Our
Mission & Values
The mission of Plainfield Pride is to promote the idea of equity for Plainfield. We are one community; we will foster a family-friendly, diverse, inclusive, and equal community.
We will lead the way in the community for all people–regardless of orientation, gender, sex, race, religion, or ability—working to share common values, visions, and goals.
Through the diversity and inclusion certification held by Executive Director Jes McIlvain, we will educate both the general public, the private sector, local governments, schools, and businesses through paid cultural competency training opportunities. The training will promote equality for the LGBTQIA+ community, and educate about our needs, language usage, pronouns, and culture.
We will advocate for and address community concerns. We will host events that celebrate the history, heritage, and accomplishments of the LGBTQIA+ community and introduce these lessons into school curricula to be taught year-round. We will create an environment for advocacy, networking, outreach, support services, and leadership opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people, their families, friends, and co-conspirators.
Our Board
The members of our board of directors are thought leaders who have made a significant contribution to our society. Each and every one of them brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Plainfield Pride Committees
Fundraising Committee
Jes McIlvain
Executive director leads and motivates the organization. Gives assistance to the chairs as needed to ensure they have the tools and means to successfully fulfill their roles. In charge of the majority of fundraising as well as the promotion of the organization in order to raise public awareness and boost membership.
executivedirector@PlainfieldPride.org
Drag Events Committee
Candi Forest
Candi Forest is Plainfield’s resident drag queen and serves as drag liaison to Plainfield Pride and their events. They are passionate about all the art forms of drag and its place in LGBTQIA+ history. Their goal is to help foster connections between the queer community and businesses in Plainfield to help establish drag events in the suburbs. They are a camp queen who performs and hosts everything from shows to storytimes.
They are also focused on fighting the injustice against the drag community and helping to educate to make drag a safe space.
If you are business owner in Plainfield interested in hosting a Drag event, or have questions on drag education opportunities please reach out.
Drag is not a crime, drag is art, and drag is for everyone.
candi.forest@plainfieldpride.org
Communications Committee
Christina Ross
Communications Chair is responsible for communicating our message to our group and community. This is done by way of IT, Graphic Design, Website, Social Media and Email Marketing.
communications@plainfieldpride.org
Research Committee
Sara Jezik
Projects for the Research committee will include helping create a community resource guide for LGBTQIA+ residents in Plainfield and helping with finding and writing for grants so Plainfield Pride can continue to serve members of the community. The members of the committee will also help with research pieces on events that have shaped our place in society (Pride, Trans day of Remembrance) and to make others aware through sharing the pieces though Plainfield Pride newsletters and social media.
research@plainfieldpride.org
Outreach Committee
Jax West
outreach@plainfieldpride.org
Events Committee
Michelle Courtney
The Events Committee manages events for Plainfield Pride such as PrideFest, fundraisers, and the annual gala. The Events Committee collaborates with community organizations and businesses to bring Queer friendly events to our community. If your organization or business is interested in hosting or partnering on an event, please contact us! events@plainfieldpride.org
