PRIDE Corpus Christi Board

2025 Elected Officers and Board Members

Our board members at the Mosaic Project of South Texas are a group of dedicated volunteers who represent a diverse spectrum of our community and industry. They work tirelessly to produce Pride events throughout the community year long, bringing our community together to commemorate, celebrate, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ equality and human rights.

President

Jonathan Swindle
Vice President, Grants Admin.

Robert Kymes
Treasurer

Eric Walls
Secretary

Liza Wisner
Randy Stubbs
Board Member

Randy J. Stubbs
Monthly Events Programming

Nami Fisher
Board Member

Ema Rodriguez
Board Member

Jerry Cantu
Assist. Secretary

Chelsea Hastings
Board Member

Joylee Coffey
Community Historian

Kitana Sanchez
Board Member

Jace Schmidt
Board Member

Bill Williams
Board Member

Margaret Obregon
Board Member

Rev. Jonathan Wickham

President

Jonathan Swindle

Jonathan Swindle is an accomplished entrepreneur and dedicated community leader, recognized for his innovative work in digital marketing and life safety risk management. As the founder of HRMG, a digital marketing firm in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jonathan led the company into its 12th year in 2024, consistently delivering quality services. His expertise also extends to Confirmed Life Safety, a life safety risk management-focused SaaS platform he co-founded in Chicago, Illinois.

A proud native of Bishop, Texas, Jonathan’s values and commitment to community stem from his upbringing by a German immigrant mother and an Army veteran father. As President of Pride Corpus Christi, he has been instrumental in expanding LGBTQIA+ events and sponsor relationships. His leadership guided the successful 2023 Pride Month celebration, which fostered joyful engagement within the LGBTQIA+ community. Similarly, the October Parade and Block Party, also organized under his leadership, was a well-attended event that highlighted the community’s spirit of inclusiveness.

Jonathan’s role in 2024 encompasses the launch of Unity 89.1 FM (KBAE), a progressive LPFM radio station designed to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices and increase visibility year-round. The station aligns with Jonathan’s dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion, serving as a collaborative effort by Pride Corpus Christi and its sponsors to build equity in response to conservative attempts to reduce equality in Texas.

Beyond his work with Pride Corpus Christi, Jonathan’s commitment to social welfare extends through his support of various non-profit organizations, including Education to Employment Partners and the Coastal Compass Education & Career Resource Center. His ongoing efforts to promote diversity, inclusivity, and equality reflect his deep dedication to building a more inclusive community.

Email:jswindle@tmpst.org

Served Since:2019

President:2022-Present

Vice President, Grants Admin.

Robert Kymes

Robert Kymes is a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and currently serves as the Vice President of Pride Corpus Christi. His focus on building community relationships and coordinating innovative events has fostered a more connected and inclusive environment in the Coastal Bend area. Additionally, as a board member of K Space Contemporary, he brings valuable insights into cultural programming and community engagement.

Robert’s background spans roles in education, community relations, and tourism. He has contributed as an educator at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and served as the Assistant Historian and Community Relations Coordinator at the USS Lexington Museum. He also held a leadership position at the Coastal Bend Pride Center, where he supported program operations and event planning, adding to his comprehensive experience in community work.

A 2019 graduate of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi with a Bachelor’s Degree in History, Robert’s academic focus on Women & Gender Studies and the History of Sexuality has profoundly shaped his advocacy efforts. Originally from San Antonio, he relocated to Corpus Christi with a vision of nurturing an environment where every member of the LGBTQIA+ community feels valued and empowered.

Vice President:2023-Present

Treasurer

Eric Walls

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Eric Walls is a proud native who has spent the majority of his life as a resident of the Coastal Bend. As an active member of the community, he has witnessed the tremendous change and progress that has been made in advancing the rights and acceptance of the LGBT community in the area.

With a passion for promoting inclusivity, Eric is thrilled to join the Pride Corpus Christi Board of Directors. His goal is to continue the progress that has been made and foster even more connections within the community to spread the message of inclusivity further.

Eric and his partner of over nine years share a beautiful life together, complete with their four-legged child, Bailey. They share a love for traveling and have a mutual obsession with Christmas.

A seasoned professional in the oil and gas industry, Eric has dedicated 10 years to the field, working as a project controls financial analyst. Before entering the oil and gas sector, he held various positions in an international restaurant chain, including key management roles.

Eric’s educational background is rooted in Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, where he earned both an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Accountancy. This solid foundation has undoubtedly contributed to his success in his professional life.

As a well-respected member of the LGBT community, Eric has shown unwavering support for local events over the years. As the newest Pride Corpus Christi board member, he is excited to further contribute to the growth and development of this vibrant community.

