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Our Team

Volunteers: The Driving Force Behind Yakima PrideYakima Pride is a testament to the power of community action. As an all-volunteer LGBTQ+ nonprofit, we rely on the generous contributions of individuals at every level of our organization. Our working Board of Directors provides essential leadership and governance, ensuring our mission is carried out effectively. Our dedicated Pride Ambassadors extend our reach and build connections throughout the Yakima Valley. Our tireless Pride Volunteers bring our events and programs to life. And we proudly honor our Volunteer Alums, Emeritus Founders, and Board Members who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in our community.

Board Of Directors

Pronouns: he/him/his

Joshua Hastings

President, Director of External Affairs

About Joshua

Joshua Hastings is a fearless advocate and community leader serving as the President and Director of External Affairs for Yakima Pride. He is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity, equity, and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals across the Yakima Valley and Central Washington.

A co-founder of Yakima Pride in 2019, Joshua initially served as Vice President, playing a pivotal role in the organization's establishment and early development. He assumed the Presidency in March 2023, bringing to the role a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to the organization's mission.

Joshua's roots run deep in the Yakima Valley. Growing up on the Yakama Reservation, where his siblings are Yakama, he was immersed in the rich traditions and vibrant culture of the Yakama Nation. He attended Harrah Elementary, Wapato Middle School, and Wapato High School, and alongside his family and friends, experienced cultural immersion on the reservation. These experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for community, a strong connection to the land, and a profound respect for Yakama traditions.

Joshua is unapologetically Latinx, with Mexican and Spanish heritage, and a proud gay man. His identity, coupled with his upbringing, informs his deep understanding of intersectionality and the diverse experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. A lifelong learner, he is passionate about expanding his knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues, community building, advocacy strategies, and the complexities of intersectional identities.

Joshua's distinguished career spans information technology, marketing, and strategic communications, with impactful roles at organizations such as Microsoft, Kelley Blue Book, and AutoTrader.com. As the founder of a successful consulting firm, he leverages his expertise in technology enablement, digital communications, and public relations to advance Yakima Pride's mission. He is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in technology and actively works to create more inclusive spaces within the tech industry.

Yakima Pride has flourished under Joshua's leadership, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and fostering a culture of affirmation. He is deeply grateful for the dedication of his team, the unwavering support of his family and friends, and the invaluable contributions of volunteers, businesses, and community partners. Through collaborative teamwork, a commitment to empowerment, and a deep respect for chosen family values, they are building a stronger, more inclusive Yakima Valley. Joshua believes in the power of collective action to create positive change and envisions a future where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are celebrated and affirmed.

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Pronouns: he/him/his

Kaimu Peneku

Treasurer, Entertainment & Stage Manager

Kaimu Peneku is a master of rhythm, logistics, and advocacy. As the Treasurer and Entertainment Director for Yakima Pride, Kaimu ensures that our organization remains fiscally sound while our celebrations remain world-class. With over five years of dedicated service to Yakima Pride, he is a cornerstone of the LGBTQ+ community in Central Washington, engineering spaces where art and activism meet.

The Architecture of Inclusive Democracy

Kaimu currently represents Yakima Pride as a Fellow with the Western State Center (WSC). Through this fellowship, he is pioneering the integration of inclusive democracy practices within "third spaces"—the small venues, bars, and community hubs that serve as the heartbeat of our region. By bringing high-level democratic values to local stages, Kaimu is transforming entertainment into a "safe harbor" where every voice is protected and celebrated.

The Sound of Liberation

As an accomplished music producer, singer, and songwriter, Kaimu’s creative energy is the driving force behind Marion Drain Productions. He views music as a universal language of liberation, using his platform to amplify LGBTQ+ themes and artists. Whether he is managing a complex stage production or crafting original tracks, Kaimu’s work is a testament to the power of the "Yakima Lens"—authentic, resilient, and unapologetically bold.

