Kristin was raised in Dugald, Manitoba, and spent a decade in Edmonton, Alberta, where she built a life rooted in love, family, and community. When her daughter came out, Kristin responded with the same unwavering support and open-heartedness she brings to every part of her life. Pride events in Edmonton quickly became a cherished tradition for their family — a space of joy, belonging, and celebration. Returning to rural Manitoba, Kristin felt the absence of that same energy and visibility. While Winnipeg Pride was just down the road, she saw the need for something closer to home — a space where 2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies in the Springfield area could come together, be seen, and feel supported. That spark led to the first Springfield Pride event and the creation of the Springfield Pride Committee, where Kristin now serves as Chair. From organizing events to working with schools and local groups, Kristin pours her heart into creating a more inclusive and welcoming community. She lives in the Springfield area with her family and continues to be a powerful advocate for love, acceptance, and visibility.

Shelley is a founding member and co-chair of the Springfield Pride Committee, bringing her lifelong commitment to equity and allyship into every corner of her community work. Raised on a farm in the Parkland region, Shelley knows the strength of small-town values — kindness, hard work, and showing up for others. She’s lived in Brandon and Winnipeg, but has proudly called Hazelridge home for the past seven years. As a single mom to three incredible daughters, Shelley is passionate about creating a world that celebrates diversity and uplifts everyone — especially the next generation. Her drive to foster inclusion and belonging led her to help launch Springfield Pride, a space where 2SLGBTQ+ folks and allies can gather, celebrate, and be seen. Shelley’s warmth, dedication, and belief in community continue to shape the growing Pride movement in Springfield, inspiring others to lead with love and stand up for what matters

Born and raised in Nanaimo, BC, Shane has lived a life defined by courage, authenticity, and unwavering pride. At just 19 years old, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy, answering the call to serve his country. In 1989, Shane became one of many impacted by the Canadian military’s discriminatory Purge, targeted for being openly part of the LGBTQ community. Despite the injustice he faced, Shane’s strength and resilience never wavered. Today, he calls Cooks Creek, Manitoba home, where he lives on a vibrant emu farm with his partner of 30 years. Shane is a proud advocate, a beacon of visibility, and a beloved part of the Springfield Pride community, helping to foster spaces where every person is free to be exactly who they are.

Sarah is a long-time educator and passionate advocate for youth and community. Born in Alberta and raised across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and eventually Manitoba, Sarah brings a rich perspective shaped by diverse experiences. For over two decades, she has worked in education, following five years with MacDonald Youth Services, where her commitment to supporting young people first took root. In her role with Student Support Services, Sarah has worked with children and youth of all abilities, empowering them to find their voice and advocate for themselves—a value she holds close to her heart. Now, she’s turning her focus to helping adults listen and truly hear those voices. A dedicated volunteer and community builder, Sarah leads by example and inspires her children to give back. When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find her enjoying card games with her family or board games with friends on the small farm she calls home.

Chris is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a dedicated representative of the transgender community in Oakbank. Originally raised in Alberta, Chris has lived and worked across Canada but found a true sense of home after settling in Springfield in 2011. As a proud parent of three children who attend school in Oakbank, Chris is deeply invested in building an inclusive, welcoming community for all families. With a strong background in union activism, Chris has organized events and volunteered for years, always advocating for equity and community connection. After attending the first annual Springfield Pride BBQ, Chris immediately connected with Kristin and Shelley and jumped at the chance to join the Springfield Pride Committee. Today, Chris is thrilled to be part of a growing movement that brings visibility, celebration, and support to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Springfield and beyond.

Colleen is a passionate community builder and proud ally who brings heart, strategy, and decades of leadership experience to everything she does. For the past three years, she has been an integral part of Pride Winnipeg, helping shape one of Manitoba’s most vibrant and inclusive festivals through her work in festival operations and community safety. Colleen's commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces—especially for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—is rooted in action. Whether she’s behind the scenes organizing logistics, coordinating volunteers, or advocating for trauma-informed approaches to public safety, Colleen is all about lifting others up and making space for everyone to shine. As a long time resident of Oakbank, she’s bringing that same energy and passion to Springfield Pride, helping rural communities celebrate with authenticity, pride, and prairie heart.

Sonya is a passionate community advocate and long-time volunteer with a heart for connection and giving back. As the Community Relations and Events Manager for Rainbow Resource Centre, Sonya focuses on raising awareness and support for 2SLGBTQ+ programs across Manitoba. She also proudly serves as a Community Liaison with Pride Winnipeg. Sonya’s dedication to community extends well beyond her professional roles—she has volunteered with Take Pride Winnipeg, Brush Up Winnipeg, SNOW Night, Winnipeg Harvest, and Siloam Mission. A proud animal lover, she has also supported the Winnipeg Humane Society, Manitoba Mutts, and Winnipeg Pet Rescue through fundraising events and awareness walks. Sonya brings her experience, warmth, and energy to Springfield Pride, helping build stronger, more inclusive communities through celebration and service.

Hayley is a passionate advocate for mental health, inclusive care, and rural community support. Originally from Neepawa, Manitoba, Hayley has proudly called Springfield home for the past seven years. With 19 years of experience in the field, she operates a trauma-informed massage therapy practice and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work to expand her impact through accessible mental health services. Hayley also leads the Springfield Neurodivergent Community, a support group for families raising neurodivergent children, and brings that same commitment to inclusion and advocacy to her role with Springfield Pride. As a committee member, she focuses on mental health support and developing inclusive, year-round programming that celebrates and uplifts the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Springfield.

Megan is a proud ally and passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and 2SLGBTQ+ rights. With a deep commitment to creating safe, affirming spaces for all, she brings both personal insight and professional dedication to her work in community engagement and advocacy. Originally from a small town in Saskatchewan, Megan moved to Winnipeg over a decade ago and now calls the city home—while maintaining strong ties to her family in Hazelridge. Her rural upbringing has shaped her understanding of the unique challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ individuals in smaller communities and fuels her belief in the power of visibility, acceptance, and belonging. Inspired by her experience volunteering at the first annual Springfield Pride BBQ, Megan joined the Springfield Pride Committee to take a more active role in fostering inclusive spaces close to home. She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work with the goal of offering accessible, affirming mental health supports and empowering individuals to thrive through connection and care.