ABOUT US
The Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center serves as the fiscal sponsor for both
Missoula Pride and Queer Prom MT.
While each of our programs is distinct, we work closely together to support queer people of all ages in Western Montana and beyond. The Center funds its year-round services through ongoing fundraising and its annual September Rainbow Ball. Queer Prom MT raises funds each April to ensure free, safe, and joyful spaces for queer youth throughout the year. Missoula Pride raises funds annually to support the operation of Montana’s largest Pride celebration the third weekend of each June.
Sponsors are welcome to support any or all of these efforts, and we’re happy to help match your giving to the impact you want to make.
Missoula Pride is an independent grassroots celebration, operating as a fiscally sponsored program of the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center 501(c)(3).
Our Fiscal sponsor
The Western Montana LGBTQ+ Community Center is an open affirming environment for people of all sexual orientations and gender identity expressions. We empower our community through education, advocacy, and collaborative networking. We strive to be Western Montana’s voice for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. We are proud to be a volunteer-based, community-funded organization where we strive to make our little corner of Montana a better place to live!
Missoula Pride's Vision
Missoula Pride's vision is to once again bring a large-scale LGBTQ+ Pride celebration to the Missoula and greater Western Montana region. Much like the Clark Fork, Missoula's LBGTQ+ community is the center stream that runs through the heart of everything. Our vision is to create spaces where people from all walks of life, with all gender and sexual identities under the rainbow, can come together to feel seen, be heard, and be in community with one another.
Meet the Missoula Pride Team
Devin grew up on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, and spent his formative years in Colorado Springs, CO before his family landed in Great Falls, MT the same year he started school at the University of Montana. He holds a BA in Anthropology from UM and an MS in Higher Education from Penn State.
By day, he helps students find their way at the University of Montana, by night, he’s usually behind the scenes (or on the dance floor) helping Missoula’s underground music scene thrive. Devin is also Co-Founder and Executive Director of Missoula Pride, because sometimes the best way to build community is to throw a damn good party.
Devin Carpenter (he/him)
Executive Director
Kera is the Director of Operations for Missoula Pride and is so excited to be on the Pride team again for the 5th time. They are a community advocate and organizer in all parts of their life. From being at The Center, werkin’ Missoula Pride or creating with local theater - Kera takes their passion for accessibility, diversity, inclusivity and equity to all these places. Kera is made possible by their beautiful cat Hudson, their absolute smokeshow partner Ariel and their weird hobbies with Thunder Garden Puppets and folks like you! Thank you!
Kera Rivera (they/them)
Aspen is serving as the Director of Events and Production for Missoula Pride 2026. She might tell future employers she helped "lead the creative vision and logistical execution" of the weekend, but they really just wanted an excuse to drive big trucks and lift heavy shit while wearing a name tag that says "Boss" and sporting a walkie-talkie. You might catch them on campus running the college radio station, leading a student video production team, or heading to business class. Off campus, Aspen is usually playing ultimate frisbee, dancing around downtown, or hiking her worries away.
From coordinating venues and vendors to curating programming that uplifts the community, she is passionate about producing meaningful, unforgettable events and believes Pride is more than a celebration—it is a bold statement of visibility, joy, and collective power.
Aspen Nord (she/they)
Director of Events & Production
Kateena grew up in Brady, MT before making the move to Missoula in 2003. She went on to study Psychology at the University of Montana, and continues her education in the field of Information Technology.
Now in her third year with Missoula Pride, and serving as Director of Community Engagement, Kateena brings heart, and an unwavering commitment to building inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and celebrated.
Outside of her work, she can be found taking part in Missoula’s creative community. Whether she’s spending time with family and friends, performing with multiple local bands, or in burlesque and local theater productions, Kateena thrives where community and creativity meet.
Kateena Bell (she/her)
Director of Community Engagement
Hannah (she/her) is a PhD student at the University of Montana, specializing in forensic and molecular anthropology. Originally from East Lansing, Michigan, she first came to Missoula in 2021 to pursue a master’s degree and decided to stay after falling in love with the community.
In addition to her studies, she works on campus as an Accounting Associate at the University Center. Through this role, she has had numerous opportunities to engage and assist with a variety of events on campus and within the community.
This is her first year actively working with the Pride team beyond volunteering, and she is excited to contribute to such an amazing event. You can usually catch her on campus— between work and school, she’s there a lot, often running back and forth between her two offices or helping with various events.
Hannah Carson (she/her)
Director of Finance & Volunteers
Ally is passionate about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and celebrated for being who they are. For Ally, the Pride Block Party isn’t just an event, it’s a core memory in the making. It’s the moment of joy, connection, and community that will last forever and she is so excited to help create those moments for others.
In her free time, she can be found attending dances at the Elks Lodge, officiating roller derby bouts, and trying to keep her cats off the kitchen counters.
Ally Waldorf (she/her)
Ryan Schmitz is a Missoula-born entrepreneur and the owner of Prisma West, a creative media company. With a camera in hand since childhood, Ryan’s passion for capturing light, color, and the world around him has always been evident. His dedication to storytelling is rooted in a commitment to truth, ensuring authenticity in every narrative he shares.
Since 2022, Ryan has been a key contributor to capturing the spirit of Missoula Pride, witnessing its growth into a vibrant celebration of his hometown’s inclusive and welcoming community. His work continues to reflect the beauty and inspiration that thrives within it.
Ryan Schmitz (he/him)
Director of Media
Logan Foret aka the "Straight White Shield" is an entrepreneur based in Missoula, Montana. As a Co-Founder of Missoula Pride, Logan has played a crucial role in organizing and promoting events that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, Logan serves as an ally, advocating for inclusivity and equality. In 2025, he decided to take a step back into a more passive consulting role.
Beyond his involvement in the LGBTQ+ community, Logan is a local entrepreneur and the CEO of BFK Presents. Through this role, they demonstrate their passion for business and innovation, striving to create opportunities and contribute to the local economy.
Logan's commitment to the community extends beyond his professional endeavors. He deeply care about grassroots movements and actively participate in initiatives that aim to bring positive change to Missoula. With a genuine dedication to making a difference, Logan is a valuable asset to the community.
Logan Foret (he/him)
Consultant