Heritage and Hearth

Kaimu’s commitment to community extends into the kitchen, where he explores the intersection of his Hawaiian heritage and culinary craft. For Kaimu, cooking is a form of storytelling and a way to honor his roots. He believes that sharing a meal is one of the most fundamental ways to build "Community and Belonging," bringing the warmth of the islands to the heart of the Valley.

A Standard of Excellence in Production

Behind the scenes, Kaimu is the driving force that ensures our largest events run with precision. He manages our stages and venues with the high-level technical expertise of a seasoned producer and a deep respect for the audience experience. Kaimu believes that a well-run stage is a sign of respect for the talent and the community alike. By maintaining rigorous professional standards and a focus on inclusivity, he ensures that every Yakima Pride event is a secure, high-energy, and world-class experience for all who attend.

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Beth Parker

Vice President and Interim Secretary, Chair of Health & Wellness

(she/her/hers) - After attending her first Yakima Pride volunteer training in 2021, Beth Parker didn’t just find a nonprofit; she found a family. For Beth, jumping in with both feet was the only option. Today, she serves as the Vice President of Yakima Pride, where she balances executive leadership with a deep, personal commitment to ensuring the Yakima Valley is a place where diversity is not just tolerated, but cherished.

Advocacy Through a Health Lens

In her professional life, Beth works on the front lines of medical hope, connecting cancer patients to life-saving clinical trials. This expertise drives her work as our Director of Health & Wellness. She is a fierce advocate for healthcare equity, working to dismantle the systemic barriers that often prevent LGBTQ+ individuals in Central Washington from accessing safe, trauma-informed care.

The Heart of Authenticity

Yakima Pride has provided Beth a "safe harbor" to live as her true self, no apologies. She carries the values of her upbringing—that people are simply people—into every board meeting and community event. While she leads with an open heart, she is a dedicated protector of our safe spaces, ensuring that the next generation of queer youth in the Valley grows up with the support she found here.

Beyond the Boardroom

When she isn’t engineering a healthier future for our community, you’ll find Beth immersed in the arts. Whether she’s working behind the scenes at the Warehouse Theatre Company, booking tickets for the Capitol, or quoting lines from her favorite musicals, her life is a vibrant tapestry of cultural expression.

The Theatre Junkie: A lifelong fan of the stage.
The Traveler: There is always a Disney trip on the books.
The Signature Style: You can always find her wearing a bit of pink on Wednesdays!

Honored Pride Volunteer Alums

Desi Quenzer

Pride Ambassador

Honored Alum, started as a Youth Volunteer (August 2021 - April 2025)

Mathias Conduff

Pride Volunteer

Honored Alum, started as a Youth Volunteer (2019 - 2020)

"Being a volunteer for yakima pride is one of the best decisions i have made! the team is absolutely incredible and easy to get along with. if anyone else makes the decision to volunteer with them, do it!!"

Pride Founders & Emeritus Directors

Cristina Gonzalez / Ortega

Past President & Founding Member

(she/hers/ella) - As a grassroots movement-builder based in central Washington, Cristina's work encompasses several projects such as U.S. Census, advocating for immigrant and farmworker issues and rights, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and committed to working for LGBTQ+ equity. She is an experienced philanthropist and grant writer to fund various community-driven programs. Cristina remains an advocate for the most vulnerable and pulls her community up when most needed. #LaLuchaSigue

Kyle Curtis

Past Treasurer & Founding Member

(he/him/his) - Kyle Curtis grew up in White Swan, WA on the Yakama Indian Reservation. He later graduated from The University of Washington with a degree in Finance and American Indian Studies. Upon completing his education in Seattle, he spent three more years working for Liberty Mutual Insurance, located in Downtown Seattle, where he helped kick-off an employee resource group called Pride@Liberty.

Kyle always knew he wanted to return home to the Yakima Valley and did so in 2017. He continues to be engaged with the community and is a member of the Yakima Downtown Rotary Club. Kyle believes the Yakima Valley is a diverse place, with many different walks of life, and Yakima Pride helps to bring the community together. In Kyle’s free time, he enjoys traveling, drinks with friends, and playing with his miniature dachshund, Pickles.