Meet Our Board of Directors

Kimberly Lockett

President (she/her)

Location: Asheville, NC

Major & Graduation Year: Psychology, Biological Sciences (BSc), 2009, Florida State University; Registered Nurse (ADN), 2013, Houston Community College; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), 2019, University of South Florida

Current Profession: Administrative Leadership, Division Clinical Education

Kimberly “Kimmie'' Lockett graduated from FSU in 2009 with dual degrees in psychology and biological sciences (BSc). She is double national board-certified as a Critical Care Registered Nurse and a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. She also serves as the Vice President of the Asheville Seminoles Club. Kimmie is passionate about advancing the conversation and agenda surrounding healthcare access and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. She identifies as an ally.

Kimmie relocated with her husband to Western North Carolina in 2021, previously living in Seattle, Houston, Tallahassee, and most recently Tampa Bay. She currently works in Administrative Leadership for Mission Health’s Division Clinical Education Team operating within HCA Healthcare - the largest healthcare provider in the United States. She and her team of Educators train and mentor all new graduate and new-to-specialty nurses across 8 facilities in the Western NC region, supporting >400 nurses a year.

Outside of work she is a certified SCUBA diver, amateur home chef and gardener, and proud Stage 3 cancer survivor. Kimmie and her husband have planted roots in Western NC with their rescue dog Daisy.

Ryan Hurst

President Emeritus (he/him)

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Major & Graduation Year: B.S. Political Science and Interdisciplinary Social Science, 2009, Florida State University

Current Profession: Chief Development Officer, National LGBTQ+ Task Force

Ryan Hurst is the Executive Director of Forward Florida Action, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build the power of everyday Floridians through voter registration and engagement. Before, Ryan was a Major Gifts Development Officer with the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at Florida State University. Ryan has worked in progressive politics for over a decade in the nonprofit sector. He began organizing as a student at FSU where he worked to register voters and advocate for LGBTQ marriage equality and other issues. Ryan is a graduate of the Florida State University. He’s an alumnus of People For the American Way Foundation’s Front Line Leaders Academy and the Gay and Lesbian Victory Institute’s Candidate and Campaign Training.

Brian Marquez-Hall

Vice President (he/him)

Location: Orlando, FL

Major & Graduation Year: B.A. Editing, Writing & Media, 2021

Current Profession: Gifts Officer, United Arts of Central Florida

Brian Marquez-Hall is a passionate fundraiser who loves connecting with people to make a positive difference in the world. As Gifts Officer at United Arts of Central Florida, he works with individuals and families to strengthen the arts and culture scene in Orlando and the surrounding communities. His path in development has taken him through roles with Southern Scholarship Foundation, Tallahassee State College, and Elder Care Services.

A proud Seminole, Brian graduated from Florida State University in the Fall of 2021 with a degree in Editing, Writing, and Media. His love for FSU fuels his service on the Pride Alumni Network board, where he is grateful for the chance to give back through his time, talent, and treasure.

Brian loves all things gay and channels his energy into building communities rooted in connection, celebration, and positive change. In addition to his work with the Pride Alumni Network, Brian serves as the secretary on the Equality Florida board of directors and is an active volunteer with Tallahassee Pride.

Brian is also deeply engaged in the fundraising profession, having served as President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Florida Big Bend Chapter and receiving one of two Outstanding Young Professional awards from AFP Global in 2025.

At home in Orlando, he shares life with his husband Stevie and their two cats, Batman and Sidney. Together, they enjoy theatre, drag shows, and all the joy and creativity those communities bring.

Kimmah Dozier-Burt

Secretary (she/hers)

Location: Columbia, SC

Major & Graduation Year: M.B.A., 2022

Current Profession: Tech Portfolio Manager, AI&D, Verizon

Kimmah Dozier-Burt (she/her) is a Senior Manager, Tech Project Management in AI & Data for Verizon. Kimmah serves as the Troop Leader for a group of Girl Scout Cadettes, proudly helping to guide them as they navigate the world around them through community service, personal development, and care for one another. She is passionate about fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging both internally to Verizon and in her community.

