Alex Ash (They/Ille/ Iel)
President
Alex is a passionate believer in community, grassroots movements for change, building connections, and the power of learning. Originally from London, UK, they have called Saint John home for two and a half years. Alex is currently a coach at the Saint John Learning Exchange, a non-profit organization that strives to empower people to reach their education and employment goals. Alex strives to collaborate in all areas of their life and is driven by a desire to create safe space for all members of their community.
Kieran Pridgeon(They/He/Iel/Il)
Secretary
Kieran Pridgeon, originally born in BC, is the founder and secretary of Chroma. After obtaining a Masters degree in English Literature in Scotland and publishing poetry in various zines and journals, they moved back to Saint John and into the non-profit sector. Discovering their passion and love for Saint John and their own identity as nonbinary, and seeing the lack of support and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, they founded Chroma in hopes of filling those gaps.
Manjeet Toor (He/Him/Il)
Treasurer
Manjeet is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and is passionate about advocating for minority communities. Manjeet’s experience includes working with organizations focused on social inclusion of marginalized groups through community development. He believes in the importance of economic inclusion as a pathway towards creating a more inclusive and resilient community. Manjeet is a founding board member of CHROMA: Pride, Inclusion, Equality Inc. and is also active in volunteering with local community and charitable organizations.
Nada Ratmi (She/Her/Elle)
Marketing Director
Nada identifies as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She has a background in marketing, public policy, and communications and is passionate about delivering advocacy and representation to minority groups. She has worked and volunteered for a number of small businesses and non-profit organizations. Nada is a board member of CHROMA: Pride, Inclusion, Equality Inc. and hopes that through advocacy, community, collaboration, and education we can build a more inclusive province.
Zara BoKay (She/They/Elle/Iel)
Board Member
Zara was born in Saint John but never planned on staying; Now she’s been back for 7 years and can’t stop getting other people to move here. A queer femme, they currently work as a Business Consultant locally and customer success manager in the start up space. A parent, Zara is committed to building inclusive community for this and the next generation. In their spare (ha) time, you can find Zara outside, in the water, eating really good food, or at home with her chosen family
Mark T. Vickers (He/him/il)
Board Member
Mark is a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. He is originally from Nova Scotia, and he moved to Saint John in 2018 to start his career as a Psychologist. Mark’s professional experience is at the intersection of the mental health and addictions and education systems, where he, as one part of his many responsibilities, advocates for trauma-informed and inclusive, equitable spaces and provides affirming care for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. He also has experience in community development and programming, research and statistics, and communications. In his free time, he can be found attending and supporting theatre and community events, travelling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and taking care of his kitten, Miles.