everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. They are thrilled to be working with such an incredible board and look forward to connecting with everyone in the days, weeks, years, and Prides to come!
Julian Paquette (he/him)
Community Engagement Committee
Community brings me deep joy and I have been part of many during my lifetime. I spent two decades in literary communities writing, publishing and performing. For the past 25 years, various LGBTQ2SAI+ communities have offered me connection, care and space to explore my ever-expanding queerness. During my seven years living on the beautiful territories of many Coast Salish Peoples (Salt Spring Island), I transitioned with the support of community.
Having moved to Lekwungen territories (Victoria) two years ago, I want to contribute and build lasting relationships with people and land. Previously, I have worked and volunteered for several non-profit organizations including as a board member of Diverse and Inclusive Salt Spring Island (DAISSI) and as manager of the Salt Spring Forum, an organization that presents speakers for community discussions about some of the big issues of our times.
Also, I have worked in varying capacities for government, post-secondary institutions, in gender diversity consulting and, for a short time, in politics. As part of the Victoria Pride Society board, I bring with me experience as a communicator, educator, event organizer and community builder. I come as well with a strong commitment to reconciliation and respect for all beings and the earth.
Alex Carroll (they/he)
Past Assistant Pride Festival Coordinator
Alex is proud to be a kaleidoscopic mix of multiple traditions and lineages. Cree and Sioux on his mothers’ side, and Scottish Irish Norwegian on his fathers. His paternal grandfather was adopted from the Erickson family very young, that history is mostly a mystery. His maternal lineage is vast, originating from Saint Boniface, Manitoba. Alex is still learning where his blood lines originate.
As a young adult Alex’s love of theatre enticed him to perform as a gender illusionist, co-founding the DragBots, and being crowned Mr. Gay Vancouver Island. Twice!
He is excited to be a part of the Pride family and continues to deepen his personal knowledge and love of our diverse community. In his role as Assistant Pride Festival Coordinator, Alex enjoys working directly with the Pride Society’s ever-growing number of friends, supporters and allies. He feels that facilitating our supporting Festival Vendors and participants in expressing their values and missions throughout the diversity of the Queer communities is not only rewarding, but essential for the long-term goals of an inclusive and balanced society.
Tina Gould (her/she)
Past Merchandise Coordinator
Tina was born and raised in Victoria and feels privileged to serve our communities on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen and WSÁNEĆ peoples. Tina first began working in Victoria’s LGBTQ2S community in the late 90s when she put on some of the first all gender events in Victoria, revived Mr. Gay Vancouver Island, brought in Queer entertainers from across Canada, and occasionally tended bar.
After taking a well deserved break from event planning, Tina is back on the scene and applying her skills and passion to her communities in the best ways that she can.
In Tina’s role as the Victoria Pride Society’s Merchandise Coordinator, she is responsible for the design and distribution of all materials that are used to promote the Society and our Events, Programs & Initiatives So if you like that t-shirt, flag, bracelet, hat, button, sticker, you have Tina to thank!
Kelly Legge (she/her)
Kelly Legge (she/her) has lived in Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ territories, Victoria, for over 10 years. Kelly was a child and youth coach for 8 years. She currently works at an Indigenous non-profit organization that facilitates Reconciliation workshops and training in Aboriginal child welfare. As a non-Indigenous person, the work is rewarding, a constant learning, and fuels the passion for building community partnerships.
As Drag King Persi Flage and former Mr. Gay Vancouver Island (2016) she co-founded Staches and Lashes Collective, a group of drag performers who host queer arts events, privileging LGBTQ2* programming for kids and youth. She’s an aspiring film-maker and queer-focused children’s book writer through HiveWorks Productions. For her, sharing queer stories is where the bliss is.
After 2 years on the VPS Board where Kelly initiated the VPS Youth Leadership Council, wildly successful Youth events, and OutWrite eZine, an annual collection of poetry which showcases the talents of Queer Youth, Kelly has recently stepped down to pursue other interests. However, she continues to provide support to VPS events through the Stashes & Lashes Collective.
CHARLIE NASH (they/them)
Past Entertainment Coordinator
Self-proclaimed local legend, Charlie also goes by Henrietta Dubét. Passionate about community, Charlie strives to take their enthusiasm and inject it straight back into the scene that birthed them. They have not only worked within the community to help foster safe spaces for queer youth through the Staches and Lashes Collective, but they have also led workshops in drag makeup application through the Trans Tipping Point and at the Two Spirit Conference.
Charlie is not only a lover of drag but also an advocate of trans (and human) rights and intersectional feminism. They are excited to give back to the Victoria Pride Society in a concrete way, as they have had the pleasure of being a part of several Pride Festivals in the past and enjoys their involvement in the evolution of future events presented by the Society. In addition, Charlie is eager to apply their skills to on-going community development in their role on the Community Engagement Committee, and as Assistant Festival Entertainment Coordinator.
AARON NICKOL (he/him)
Past Event Coordinator
Aaron was born and raised in Alert Bay, in the traditional lands of the Kwakwaka’wake Peoples. Proud of his Indigenous background, Aaron is a member of the Namgis First Nations Band. With strong roots to small demographics and communities, Aaron is proud to lead and stand up for the rights of community members. Moving to Victoria in 2014, Aaron studied Anthropology, and deepened his love for studying cultures and people.
Over the past two years Aaron has spent his days working in finance, building trust and fueling pride within the industry. He has worked with others in the industry across the nation to raise funds for pride initiatives, and educate staff and clients about LGBTQ2+ issues, and driving for professional queer workspaces.
Aaron is also known as Shelita Cox, one of Victoria’s staple entertainers within the local drag scene. Building Drag Sunday, a safe space for experienced and novice drag queens, kings, and any gender representation drag performer to take to the stage. Seeing a need, Aaron has worked hard to establish this space for entertainers to build and practice their craft.
With experience volunteering and participating in many Victoria Pride celebrations, Aaron is looking forward to many years of service with the Victoria Pride Society.
LIZ DA MATA (she/her)
Past Vice President
Liz was first elected to the Board of Victoria Pride in 2017 and has served in a variety of roles including Vice President, Treasurer, Festival Food Vendor Coordinator and also led the launch of the Victoria Pride Mentorship Program. In addition to being a sponsor, volunteer and supporter of Victoria Pride for over 15 years, she brings years of valuable experience in effective governance and financial accountability to the society.
As a queer, Latinx business woman, Liz is currently helping folks as a financial advisor in addition to being a parent of 2 children and partner to Della – life is busy and beautiful.
MARK OVERTON-PASZEK (he/him)
Past Director at Large
Mark has been on the Victoria Pride Society Board of Directors since 2021 and serves as a key liaison with VPS’ partners, focused on long-term goals and objectives through strong community relationships.
Mark grew up on the unceded lands of the Darug people known today as the inland suburbs of Sydney, Australia. As a new citizen of Canada and a settler on the lands of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, he recognises he has a responsibility to listen, learn and use his privilege to help bring about change.
Mark has worked in a range of strategic, operational and business development roles globally within the hotel industry. Mark is currently a consultant at Elevate Consulting where he is also a core member of the D&I working group.
Mark and his husband, Tyler, can typically be found travelling, socialising, exploring the food & beverage industry as well as enjoying arts and culture.
The Victoria Pride Society Board of Directors meet regularly, and carry out their duties in accordance with the following documents: