Evanston Pride is entirely volunteer-run.
Our team donates our time and energy because we are passionate about building LGBTQIA+ community and making a difference in Evanston.
That means that every dollar raised by Evanston Pride goes directly into supporting resources and programming.
Interested in joining us, as a Board Member, or Volunteer? Email us at EvanstonPrideParade@gmail.com
We work, and love harder!!
Current Evanston Pride Board
Patty Finley
Co-President (she/her)
I am a first generation Mexican American, born and raised in Brownsville, TX. I moved up to Chicago in 2002 to attend DePaul University. In 2006, I graduated with my degree in Finance and Spanish and met my partner, Jackie. I'd say that was a pretty good year. When 2017 rolled around, I was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, which, fortunately, landed me in Evanston. Today, I run my financial planning practice with Edward Jones on Church and Oak.
Being a Latinx, queer woman has driven me to be a visible resource for my communities. There is a need to lift ourselves in a positive direction by building camaraderie, supporting one another, both personally and professionally, and continue to make impactful strides together. When I started my practice, I noticed that need within the LGBTQIA+ community, which led me to start my own networking group, Out in Front, in 2018. I am elated to be a part of Evanston Pride because I get to meet you, and you are amazing.
Rada Yovovich
Co-President (she/her)
Rada is a queer cis white millennial woman and is the co-founder of The Darkest Horse, an Evanston-based consulting firm focused on inclusion and equity work. Rada grew up in Evanston and attended Lincolnwood, Kingsley, Haven, and ETHS. She has stayed involved with Evanston community efforts, particularly with the high school. In addition to her leadership coaching and facilitation work, Rada is an active advocate for LGBTQIA+ equity, and diversity efforts more broadly. At athenahealth and Oak Street Health, she proudly founded and led LGBTQIA+ employee resource groups and has since gone on to deliver customized LGBTQIA+ inclusion workshops for organizations/teams around the country.
She earned her BA at the University of Chicago and her MBA in Health Care Management at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Robert Sparadoski
Treasurer (he/him)
Rob is a gay cis white male who resides in Evanston with his life-long Evanston partner. He has a passion for racial equality, social justice, diversity, inclusivity, and has a creative side. Rob is proud to be a board member and Treasurer of Evanston Pride Organization to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
He has a passion for travel, bike riding, the beach, and decorating his 100+ year old home.
Rob holds a B.A. in Botany from Rutgers College, Rutgers University and an Executive Masters in Technology Management from Stevens Institute of Technology. He holds a Six Sigma Black Belt and is passionate about continuous improvements and Quality Management Systems enhancements in his work as a Quality leader in the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device industry.
Carl Branch
Secretary (he/him)
Carl was born and raised in Chicago and is a newer resident of Evanston; however, he has a connection to Evanston, which spans two decades. Carl was a student at the Summer Music Institute at Northwestern University in 1982, studying classical piano and performing in concert choirs.
Carl is honored and excited to serve on the Evanston Pride board of directors. Carl is committed to empowering Evanston’s LGBTQIA+ citizens and allies.
Carl is the CEO/President of a pharmaceutical/clinical research company specializing in vaccine studies, cardiovascular trials, and psychiatric research. Carl holds a B.A. in Education from Roosevelt University and completed postgraduate studies at Governor’s State University.
Carl and his husband, Howard, are the proud parents of a 23-year-old son, Donovon, and two fur babies, Blue and Lucy. Carl is an avid cyclist, a Mahjong fanatic, and a lover of world travel.
Kurt Condra
Vice President (he/him)
Kurt is a gay cis white male and serves as senior minister at Unity on the North Shore. He has a passion for inclusion and social justice, serving on the board of Evanston Pride and as a certified Racial Equity Institute facilitator. He grew up in a one-stoplight town in Michigan, came out in college, held publishing positions in Southern California and San Francisco, and attended seminary near Kansas City before his ordination in 2004. His ministerial career began at Unity Church of Dallas. He has served in Evanston since 2010.
Kurt holds a B.A. in Communications from California State University at Fullerton.
Ruth Armstrong
Bio coming soon
Margaret Marnell
Bio coming soon
Frederick Moore
(he/him)
Fred is a proud gay man and longtime resident of Evanston. Originally from Little Rock, AR, he moved to Chicago's North Shore in June of 1986 to advance his career with Unity Airlines. He held various roles in Customer Service, with a strong focus on serving celebrities, government officials, and Heads of State. Advancing to management in 2007, he currently oversees operations in the lower end of the B-Concourse.
In addition to working with the Evanston Pride Board, Fred proudly serves on the board of O'Hare's EQUAL Chapter, working diligently to ensure that LGBTQIA+ employees experience fair treatment in the workplace. His efforts also focus on expanding the visibility and membership of O'Hare EQUAL Chapter, while providing essential education to fellow employees about our community.
Ben Ward
(he/him)
Ben is currently a junior at Georgetown studying econ and math. He has lived in Evanston his whole life, attending Lincoln, Nichols, and ETHS (Class of 2021). Growing up bisexual in the Evanston public school system, he understands the importance of creating an accepting and welcoming environment for those struggling with their identities, as well as those who are openly LGBT+. Despite spending most of his time outside Evanston, he is passionate about supporting the community that has done so much for him.
Katherine Gotsick
Founding Member (she/her)
I am a straight cis white woman and aspiring ally who manages a nonprofit economic development Special Service Area in Southeast Evanston, The Main-Dempster Mile. I grew up in Eastern Kentucky as a classmate of Kim Davis, the County Clerk who refused to issue gay marriage licenses when it became legal in 2015. I aspire to be as good an ally to the LGBTQ+ community as Davis was an antagonist.
Jackson Adams
Founding Member (he/him)
I am a gay cis white male, Evanston resident and business owner of Life: Styled by Jackson (interior design & holiday decoration), currently serving as The Main-Dempster Mile Event Planning & Marketing Chair, other non-profit experience includes DIFFA Chicago (Design Industry Foundation Fighting Aids)
Agito Abbott
Former Member (he/him)
I am an illustration major at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Queer representation is vitally important to me and to the world in general. I want to touch other hearts with my art. I want to learn more about art and expression, history and experience. I want to get the experience I need to make positive change.
Sandie Elliott
Former Member (she/her)
Sandie is a queer woman of color and a lifelong Evanston native, deeply connected to her family and friends. With a Master’s in Psychology and Psychological Assessment Certification, she has honed her expertise. However, her true passion lies in coaching. As a certified life and wellness coach, she lives by the principles she has learned.
Sandie holds a deep admiration for the diversity, creativity, and strength within the LGBTQIA+ community. She takes pride in her involvement with Evanston Pride, as they stand in support of the local LGBTQIA+ community. On a lighter note, it's worth noting that she's not a fan of corn, so offering her any might not be the best idea!