Meet the 2024 Leadership Team!
Kori Hennessey (They/Them)
As the Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh, I’m humbled at how much support and love Out! Raleigh Pride has received over the years! This is my sixth festival and every year leaves me in awe of how incredible our community can be, especially since the last few years have been tumultuous for queer and trans folks. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Pride is not only a time for celebration, but also a time to remember and honor those that paved the way for us to celebrate.
Cotie San
(She/They)
I am the new Development Manager for the Center and joined in January 2024. While I moved to the triangle in summer of 2020, this will be my first Out! Raleigh Pride since I’ve traveled every summer since moving here. I’m thrilled to be a part of the planning committee for my first local Pride. To me, Pride means celebrating our unique identities and being in community with other LGBTQ+ people and allies, and refusing to let anyone take away our joy.
Gwendolyn Love (She/They)
I received my B.A. from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I studied African and African American Diaspora Studies with a keen focus on Black Sexuality Studies and Women and Gender Studies. In my current role, I serve as the Program Coordinator for the LGBT Center of Raleigh.
To me, PRIDE means being able to live in my true authentic self without explanation or concern for what others may perceive: being able to showcase all the best parts of my identities, and never having to worry about dimming my light. On June 22nd, I think I’m most excited to see everyone come decked out in their pride outfits and accessories! I’m here for ALL the fits!
John Hull (He/Him)
I’ve been helping to plan Out! Raleigh Pride for a number of years, and I keep coming back, because I truly believe in this event. This wonderful event brings together individuals with a huge amount of diversity, all coming together to celebrate the LGBT+ community and how far we have come.
This event is very important to me because I grew up in a very conservative community, and there weren’t resources for me to learn about being gay or places where I felt accepted and loved. Out! Raleigh Pride is a safe space to celebrate our diversity and to find resources. This event brings vendors that are LGBT+ and allies, as well as entertainment, food and plenty of people to meet and forge new relationships. Come join us!
Amy Cox
(She/Her)
Amy Cox is the Senior Vice President at Deep South Entertainment. She graduated in 1999 from North Carolina State University with a BA in Communications with a minor in Social Work. Deep South Entertainment has assisted with the planning, production, and implementation of Out! Raleigh Pride since the inaugural festival in 2011. Having been with Deep South for nearly 25 years, Amy has taken on multiple roles within the company. In 2005, she started taking the lead on running events and festivals for the company. When a collective of volunteers/leaders from The LGBT Center of Raleigh approached Dave Rose & Amy Cox in 2010 about doing the Out! Raleigh festival, Deep South was 100% on board and ready to support the efforts. As an ally in the community, Amy has thoroughly enjoyed producing this very inclusive festival that is for everyone. In 2016, Deep South Entertainment was honored at The LGBT Center Gala as the Organization of the Year. Upon receiving the award Amy said, “This community brings so much more to me than I to it. Thank you!”
Switch Reprise (He/She)
I am the Care Coordinator for the LGBT Center of Raleigh and currently finishing a Master of Social Work program with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Prior to joining the LCoR team, I devoted nine years to grassroots organizing and activism within Brooklyn, NY and Asheville, NC LGBTQ+ communities. I also enjoy being a deejay and dancing with friends whenever I get the opportunity. This will be my first year on the Out! Raleigh Pride planning committee and look forward to having the honor to help facilitate an important and joyous occasion for and alongside the community.
Pride is about honoring ourselves and our ancestors who laid the groundwork for us to be recognized and celebrated. It is also a time to remember that Pride started as an uprising against police brutality. Pride is our time to celebrate our culture and living as our authentic selves without fear or repression.
Califonza Thompson (He/Him)
Califonza is in the Hospitality industry and is also DJ “Gay Agenda” He has volunteered with many organizations through the years. Originally from the flat part of the state. I migrated towards the state capital because I knew that other roads, from bigger places, lead there. 20 years later, I find myself in DJ booths from restaurants to nightclubs and I relish in it! I dedicate this Journey to my Mother and Father!
Bree Petrillo (She/Her)
I am an Events Coordinator with Deep South Entertainment, and very excited to be returning to OUT! Raleigh Pride for the second year in a row. I am having a blast assisting the ORP planning committee to bring some outstanding talent to the main stage at Pride this year, as well as coordinating some of the entertainment on the new Kids Zone stage. When I am not planning events you can find me catching a local show in Raleigh or hanging out with my cat!
Helicia Chiang (She/They)
I studied Anthropology and History at NCSU and have nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. Wanting to connect more with the LGBTQ+ community of Raleigh specifically, I happily accepted this position in 2022 where I can support LCoR staff from behind the scenes while still having a front-facing role with community members at Pride and various events throughout the year. I enjoy playing multiple sports with Stonewall Sports, watching horror movies, and spending time with her niblings in her free time. I also lead the Center’s Queer Adult Book Club.
This is my 3rd Out! Raleigh Pride!!
Jose Harvey
(He/Him)
I am the Founder and CEO of Urban Pothos Houseplant Shop. I am also on the LGBT Center of Raleigh’s Board of Trustees. I earned a Masters in Nonprofit Agricultural Development from NC State University and a Masters in Global Governance & Policy Analysis from American University. I am dedicated to improving our local community for the benefit of all and especially for the LGBT+ Community. This is my second Out! Raleigh Pride and look forward to helping to make it a smashing success.