BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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 Meet Scott Lester (he/him), a human-centered designer working with the federal government who believes in designing solutions with the people they'll impact or who will use them. As Co-Chair Internal, his mission is to make volunteering an enjoyable, fulfilling experience while pushing for positive change within the organization.

With a background in communications and a history of volunteer work, including serving as the Director of Communications for Pride PEI in 2019, Scott has been eager to make a difference in the local queer community since his move to St. John's in 2021. His vision for St. John's Pride revolves around stability, community engagement, and meaningful progress.

Meet Eddy St. Coeur (he/they), a passionate advocate and dedicated member of the St. John's queer community for nearly two decades. Eddy has an impressive career spanning student leadership roles, communications, and board memberships. Known for his willingness to support educators nationwide and connect them with valuable resources, Eddy is committed to giving back to the community that has fostered their personal growth and continues to be a source of support.

As the Co-Chair External, Eddy leads the team in engaging with the public, which involves handling media, social media, events, branding, and ensuring the board's accountability and honesty.

(Photo Credit: Ashley Harding Photography)

Meet Danielle Babstock (she/her), a Project Finance Lead in the not-for-profit sector with a passion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work. Danielle has ample experience in the finance industry across private, public and not-for-profit sectors, has sat on social committees, DEI committees and occupational health and safety committees throughout her employment. She is excited to use her financial and committee experience to create positive change for the St. John's 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

As Co-Chair Finance, Danielle brings a keen, detail-oriented eye to the board which will help to manage the organization's finances, while providing quality events and services to the community.

Meet David Maher (he/him), who was born in Tors Cove and has lived in St. John's for most of his life. David brings experience from a career in journalism (VOCM, allNewfoundlandLabrador, the St. John's Telegram) and most recently as a communications professional with the Office of the Official Opposition. Previous volunteer board experience includes Shakespeare by the Sea and Sandbox Gaming NL.

As Programming/Events Coordinator, David looks forward to working with the pride board to help our community raise its voice, call for action, and celebrate together during the St. John's Pride Festival. When not telling stories, David tries to Fast Castle into knights and his cat Mo appreciates skritchy scratches.

Meet Jenna Slaney (she/her), a fat, femme, queer, woman who is a fierce advocate, feminist, and harm reduction enthusiast. She has completed studies in Community Leadership and Therapeutic Recreation, and has extensive professional experience working in community outreach, youth engagement, program development, inclusion support, and recreation. Jenna also resides on two community boards, Fat Babes of NL and Saltwater Gems Burlesque, and takes pride in her direct connections within the community. Jenna can be found in her free time entertaining audiences as a local burlesque and heels dance performer, and has been focusing on sharing her learned performance skills, with a sprinkle of body positivity, confidence building, and self love. 

As Advocacy and Inclusivity Coordinator, Jenna is eager to listen to the voices of minority groups and underrepresented folks within the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She hopes to hear what needs, wants, and ideas folks have and learn how she/the board can support the folks who are directly impacted by barriers to participation and exclusion. Jenna’s passion for her community, expertise in identifying barriers, creative problem solving skills, and lived experience will be used to make participation in pride possible for all folks, regardless of age, ability, size, spirituality, ethnicity, or orientation. 

Meet Ellen Davis (she/her), a communications strategist and marketer with a decade of experience across a variety of sectors. She has worked in strategy development and content creation in B2B, private and non-profit organizations. Ellen volunteered as a member of the board of directors of Halifax Pride for four years and developed understanding and experience in community organizing.

As communications lead, Ellen aims to bring strategic communication approaches to support programming in the St. John’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community through empathy, accountability, and transparency.

Meet Michael Davis (he/him), a project management- and human resources-focused community advocate. As Volunteer Lead, Michael manages the people that make Pride work. He directs volunteers at events throughout the festival and the year. He specializes in putting the right people in the right place at the right time.  

With experience in various communities and professional groups, Michael commits to finding and executing solutions to work within complicated systems. His goal is to support St. John's Pride in empowering our community through inclusive leadership, advocacy, and celebration.