Board of Directors
Jolie Balocca - President​
Jolie Balocca (she/her) is so excited to be a board member of Southern Oregon Pride (SOPRIDE)! Raised in Ashland, OR she has a deep desire and is committed to fostering acceptance, diversity, and equality within the community for LGBTQIA+ rights. As an active and dedicated board member for SOPRIDE, Jolie finds passion in supporting her friends and family that are a part of this community and is actively dedicated to creating an environment where all people feel like they belong.
​
In addition to her board responsibilities, Jolie enjoys hunting for vintage treasures, exploring in the great outdoors, live music, attending social events, networking, and travel. Jolie has also been known to thrive at karaoke dance parties.
Stan Jensen - Vice-President
Born and raised right here in Southern Oregon, Stan has experienced life across the country, from being a dancer in Los Angeles and working in Disney’s Fantasmic! show to living in Miami, Phoenix, and even Anchorage. After returning to the Rogue Valley in 2004, Stan has become a twenty-year veteran of the banking industry and is currently a Branch Manager at First Interstate Bank. He has worked with several non-profit organizations and finds it very rewarding. Stan is thrilled to serve as a Board member for SO PRIDE and is committed to channeling his energy into supporting and promoting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Catherine Greenspan - Secretary
Catherine Greenspan is a Southern Oregon resident, community advocate, and small-business owner committed to fostering inclusive, welcoming spaces for LGBTQIA+ people, parents, and allies. She joined SOPride because she believes Pride is about living authentically and building community year-round—not a single event or a single month—and that joy, visibility, and belonging are strongest when they are woven into everyday life. Catherine lives in Ashland, Oregon, and is honored to support SOPride’s mission.
Sean Smith - Treasurer
Sean Smith serves as Treasurer for Southern Oregon Pride, overseeing financial stewardship, budgeting, and long-term planning to support the organization’s mission. A seasoned digital strategist and consultant with decades of experience helping organizations grow through ethical, audience-centered marketing, Sean brings a strong operational mindset and a commitment to transparency to his role. His professional work focuses on sustainable visibility, community engagement, and strategic decision-making—skills he applies directly to strengthening SOPride’s ability to serve, celebrate, and advocate for the region’s LGBTQ+ community.
Sonya Smith
Sonya Smith (she/her) is the queer owner of Ashland Aerial Arts providing a safe space, particularly for youth in the Rogue Valley, to take physical risks and express themselves creatively.
​
Kim Marks​
Kim is a lifelong environmental activist, with a BS in Forest ecology. She has worked for several national NGOs and many grassroots efforts as an organizer, campaigner, and trainer. Her work has especially focused on alliance-building with Indigenous communities and labor unions. In 2015, she opened As You Like It in Eugene, Oregon, a store which specializes in eco-conscious, gender-inclusive and body-safe sexual health products. In 2019 she opened her second location in Ashland. Kim loves creating spaces for change and growth.
Serina Pori
Serina Pori was born and raised in Southern Oregon and is the proud parent of a beautiful transgender daughter. She has worked in the Southern Oregon nonprofit sector since 2015 and is passionate about building a community where all feel welcome, supported, and loved.
Leah Halpert
Leah Halpert (she/her) was born and raised in the Washington DC area, coming to the west coast in 2007 for law school. Now a Trademark Attorney in Ashland, Leah and her partner, Rich, are raising their two beautiful daughters here in the Valley. Leah is excited to be a part of SO Pride!
Daniel Scotton
"Born and raised in Southern Oregon, Daniel spent the past decade building pathways for leadership and equity—from coaching DECA students in public speaking and ethics to developing inclusive workforce programs.
Formerly contracted with the Department of Human Services, he supported low-income families reentering the workforce while also coordinating refugee support events with partners such as the Center for Nonprofit Legal Services. His work extends through civic engagement as an active member and committee chair with the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, and as a speaker at business and industry conferences across Oregon.
Recently, he self-published his first book entitled ‘Mildly Interesting: Tales of a Traveling Philosopher’ via Barnes & Noble. He has been invited by SOU and local civic groups to present his philosophical paper, The Six Faces of Climate Denialism."
Gina DuQuenne - Founder
Gina (she/her) is originally a native of Los Angeles, California but when her wife introduced her to Ashland, she fell in love with the Rogue Valley and moved up to Southern Oregon two years later. She is a proud member (and city councilor!) of a community that so openly welcomes diversity and fosters acceptances.
In May 2009, Gina's wife and dear friend discussed the possibilities of a pride festival and decided to "take it to the streets!" The next year on October 9, 2010 they marched with some 500 people down Main Street in Ashland with hundreds people cheering them on and SOPride was born.
With a loving family, and a tremendous passion for life, Gina is happy to be here celebrating eleven beautiful years of pride in Ashland, OR.
​
Email: gina.duquenne@gmail.com
Phone: (541) 890-3548
Cian Murty (They/Them) - Vendor Booths
Tara Houston (She/Her) - Coordination with OSF
Stephanie Ryden - (She/Her)