Kimmah is a proud graduate of the FSU College of Business having earned her MBA in 2022. She has experience in Nonprofit Leadership, with a focus and emphasis on board development and organizational evolution, and has served on the Midlands Seminole Alumni Club as Vice President.

Kimmah has been recognized internationally by INvolve People and Yahoo Finance/YouTube as one of the 2021-2023 Top 100 Future LGBT Leaders. She lives in South Carolina with her wife, their awesome kid, a small menagerie of pets. She’s a yarn enthusiast and crocheter, lover of cupcakes, and loud and proud Seminoles fan.

Walt Bower

Treasurer (they/them)

Location: Sarasota, FL

Major & Graduation Year: B.S. Information Technology 2008; M.S. Library and Information Studies 2010

Current Profession: Senior Systems Engineer | Bezos Academy

Walt Bower is a Senior Systems Engineer at Bezos Academy, a philanthropy of Jeff Bezos building Montessori-inspired preschools throughout the United States. Walt has over 18 years of experience in Information Technology.

Walt is a two-time graduate of Florida State University, having received their B.S. in Information Technology in 2008 and their M.S. in Library and Information Science in 2010. At FSU, Walt served as President of the Association of Information Technology Professionals; Vice President of the Nole Zone; a Garnet and Gold Guide; and was a student representative on the College of Information Undergraduate Committee. While obtaining their Master of Science degree, Walt also served as a teaching assistant for undergraduate students at the College of Communication and Information.

Walt has a passion for helping others who are trying to overcome obstacles in their lives: social justice, human rights and LGBTQ+ issues. Walt has also volunteered with St. Pete Pride to bring awareness to issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Walt currently resides in Sarasota, Florida with their wife and enjoys spending their free time pursuing interests in technology, education, traveling, and volunteering in the community.

Tequeda Patterson

Parliamentarian (she/hers)

Location: Atlanta, GA

Major & Graduation Year: B.S. Criminology, 2004; B.S. Political Science and Government, 2007, Florida State University; MBA, Business, 2011; M.S. Criminal Justice Leadership & Executive Management, Walden University

Current Profession: Social Insurance Specialist

Tequeda Patterson developed her love for helping others and uplifting her community as a child. Mrs. Patterson currently works as a Social Insurance Specialist with the US Government, reviewing administrative policies and procedures, evaluating the organizational impact, identifying potential problems and recommending appropriate actions and resolutions.

She previously co-owned and operated Each 1 Teach 1 Rehabilitation Services, Inc., connecting individuals in the Big Bend area with criminal backgrounds with educational and job placement resources to re-establish themselves within the community.

Mrs. Patterson obtained her first Bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Criminology in 2004, a second Bachelor’s in Political Science (FSU) in 2007 and later a Masters' of Business Administration and Masters’ of Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management (Walden University).

When she isn’t working to help others, she’s a very busy married mother raising three incredible children; Kaylen, Kaliah and David II.

The Pride Alumni Network has been a joy to work with. She loves effecting change for populations that are underserved or underprivileged. Her goal in working with the Pride Network is to make all FSU students feel welcomed and valued as a part of our University’s community, as students and alumni. She looks forward to the great strides that will be achieved towards a more diverse and inclusive Florida State University!

Michael Alexander-Lux

Chair, Programming Committee (he/him)

Location: Jacksonville, FL

Major & Graduation Year: B.A. 2006 International Affairs, Spanish; Master of Social Work (MSW) 2015

Current Profession: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Clinical Director

Michael Alexander-Luz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Therapist, currently serving as the Clinical Director with Transformative Growth Counseling (TGC), which is a non-profit mental health agency located in Northeast Florida. TGC was founded in Illinois in 2016 and is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ owned and employed community mental health agencies in the nation. Prior to TGC, Michael served as the Assistant Clinical Director and Lead Youth Therapist at SunServe, a non-profit social services agency in Broward County that provides wraparound services to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Upon graduating with a Masters in Social Work from Florida State in 2015, Michael worked three years as a therapist at the Lotus House Shelter, a shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness in Miami. At the Lotus House, Michael co-facilitated the Rainbow Lotus LGBTQIA+ support group. The Lotus House remains one of the few safe shelters for transgender and non-binary people experiencing homelessness. As a social worker, Michael worked six years as a special education teacher in Miami, Jacksonville, and the south Bronx in New York City.

