Nora VanRees (she/her)

Chief Executive Officer

📍Seattle, Washington, United States

Nora VanRees (she/her), is a dedicated changemaker. As the Founder and President of Here N Queer, an international youth organization, Nora advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights. Nora has developed global programs to help queer youth access thousands of resources. Nora also serves as the President of Magnify Wellness, a nonprofit committed to raising awareness about youth mental health. Nora is involved with the American Red Cross, supports trauma survivors as a volunteer with TIPNW, and was instrumental to the development of equity policies in her school district. Nora is a 2023 Coca Cola Scholar, Invisalign Changemaker, Audria M. Edwards Scholar, and has received a gold Presidential Volunteer Service medal. Nora is attending the University of Washington-Seattle to double-major in Law, Societies, and Justice and Economics.

Ariona Miller (she/her)

Chief Operations Officer

📍Marysville, Kansas, United States

Ariona Miller (she/her), Chief of Operations Officer of Here N Queer, is a student in rural Kansas. After withstanding intense homophobia, Ari founded a GSA at her school. While working at her local library, Ari is a GLSEN Kansas intern, student ambassador for her local Democratic Party, moderates local government events, and coordinates an LGBTQ advocacy group for college students from and in Kansas. Her favorite activity is forensics, where she is nationally ranked in persuasive speaking. Ari is an emancipated minor. After encountering financial barriers because of her identity, she created the first financial assistance program for emancipated minors. Ari is attending Duke University in the fall where she will major in Political Science and minor in Inequality Studies. 

Harmony Hoogs (she/they)

Director of Engagement

📍Los Angeles, California, United States

Harmony Hoogs (she/they) is the Director of Engagement for Here N Queer. She grew up in diverse Southern California, allowing her to realize her identity as queer very early on. Seeing discrepancies within social classes in Los Angeles has lead her to take interest in advocacy work and social justice; Harmony has worked with nonprofits such as Active Minds, PERIOD. Movement, Sisters on the Streets, World Relief, Running Start, and most recently Rising Communities. She has also been involved with government in her region through interning for her councilman alongside work for her city. Besides advocacy work, Harmony also takes a deep interest in theater and the performing arts, clothing and makeup, and all things horror. She recently graduated high school and is attending Wesleyan University in the fall with an intended double-major in Government and Philosophy on a pre-law track as well as a minor in theater.

Chandana Yepuri (she/her)

Director of Finance

📍Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Chandana Yepuri (she/her) is an advocate with a passion for making a positive impact in her community. Chandana raises awareness about mental health care and creates safe spaces for discussions. She also works to promote diversity and inclusivity and taking part in the executive group of here 'n' queer. Chandana actively engages in donation drives, health education campaigns, human rights advocacy, environmental research and takes part in her student council. Her efforts aim to address important social issues and create a better future for all.

Gabby (she/they)

Director of Social Media

📍Vancouver, Washington, United States

Gabby (she/they), Director of Social Media, is a high school student in Washington. She has worked as an artist both with mediums physically and digitally. In her free time, she paints and designs digital concept art. Along with visual art, she also has a variety of experiences working with mediums such as pottery and photography. She now plans to focus on creating photography and helping assemble her school's yearbook. By collaborating her intensive knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community and her love for art, she can design and express those passions to benefit the Here N Queer community.

August Kesler (he/any)

Executive Secretary

📍Tallahassee, Flordia

August Kesler (he/any), Executive Secretary of Here N Queer, is a university student in Florida. Zir role as an activist began at an early age, as he led GSA during their high school career. Xe would also go on to work with organizations supporting Queer Youth of Faith since 2020. Since moving to Tallahassee for college, August has taken a more active role in political action, protesting and participating in activism against transphobic and queerphobic legislation. In the fall, August will enter her sophomore year, double majoring in English: Editing, Writing, and Media, and History.