PRIDE-SWFL INC.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA

Mission Statement To provide the citizenry of Southwest Florida with a positive image of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and to create functions and events throughout the year promoting educational, civic, and cultural activities that further this goal and enrich the lives of our members and the entire Southwest Florida community. “SWFL Pride,” “SWFL Pride Fest,” and “Pride T Dance” are Service Marks of Pride-SWFL, Inc. in the United States and other countries. They cannot be legally used or reproduced without written permission. Any use of “SWFL Pride,” “SWFL Pride Fest,” “Pride T Dance” or “Pride-SWFL, Inc.” names and/or logo must be approved by Pride SWFL in writing prior to use. Pride SWFL must review and approve in writing all materials (including but not limited to promotional items, press releases, public service announcements, scripts, posters, ads, brochures, etc…) before they are used. OUR MISSION To provide the citizenry of Southwest Florida with a positive image of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and to create functions and events throughout the year promoting educational, civic, and cultural activities that further this goal and enrich the lives of our members and the entire Southwest Florida community. Pride-SWFL was created in August 2009 out of a grass roots effort to put on a community festival to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. Pride-SWFL started with twenty something individuals meeting in living rooms representing local businesses, local clubs, local organizations and local colleges. Within only six weeks, with no money, little experience, and only a few posters to get the word out, they put together and threw a four hour festival with a stage packed full of entertainment, and over 30 participating vendors. Pride-SWFL proudly points out the fact that we are still a 100% volunteer based organization! PRIDE – SWFL is a (501(c)3) non-profit membership organization founded to produce the annual Southwest Florida Pride Event. Pride-SWFL is dedicated to education, commemoration of LGBTQA heritage and celebration of LGBTQA culture and liberation. Pride-Southwest Florida’s Purpose/Mission Statement: “To provide the citizenry of Southwest Florida with a positive image of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and to create functions and events throughout the year promoting educational, civic and cultural activities that further this goal and enrich the lives of our members and the entire Southwest Florida community.” Jenn is the secretary for the Board of Directors for Pride SWFL. She has been on the board since 2015 and believes in the positive outreach provided by Pride SWFL. During her year on the board, she has worked to keep accurate documentation of all activities associated with the board as well as joining forces with the remaining board to promote equality in the LGBTQA community. As a resident of South Florida since ’97, she strives to be an active member in the community. Growing up in the military, she moved around to many places and has seen firsthand the importance of community. Her aim in working with the board is to continue the tradition of a Pride event, while working to be an active public servant. Charlie joined the Pride-SWFL board in 2015 and is the Vice President of the organization. Charlie was born and raised in New York City. He worked in engineering for several years, but moved to Southwest Florida in 2012 to pursue an education in Interior Design and now works for a high-end residential design firm in downtown Naples. Charlie is enamored by anything involving nature and sews threads of natural elements into his designs. He lives in Bonita Springs with his dog, Toby. He enjoys hiking, tending to his garden, fostering dogs, and spending time with his family. Charlie is a firm believer in “you get what you give” and is very fulfilled in giving back to the community. Jenn is the secretary for the Board of Directors for Pride SWFL. She has been on the board since 2015 and believes in the positive outreach provided by Pride SWFL. During her year on the board, she has worked to keep accurate documentation of all activities associated with the board as well as joining forces with the remaining board to promote equality in the LGBTQA community. As a resident of South Florida since ’97, she strives to be an active member in the community. Growing up in the military, she moved around to many places and has seen firsthand the importance of community. Her aim in working with the board is to continue the tradition of a Pride event, while working to be an active public servant.