Chair - Steve Johnson (he/him)
Steven B. Johnson is a local leader passionately engaged in the general community
with an extra sparkly zest for our Pride Community.
He is dedicated to creating a sustainable, inclusive collection of diverse viewpoints and ensuring equitable resources for all. What drives his daily journey? Working with individuals and groups that understand the bigger picture, knowing that a brighter future will lead us to an amazing future.
Outside of the Pride organization, Steve is a parent, helps with numerous non-profit organizations, and serves on the city council of Virginia, MN.
Steve's motto is: always remember, kindness matters!
Vice Chair - Lisa Gunderson (she/her)
Lisa Gunderson was born and raised on the Iron Range and graduated as an original Golden Bear from Eveleth Senior High. She moved to the twin cities to attend college at the U of MN and has just recently moved back home.
Professionally, Lisa has worked in health care, in particular laboratory medicine, education, quality and research for the majority of her career and currently works for Essentia at the Virginia Hospital Laboratory. She has many volunteer hours to her credit, including work with the MN Red Ribbon Ride, which is a multi-day bike trek that raises money for agencies that work with people living with AIDS/HIV, and the Special Olympics of MN where she has been a coach, volunteer and proud parent and friend of some amazing athletes.
“I grew up during a time when gays were so closeted we didn’t even tell ourselves we were gay. As acceptance for the gay community began to grow, one-by-one my friends and I came out to each other and discovered that the majority of us in my core group of high school friends are gay – that was a huge bond that drew us together. I have seen a lot of positive changes in attitudes toward the LGBTQIA community but still recognize there is much work to do in order to reach full acceptance and I plan to be part of the change.”
Secretary - Mandy Schwemmer (she/her)
Originally from St. Paul, Mandy Schwemmer and her family moved to Embarrass, MN in 2022. With a history as a community organizer, she brings her passion for positive change into everything she does. Joining the Range Iron Pride Board and taking on the role of Secretary has been a way for Mandy to give back to the local community that has embraced her.
She says, "As a queer woman with gender-fluid children, I assumed relocating to the Iron Range would leave us isolated from the LGBTQIA+ community. Imagine my great relief and joyous surprise when I discovered Range Iron Pride! I now find myself immersed in a vibrant, inclusive group of diverse individuals who have a drive to create change that rivals anything I knew in the Twin Cities. I am committed to supporting our community and expanding our outreach so that every queer person on the Range feels supported, welcomed, and loved."
Treasurer- Beth Christensen (she/her)
Beth has lived on the Iron Range since 1994. As a community banker, she has assisted diverse people achieve their life goals, from saving for the future to buying their new home.
Beth is an Adult Fan of Lego, an avid Dungeons and Dragons player, a crafter and sewist, and a nerd of many stripes.
As a board member of Range Iron Pride and proud member of our community, Beth hopes to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at all our events.
Director - Wendy Dickhausen
Bio is coming soon.
Director - Vanessa La Mar
Vanessa La Mar moved to the Iron Range in 2023 from Iowa. In Iowa, she assisted with the facilitation of a support group for gender diverse folx. She is excited to be part of the Pride board to ensure there is adequate representation and space held for all LGBTQ+ voices on the Iron Range.
When she is not volunteering her time with local support groups, you can find her running numerous dungeons and dragons games, 3D printing and spending time with her cats or in nature with her family. She lives in Aurora and works in data engineering.
Director - Steph Phelps
Bio is coming soon.
Director - Isa/That Queer Isa
Bio is coming soon.