Collin J. Graham
Board President
Preferred Pronouns; he / him / his
Director Status: Incumbent
Current Term: Second (2nd)
Collin James Graham is the Founder and President of the Hartwell Pride Board. Collin, a transgender man, has been an avid activist for Human Rights over the last decade.
Collin reflected on his vision for Hartwell’s first Pride. “Hartwell is my hometown. I was born here - I will likely die here. My family is rooted in these old back roads. It is important to me to serve this community and to watch this community grow and progress. It is a town that is full of wonderful and beautiful people. Pride was born out of that love for my hometown and the folks in it.”
Hartwell PRIDE’s President believes that it is important to show people that they have a community surrounding them - especially our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. The LGBTQ+ community so often feels the sting and hurt of rejection and judgement. PRIDE offers our community the statement, “We’re here. There’s a lot of us. We are a family. We aren’t going anywhere. We are full of love, pride for ourselves, and one another.”
Annette Neal
Board Vice President
Preferred Pronouns; she / her / hers
Director Status: Incumbent
Current Term: Second (2nd)
The Hartwell PRIDE Board is proud to introduce Annette Neal as Vice President of the Hartwell PRIDE Board. Annette has been a long-time advocate of human rights, emphasizing trans rights, marriage equality, and is “of the opinion that people should be who they are without fear of judgment”.
Annette served on the Hartwell Pride planning committee in 2021 for Hartwell's 1st pride event, and is proud to not only be planning the 2nd Annual Hartwell Pride, but to serve as Vice President of the Board. Annette feels that giving back to her community is her passion, and the LGBTQ+ Community is a big part of that focus.
When Annette isn’t serving on the board, she spends her time creating beautifully handmade artisan bath and body products. Her queer and woman owned business, Canyon Creek Bath + Body, is a proud sponsor of Hartwell Pride 2023. Additionally, Annette serves alongside Stephanie Crump in founding the Hartwell Maker’s Festival, showcasing local makers, creatives, and thriving artists that make up the Hartwell community.
Elizabeth Bryant-Reeves
Board Administrator
Preferred Pronouns; she / her / hers
Director Status: Incumbent
Current Term: Second (2nd)
The Hartwell Pride Board proudly presents, Elizabeth Bryant-Reeves as our Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator.
Elizabeth is a Hartwell native and a proud LGBTQ+ ally. Her background in building brands and social media management made her a good fit to be our marketing coordinator and PR for Hartwell Pride. Elizabeth’s reason for joining the pride movement is to support her own loved ones within the community and to make our small town more welcoming for others to feel safe to be their authentic selves. As an ally she hopes to set a positive and inclusive example for her sons. Ally ship is an integral part of PRIDE and she is proud to use her voice to advocate for the community.
Kimbrena Blair
Board Director of Outreach
Preferred Pronouns; she / her / hers
Director Status: Incumbent
Current Term: Second (2nd)
The Hartwell PRIDE Board is proud to introduce Kimbrena Cravens as Treasurer for the Hartwell PRIDE Board. Kimbrena is a business owner and local member of the LGBTQIA+ Community, she is happy to help provide her services and know-how for this year's Pride Celebration!
Being a mother to LGBTQIA+ children, as well as being a member herself; Kimbrena and her family were ecstatic to hear of Hartwell’s first annual pride that took place in 2021. Having a nearby community to interact with for herself and her family has been a blessing.
Alex Kyle Bass
Board Director of Marketing & Events
Preferred Pronouns; he / him / they / them / theirs
Director Status: Incumbent
Current Term: Second (2nd)
The Hartwell PRIDE Board is proud to introduce Alex Kyle Bass (He/Him/They/Them) as Secretary, Entertainment Coordinator, and Designer for the Hartwell PRIDE Board. Alex is a Hartwell native and felt that growing up in Hart County left them isolated from the LGBTQIA+ community. Alex said that it wasn’t until he had gone off to college that they determined their place within the queer community. “For a time I was convinced that there wasn’t a community in my hometown and dreaded moving back. I was so ecstatic to be proven wrong last year (2021) at Hartwell’s first pride event; my first ever pride event. I found a loving and accepting environment at that event and I’m happy to be a part of the committee to bring it back again this year.” The Board is so thankful that 2021’s PRIDE was a success and have been pleased to bring Alex on as a member, providing insight into providing a great PRIDE experience to newcomers.
Lani Sessom
Board Director of Vendors
Preferred Pronouns: she / her / hers
Director Status: New
Current Term: First (1st)
Bio blurb goes here.
Jennifer Kempf
Board Director of Volunteers
Preferred Pronouns: she / her / hers
Director Status: New
Current Term: First (1st)
Bio blurb goes here.