Michael describes himself as a proud husband, passionate social worker, fierce advocate, and dedicated warrior for equality and peace. He is a lover of cultures and languages. Ever since his oldest sister went to Florida State in 1991, Michael has always been a diehard Seminole. When asked what his favorite season of the year is, the answer is “football”. On fall Saturdays, you will find him at Doak Campbell (or potentially on the road with the ‘Noles). During the rest of the year, you will find him traveling the world with his husband, Danilo, or playing with their cute 4 legged rescue pup, Xena.

Harry Barbee, Ph.D.

Chair, Member Relations Committee (they/he)

Location: Washington, DC

Major & Graduation Year: Political Science (BA) and Sociology (BA), 2013, North Carolina State University; Sociology (MS), 2016, Florida State University; Sociology (PhD), 2020, Florida State University.

Current Profession: Assistant Professor

Harry Barbee is an Assistant Professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, where they conduct interdisciplinary research to improve health and aging outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities. Their work focuses on translating research into public policy to reduce health disparities and has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, published in leading journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, and featured in outlets including The New York Times Magazine and The Washington Post. Harry also teaches a graduate course on the Epidemiology of LGBTQ+ Health and mentors emerging scholars across academic levels.

Beyond the classroom and research, Harry is deeply committed to service and lifelong learning. Harry volunteers regularly with organizations like the Washington, DC LGBTQ+ Community Center and is a frequent blood donor for the American Red Cross. A dedicated Spanish learner and avid traveler, Harry has visited more than 30 countries and is currently planning their next adventures in Central and South America.

Thomas Driscoll

Chair, Strategic Planning & By-laws Committee (he/him)

Location: Atlanta, GA

Major & Graduation Year: Political Science, 2020

Current Profession: Workforce Planning Manager, Harbor Freight Tools

Thomas graduated from Florida State with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 2020. While at FSU Thomas was a member of the Union Board, Vice Chair of the Student Foundation, Senior Class Treasurer, and Vice President of Autism Speaks FSU. He remains dedicated to Florida State and is a legacy life member of the FSU Alumni Association, and a member on the Atlanta Seminole Club board.

Thomas is an active member of the Scouting America, currently serving on the board for the Downtown Atlanta district and advises youth in event planning for the Alabama-Georgia Section. Thomas was an early supporter of “Arrowpride” an organization supporting LGBTQ+ youth within scouting; Arrowpride hosted the first ever Affinity spaces at a national scouting event in 2022. He is a proud Eagle Scout.

A proud Floridian, Thomas currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia and has a canine son named Bedford.

Dionte Gavin

Board Member (he/him)

Location: Tallahassee, Florida

Major & Graduation Year: B.S. International Affairs and Finance 2007; MPA, 2014, Florida State University

Current Profession: Senior Operations Director

Dionte Gavin is the Senior Operations Director at Visit Tallahassee (Leon County Division of Tourism) where he is responsible for day-to-day administrative operations, budget, and finance. Prior to his role at Visit Tallahassee, he spent 17.5 years with the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office in Finance. With over 20 years of experience in local government, Dionte is adept in government finance and accounting, budget, public administration and policy, contract management and administration, information management, marketing and communication, and public relations.

Active in his local community, Dionte is a graduate of Leadership Tallahassee Class 38 and a member of various professional organizations such as the Florida Government Finance Officers Association where he is immediate Past-President of its Big Bend Chapter. He is also active in Equality Florida, having served on the Tallahassee Steering Committee.

Dionte is a two-time graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs with a concentration in finance and a Master of Public Administration. He also holds a certification in Public Management from The Florida Center for Public Management at Florida State University.

