Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Turner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

At Everett Pride, I am deeply committed to creating a future where everyone, regardless of their identity, can live without fear of discrimination and truly be themselves. Our mission isn’t just a statement; it’s a reflection of our core values and our dedication to the LGBTQ+ community.

Our story begins with a simple, yet profound belief: that every individual deserves to feel safe, celebrated, and fulfilled n Everett. For us, the mission of fostering an inclusive environment where people under the LGBTQ+ umbrella can thrive is not only meaningful—it’s personal. We understand firsthand the struggles and challenges faced by individuals who are marginalized or misunderstood. This awareness drives us to work tirelessly towards a world where acceptance is the norm, not the exception.

We approach our mission through a variety of impactful initiatives, with our block party pride events being at the forefront. These events are more than just celebrations—they are a powerful statement of solidarity, a platform for visibility, and a space for personal expression. They serve as a testament to our commitment to celebrating diversity and advocating for equality.

By producing and facilitating these events, we aim to build a sense of community and belonging. Each event we organize is designed to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a space where individuals can connect with others who share their experiences, express themselves freely, and feel valued.

In summary, Everett Pride’s mission is meaningful to me because it represents our commitment to a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. It reflects my belief in the power of community, the importance of visibility, and the need for ongoing advocacy. I’m driven by the vision of a future where every person, regardless of their identity, can experience a life of safety, celebration, and fulfillment.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a Lesbian woman that grew up in California and transplanted to the Everett area about a decade ago. I am a passionate advocate and the dynamic force behind Everett Pride’s mission to foster inclusivity and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community. I channel my energy into producing and facilitating impactful pride events that serve as platforms for visibility and connection. My leadership is defined by a dedication to creating spaces where individuals of all identities can feel safe, celebrated, and empowered.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I first met my co-founder, Kevin Daniels, through our work in real estate. I run my own business as a real estate agent and Kevin, who works in banking, frequently assisted my clients with their lending needs. During our conversations, we recognized a significant gap in safe spaces for the queer community in Everett. Driven by a shared desire to create a more inclusive environment, we decided to explore the possibility of starting a nonprofit.

Over coffee, we mapped out the steps needed to bring Everett Pride to life. We reached out on social media, inviting motivated individuals to join us in our mission. With the invaluable support of our co-founders, Loreilee Gomez and Melissa Dowell, we have transformed our vision into reality. Their dedication and expertise are crucial to producing our large-scale events and numerous pop-up activities throughout the year. I am incredibly grateful for their partnership—this journey would be impossible without them!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I believe the biggest lesson I have had to learn is that not everyone is going to like you. Being queer, that number jumps higher and it is a hard pill to swallow sometimes. The Aquarius in me needs to people please and have everyone on my side at all times. Over the past two years working on making Everett Pride larger and larger there have been hurdles of so many levels, but at the end of the day I continue to keep fighting for my community and shrug off the folks that don’t like me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.everettpride.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everett.pride/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EverettPrideOfficial

Image Credits

Umbrella photo was taken by Jessica Burnett from Seven of Hearts Photography