BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Hope Jamieson (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary researcher and consultant based in St. John’s. Hope holds an MBA with a specialization in social enterprise from MUN and is a PhD candidate at MUN’s Faculty of Business Administration, studying critical management approaches to increasing the supply of affordable housing. They are president of Annex Consulting, a queer-owned consulting firm focused on research, policy, and fund development in the social purpose sector. Hope’s recent work with Annex includes leading projects developing capacity building resources for the community housing sector, supporting local organizations with fund development work, and compiling an extensive report on rural housing insecurity in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Hope served as Ward 2 councillor in St. John’s from 2017-2020, where they were council lead on inclusion, housing, and other community-focused files, as well as representing the City on numerous boards and committees including the Living in Community steering committee and the St. John’s Transportation Commission (Metrobus). They sat as chair of the St. John’s Status of Women Council board of directors from 2021-2023, and chaired SJSOWC’s governance committee from 2020-2021. 

Outside of work and volunteer pursuits, Hope is a burlesque performer and dancer, occasional contributor to The Independent, and adoring parent to three excellent tiny humans. 

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.

Craig Murphy is an all in one event and logistics planner. After returning to St. John's in 2009 he managed events for The Johnson Geo Centre, until 2017. He went on to focus on large-scale event consulting and execution, non-denominational funerals, and his passion - working with couples to personalize and plan their marriage ceremonies in his roll as a Marriage Commissioner in Newfoundland and Labrador.

After supporting St. John's Pride during the 2023 & 2024 festivals as a volunteer, Craig's honoured to be able to build on an organization like so many before him as St. John's Pride gets ready to offer up another parade and festival to the community.

Meet Mark, an architect originally from Burin Bay Arm, now based in St. John's. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Theatre from Memorial University's Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook, and a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies and Master of Architecture from Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS. During his studies in Architecture, he received the Alumni Memorial Scholarship and the Alpha Rho Chi Bronze Medal, two awards given to a graduating Master of Architecture student for their skills in design, leadership, and professional merit. He is also a Certified Passive House Designer, designated by the Passivhaus Institut in Germany. As an architect, Mark's focus is on sustainability, energy efficiency, and accessibility, striving for equitably and justly designed spaces for all.

Mark has held positions on a number of not-for-profit volunteer boards and committees including Resource Centre for the Arts/LSPU Hall, Neighbourhood Dance Works, Untellable Movement Theatre, Grey Gays, and Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Architects.

When not working or volunteering, he can be seen performing on stage with the theatre collective Ladies Who Lunch Production, which he is also a co-founder.

Mark is one of those people whose one eye appears closed more than the other in photos, especially selfies.