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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.