With his passion for equality and justice for all coupled with his love for all things FSU and his innate social skills, Dionte is very excited to bring his perspective of growing up in a small town and overcoming obstacles to reach success to the Pride Alumni Network.

A native of north Florida, in his spare time Dionte enjoys travel, FSU sports, and quality time with friends.

Lauren Kelly-Manders

Board Member (she/her)

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Major & Graduation Year: B.S. in Criminology, 2012, M.S. in Educational Policy and Evaluation, Florida State University

Current Profession: Grants Manager at Equality Florida

Lauren Kelly-Manders is a native Floridian who is excited to continue serving the LGBTQ+ community through the Pride Alumni Network.

Prior to her current role as Grants Manager for Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, Lauren gained eight years of combined experience in higher education program management at the FSU College of Law and in grants administration in FSU’s Office of Research during two years of record-breaking research funding. Before joining Equality Florida, Lauren served as the Director of Institutional Giving for the Florida State Parks Foundation, the non-profit organization supporting Florida’s nationally recognized, award-winning state parks system.

She is a founding member and past chair of Mayor John Dailey’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council and is deeply committed to racial and social equity. She serves as the Interim Chair of Tallahassee Pride and co-chairs the United Partners for Human Services' LGBTQ+ Task Force.

When she is not volunteering, Lauren takes advantage of local bike paths and trails with her family and loves to spend time reading, gardening, learning about native plants, and photographing landscapes and wildlife. Lauren is a two-time alumna of Florida State University with degrees in Criminology and Education Policy. She resides in Tallahassee with her wife and son.

Ethan Stubbs

Board Member (he/him)

Location: Albany, NY

Major & Graduation Year: Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2004

Current Profession: Higher Ed Administration

Ethan Stubbs is a seasoned higher education and nonprofit professional with nearly two decades of experience advancing student development, leadership education, and inclusive community building. He most recently served as the Associate Dean for the Fraternity and Sorority Commons at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he led strategic initiatives focused on student engagement, organizational accountability, and community well-being.

Ethan holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University and an M.S.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of Kentucky. His career spans campus-based and headquarters leadership roles, including director-level positions at George Washington University and the University of Kansas, and prior service with his international fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon. He began his journey in student affairs as a live-in fraternity house director, shaping a grounded, student-first philosophy that continues to guide his work.

Ethan is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion and is the founder of the TKE Pride Scholarship, which supports the experiences of gay, bisexual, and transgender members of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He is passionate about authentic leadership and fostering environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead with integrity.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Ethan brings a commitment to equity, a depth of experience in community development, and a forward-thinking perspective on the evolving needs of today’s students and organizations.

Tevin Wooten

Board Member (he/him)

Location: Boston, MA

Major & Graduation Year: B.S. Meteorology, 2016

Current Profession: Broadcast Meteorologist

Meteorologist Tevin Wooten joined NBC10 Boston in June 2022 and can be seen anchoring weather segments at 4 and 7 p.m. on NBC10 Boston.

Tevin Wooten is Broadcast Meteorologist with NBC Boston.

He holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society, and is an Emmy award winning weather reporter and meteorologist.

Prior to joining NBC10 Boston, Wooten spent four years as an on camera meteorologist with The Weather Channel television network in Atlanta. During his time with the network, Tevin forecasted in studio but also from the frontlines covering major weather events such as hurricanes Florence, Michael, Laura and Delta; numerous winter storms including here in New England; and reported in the aftermath of countless tornadoes across the country.

Tevin is an advocate for bringing diversity to the STEM discipline and providing communities of color with access and awareness to broadcast meteorology. Wooten is a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Association of Black Journalists. He currently serves as a member of the Culture & Inclusion Cabinet with the AMS. Most recently, Wooten was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in the media category. The prestigious list highlights 600 of the brightest young entrepreneurs, leaders "destined to change the world" and make a meaningful impact on society.

Tevin has worked as a journalist and weather anchor in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and has spent time as an EV30 design intern with engineers at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

He holds degrees in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas and meteorology from the Florida State University with a mathematics minor.