Mark Shashikant (he/him) was raised in Birmingham, AL. He is a physician and was trained in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, and Boston, MA. While posted in Washington, DC as a combat veteran he was deployed overseas and continues to serve in the Army reserves. He moved to Norfolk in 2021 from Sioux Falls, SD. He is married with four children and three dogs. Some fun facts are that Mark enjoys 80's cars and music as well as fly fishing, bird hunting, and dog training.

Brooke Pelster-Hess (she/her) was born and raised in Northeast Nebraska. After living in Lincoln, NE, for nearly a decade, she returned to her roots in 2010. Brooke is a Mental Health and Addictions Therapist and values the unique journey of each individual. She believes strongly that the truth will get out, and that we each have a responsibility to shine a light on the truth whenever we encounter it. Brooke strives to make a difference through advocation and is grateful to have the opportunity to assist Norfolk Area Pride in making our little part of the world a more diverse, beautiful, and inclusive place. 

Jen Ippensen (she/her) is originally from Worms, Nebraska and has lived and worked in many places, from New York City to large and small towns in middle America; she now resides with her family in Norfolk. Jen spent many years as an English/Language Arts educator, competitive speech coach, theatre director, and more before taking on her current role as Director of Library Services at Northeast Community College. She co-founded Vast Literary Press in 2021 where she is co-editor-in-chief of Vast Chasm Magazine, a publication dedicated to exploring the expansive human experience and celebrating complex, diverse voices. She is a teaching artist and a writer. In all these endeavors, Jen strives to create community, support truth and understanding, and help people feel welcome, safe, and respected.

Stella Ippensen (she/her) is a bi student at Norfolk High School where she is involved in many activities, including: GSA, Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choir, and taking Honors classes. In her free time she enjoys being gay, spending time with her dog, Scout, and volunteering to help local organizations. Stella attends the monthly Pride teen peer group and is excited to be the first youth board member.

Dawn Phelps (she/her) is a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and ally. Taking to heart Jesus' command in the gospels to "Love one another," she strives to follow His example of communing with and supporting marginalized people. She lives in Norfolk with her family.

Jami Schmidt (she/her) is originally from south of Ewing, Nebraska. She went to high school in Ewing, undergrad at UNK and completed her doctor of pharmacy degree at UNMC in Omaha. Jami practiced retail pharmacy in Neligh, Nebraska for 20+ years. There she and her husband, Brent, had their two sons, Noah and Will. Their family moved to Norfolk in 2021, where both sons attended Norfolk Senior High. In February 2024, Jami and her friend started a new business venture, Results Norfolk, that specializes in weight loss and hormone health. Jami is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and advocating for the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or beliefs.

Norfolk Area Pride has committees working to serve our community. If you are interested in volunteering in one of these areas, please reach out to hello@norfolkareapride.org to let us know! 

• Social Events

• Wellness 

• Fundraising

We also have a group of incredible volunteers who help with our annual festival and in other ways as needs arise and time allows. Contact volunteer@norfolkareapride.org to be added to our volunteer contact list.