Kaimu Peneku

Secretary, Entertainment & Stage Manager

(he/him/his) - Kaimu is a multi-talented individual with a diverse range of interests and skills, deeply rooted in both the music industry and community activism. As the founder of Marion Drain Productions, Kaimu combines a love for heavy metal music with event planning expertise to create memorable experiences for music enthusiasts. With a keen understanding of customer needs and a passion for music, Kaimu also excels in his role as a Customer Service Manager at Guitar Center, where he helps musicians find the perfect gear to fuel their creativity.

Kaimu is an integral part of the LGBTQ+ community in Yakima, dedicating five years of his life to volunteering with Yakima Pride. His love for music intersects with his commitment to pride and community work, as he often incorporates LGBTQ+ themes and artists into Marion Drain Productions' events, fostering inclusivity and celebration within the local music scene. Whether organizing pride-themed concerts or fundraising events for LGBTQ+ causes, Kaimu's passion for music and advocacy converge to create positive change and promote acceptance within the community. Additionally, Kaimu is an accomplished music producer, channeling his creative energy into crafting original music.

Kaimu is a culinary enthusiast and skilled chef; His love for food and cooking extends beyond the kitchen, often sharing his culinary adventures with friends and family. 

With a unique blend of creativity, passion, and dedication to community activism, Kaimu Peneku continues to make meaningful contributions to the worlds of music, entertainment, and social justice.

Jacob Butler

Treasurer

(they/them) - Hi, I'm Jacob and Lexxie! - Jacob is non-binary, pansexual, and a Gemini. They are a 30-something and loving every moment of it. Miss Lexxie is their alter ego, and she can be quite the southern belle. You know that saying "jack of all trades"? Well, Jacob truly embodies it. Their interests and hobbies are as varied as one person can get. Jacob loves shopping and Broadway just as much as they love cars and camping. Jacob has a proclivity for all things design, be it fashion or interiors, and loves staying on the edge of it. Jacob's dogs are their kids, and they would be lost without them. When Jacob is not working or out with friends, they are most definitely snuggling with their dogs. Jacob has a huge love of family (natural and chosen).

Professionally, Jacob is the marketing director of Valley Mall and loves creating magic. They are responsible for events, holidays, decor, PR, advertising, etc. Jacob has been a makeup artist for almost 10 years now. They have proudly worked in editorial, theatre, bridal, drag, and so much more. Their work has been featured in multiple publications, including cover shoots for lifestyle and bridal magazines. Jacob is passionate about the artistry behind makeup and enhancing the beauty of the person wearing it.

Yakima PRIDE has a very special place in Jacob's heart. As a native to Yakima, they remember growing up and feeling different but not having any real community to figure out what it was. Jacob knew they were attracted to all people, but representation in an agricultural community wasn't exactly there. Having been out for over a decade and growing to love all the things that make Jacob tick, it's their turn to stand up and advocate for the kids who are feeling the way they did but actually give them a voice and representation, so they know there is nothing wrong with being exactly who they are.

Much love! 

- Jacob 

Beth Parker

Director of Health & Wellness

(she/her/hers) - Beth was immediately drawn to Yakima Pride after attending her first volunteer training meeting in 2021. Having prior experience in volunteer work, specifically with Relay for Life Leadership for over 12 years, she was eager to contribute more to the LGBTQ+ community in Yakima.

For Beth, Yakima Pride represents a celebration of community and culture, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, promoting healthcare equity, and fighting against discrimination. As a Seattle transplant for the past 20 years, she appreciates the slower pace of Yakima and the shorter commute time from work to home. Beth was fortunate to grow up in a household where prejudice was not tolerated, and believes that everyone should be treated equally.

Beth was disheartened when she learned that many LGBTQ+ youth at her child's school, IKE, were misunderstood by their families or ridiculed by classmates, and could not be their authentic selves. She did her best to support her child and the other students in that environment, but joining forces with Yakima Pride has given her a broader platform to advocate for change, educate others, and create a safer environment for the LGBTQ+ community in Yakima.

Although Beth was initially hesitant to express her true self within the community, she has become more comfortable over time, leading to a happier and healthier life. Despite her cultural differences not being outwardly obvious, she has faced questions such as "You don't look Jewish. What does that mean?" and "You don't look queer. What does THAT mean?" In response, she confidently says, "I look like me. I act like me. And every day I strive to be a better version of me… as we all should!"

When not participating in Yakima Pride activities, Beth can be found at her day job, connecting cancer patients to clinical trials, volunteering with Warehouse Theatre Company, spending time with her dog Katie and her family, or planning her next Disney trip with her child. And as a lifelong theatre junkie she’s often singing show tunes under her breath or quoting lines from favorite shows (and she always wears a bit of pink on Wednesdays).

Desi Quenzer

Youth Volunteer, Communications

(she/her/hers) - Desi Quenzer was born in New York in 2006 and has lived in Yakima most of her life. She is a high school student and is currently working towards her AA through YVCC. Desi has experience in leadership roles and is very active in extra curricular activities and  loves volunteering. She has a passion for theatre arts, animals, and learning. Desi spends most of her time stage managing for theater productions and plans to go to college for business and theater, in hopes of one day managing a theater. When she’s not at the theater, she’s in the heart of Yakima Valley showing cows for FFA. Desi is a proud advocate of LGBTQIA+ rights, disability rights, and animal rights. She hopes to represent Yakima’s LGBTQIA+ youth through Yakima Pride.

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.

Cristina Ortega

Past President & Founding Member

(she/her/hers) - 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