About Us

Mission

Norfolk Area Pride is a non-profit organization that provides services, community education, safety, awareness and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Northeast Nebraska.

 Established as River Valley Pride.

David Cockrum, a physician with Faith Regional Health Services, knew Norfolk needed a Pride organization and that the Norfolk Area was ready to support one.

Name Changed to Norfolk Area Pride.

Planning for the first-ever family-friendly Pride Festival in Norfolk - COVID-19 had other plans.

Historic first Norfolk Area Pride Festival was held on September 18th, 2021!

Our Board is made up of members of the LGBTQ+ Community, Mama Bears, and allies. If you are interested in being a board member, please email us

Mo Bailey, President

Mo Bailey (she/her) of Norfolk, NE is an Empowerment Coach, business consultant, captivating speaker, and the Lead Organizer of the Nebraska Organizing Project. The common threads through all of Mo’s work are personal growth, vibrant community, and story. Mo deeply believes in the power of story to connect, heal, and inspire people. Mo’s purpose in life extends beyond her professional roles. She deeply values creating safe spaces where all people feel worthy of belonging. Her work with CASA, the Rise Collective, and Norfolk Area Pride is her way of trying to make her corner of the world a better place. Mo lives with the four loves of her life: her wife, Angie; their baby, Beau; and their 2 dogs, Oaklie and Myla. Mo and Angie co-facilitate the High School Peer Group through Norfolk Area Pride.

Jen Ippensen, Vice President/President Elect

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 of literary fiction, creative non-fiction, and the occasional poem. In all these endeavors, Jen strives to create community, support truth and understanding, and help people feel welcome, safe, and respected.

Angie Bailey, Secretary

Angie (she/her) is an IT Asset Management Specialist. In 2020, she moved to Norfolk from Sioux Falls, SD, the largest city in SD with an established Pride organization and LGBTQ+ community. Angie immediately became involved in Norfolk Area Pride, which helped her adjust, make new friends, find a safe place and feel like she belonged in a new community. Angie also facilitates the organization's youth peer groups, alongside her wife, Mo. Angie strives to help individuals in the area feel like they can be their authentic selves and live in a safe community where they feel a sense of belonging.  Angie is married to Mo Bailey, who is the current President of the board. They have one miniature dachshund, Oaklie and a mutt, Myla. Mo and Angie co-facilitate the High School and Jr. High Peer Groups through Norfolk Area Pride.

Daniel Vosburg Jr, Treasurer

Daniel (he/him) is a workaholic that can be found either working from home as a Senior Software Engineer, working for the City of Norfolk, or working at his family’s store - V’z Oddz and Endz. Daniel moved to Norfolk against his will with his family when he was 6 months old. Although he has visited and lived in a few bigger cities he has always found Norfolk’s size, peace n’ quiet, and ability to drive through in 15 mins homey. Daniel is proud to be a part of Norfolk Area Pride as it reminds him of what his mother, Raylee Vosburg, taught him when he was little, everyone matters no matter their shape, size, color, religion nor who they love. 

Adrienne Kusek, Director

Adrienne (she/her) joined the Norfolk Area Pride board in 2021. Originally from Yankton, SD, Adrienne works as a design engineer at Vulcraft. She is engaged to her partner Ki and they are pet moms to dog, Riley, and cats, Isis (Egyptian goddess) and Xena (princess warrior). Adrienne is a self-proclaimed lego connoisseur and LOVES the inclusive environment that Pride creates.

Dawn Phelps, Director

Dawn (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. Dawn co-facilitates the Parent Peer Group through Norfolk Area Pride.

Chelsea Schutter, Director

Chelsea Schutter, LMHP, CPC (she/her) is a therapist in Norfolk, NE. Her practice, Sea Change Therapy Services, specializes in LGBTQ+ services. She is also an adjunct instructor at Northeast Community College teaching Psychology classes. Chelsea moved to Norfolk in 2020 after living in Lincoln, NE for 5 years. Prior to that Chelsea lived in Baltimore, MD. Before opening her practice, Chelsea worked for the State in both the court and prison systems.  Being a native of a small Minnesota town, Norfolk felt like “coming home”. Chelsea is passionate about helping people live their most authentic life whether that be through therapy, education, or community involvement. She lives with her spouse, Erin, and their three feisty felines (Edgar, Korra, and Remi). Chelsea and Erin co-facilitate the Adult Peer Group through Norfolk Area Pride.

Tiff Tichota, Director

Tiffany Tichota (she/her) was born and raised in South Korea the 1st decade of her life, she then came to Norfolk via adoption, stayed until high school graduation and came back after 20 years living in and around Minneapolis, MN most of her adult life.  She owned and operated one of the largest professional photography studios there with her gay partner and ex husband, and was active in the LGBTQ community for over 10 years, volunteering at the Minnesota Aids Project as well as photographing some of the top drag queens and other LGBTQ dignitaries in Minneapolis.  After selling her business, she has studied yoga and meditation at the Himalayan Institute in Pennsylvania, which lead her to energy work via Access Consciousness and is now a certified Access Bars Practitioner and Facilitator.  She resides in Norfolk with her husband Joe and their out and proud Pansexual Nonbinary teen Kiran.  She enjoys having fun, standing up for human rights, traveling, experiencing new things and people, reconnecting with her Korean culture, watching K-Pop videos and K-Dramas. 

Stella Ippensen, Youth Director

Stella Ippensen (she/her) is a bi student at Norfolk High School where she in involved in many activities, including: Theatre, Band, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Choir, and taking Honors classes. In her free time she enjoys being gay, making bracelets, 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.

Zach Ryan, Director

Zachary Ryan (he/him) grew up in Tilden Nebraska and lives on a farm just north of Meadow Grove. Zach has his CNA/medication aide license and is a flight attendant for American Airlines. He loves traveling to different places, jamming out to music, and getting out of his comfort zone. In his free time, Zach enjoys flying his airplane, hanging out with friends and doing what he can to help people in need. Zach joined Norfolk Area Pride because he wanted to “make a difference, advocate for the community, and give people a voice.” He is very passionate about making the world a better place, showing love, and bringing awareness. Zach strives to do the best that he can to provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Jessie Peyregne, Director

Coming Soon!