Treasurer:2024 - Present

Secretary

Liza Wisner

Liza Wisner is an award-winning television personality serving her community as a talent development expert and the curator of change agent training, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion strategies. Liza has more than a decade of experience in the human capital optimization space working with organizations around the world to help them actualize their potential so they can create jobs and support programs that make communities stronger. Professionally trained in computer science and educational technology, Liza has built an incredible career and has turned her love of automation into a fulfilling life, strategizing, and managing future skilling and automation initiatives. Liza is also the founder of social organizations, including the non-profit, ‘PowerUp.org’ whose mission is to bridge the digital divide and eliminate “Technology Poverty.” For more information about Liza, visit her website: www.lizawisner.com  

Email:Liza@powerup.org

Served Since:2020

Randy Stubbs

Board Member

Randy J. Stubbs

Randy has a diverse background having worked in foodservice, warehouse management, real estate, public service and sales. This variety has served him well providing him with invaluable knowledge as he effortlessly interacts with a large cross-section of individuals. He is dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ community and any efforts to provide a voice to those who face hurdles when attempting to speak their truth and live their best life.

Randy is an Army Veteran and has done one tour of duty in Afghanistan. He currently holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and a master’s degree in Public Management from The Johns Hopkins University.

He enjoys rediscovering all his favorite shows from days past across the multitude of streaming platforms, trying unsuccessfully to teach his cat anything and short walks on the beach.

Email:randy@hrmg.agency

Served Since:2020

Monthly Events Programming

Nami Fisher

Nami Fisher grew up in central Oklahoma and has lived in the Coastal Bend for 12 years.  She has been a long time contributor to LGBTQIA+ causes in her personal, academic, and professional life.  As a local Realtor, she advocates for equity in home ownership for protected classes through a variety of organizations and boards.  She currently sits on the South Texas Association of Realtors Diversity Committee, and is a member of groups like the international Keller Williams Rainbow Network, the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, and National Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals.  She also works to improve conditions in the LGBT+ Housing and Homeless Communities through her participation in the LGBT+ Housing Initiative.  Through this organization she contributes a portion of her commission directly to local first time home buyers in the LGBTQIA+ community, and donates to organizations helping homeless LGBTQIA+ youth. 

Nami is honored to join the PRIDE Corpus Christi board.  She attended the early days of PRIDE when it was just a block party and is proud to have marched in the inaugural Corpus Christi Pride Parade, and every parade since then!  She is excited to see the organization’s continued growth in the Coastal Bend.

Nami also serves on the board for the Women’s Entrepreneurship Society of Corpus Christi.  She loves spending time outdoors, competing at trivia night, traveling and hanging out with her amazing family.

To learn more about the LGBT+ Housing Initiative or to contact Nami directly, visit her website at: https://coastalconnectiongroup.com/connect

Email:namistone@kw.com

Board Member

Ema Rodriguez

Ema Rodriguez has established herself as the downtown it-girl. She’s best recognized for her creation ‘Weird Corpus’, which has led to her throwing monthly pop-up parties at the Art Museum of South Texas, ArtWalk block parties, and collaborations with TAMUCC.

With over a decade of experience creating exhilarating events including After Dark Revue, Disco 3000, Papercut Zine Fest, The Villains Ball, and various fundraisers, Ema has almost exclusively featured local LGBTQIA+ and POC entertainers and artists throughout.

When she’s not engulfed in the downtown scene, she’s a full-time spiritual worker inside her shop, Skeleton Key Curios. She’s been consistently featured in print, podcasts, and television for her work, as well as having her own weekly segment on Coastal Living. Her LGBTQIA+ clients are of great importance to her, and she’s provided free or donation-based spiritual services and supplies to the community since opening her doors in 2020.

In addition, she created Celebutante Mag, a retro-inspired print magazine showcasing local movers and shakers who may be too pervasive for mainstream publications. She’s also on the Board of Trustees for the Art Museum of South Texas and the Curatorial Committee for Produce Bar Co.

In her free time, she loves watching movies, cooking with her fiancée (John D. Garcia), and cuddling with their rescue kitten, Xander.

Served Since:2024

Board Member

Jerry Cantu

Jerry Cantu is a native of the Coastal Bend Area, and was born and raised in Sinton, TX. Upon graduating high school, he did relocate to Houston to pursue a career in Veterinary Medicine, while minoring in Finance. After becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician, he held position with Veterinary Clinics & hospital in the Greenway and Rice University areas happily for the duration of his time in that city.

While there, Jerry is very proud of becoming an advocate / volunteer for local organizations such as AIDs Foundation of Houston, HRC (Human Rights Campaign), and Pride Montrose Group. Which, entailed; sit-in demonstrations, volunteering at local shelters, fund raising, and peer counseling for individuals who may not otherwise have had access to such resources.

During such volunteer events, Jerry did meet and become engaged to his fiancée at the time, Chance. Both delighted not only being activists in the Houston area, but often traveling to the Texas State Capitol to be part of gay rights leaders’ demonstrations pushing for change and more protections for LGBT+ people. (Especially for gay marriage). After a forced decision on Jerry’s part, to relocate back to South Texas to assist with ailing parents, both decided to end their engagement for many reasons, one mainly having to do with the inequality strongly felt in Texas at the time. They do still remain close and often times see each other, as their time spent together rallying behind the causes of our community largely shape the individual Jerry is and hopes to become.

Coming home Jerry is happy to be surrounded by generations of family. He did however want to continue the fight and growth for our LGBTQ+ community that he so vigorously championed in Houston. Wanting to be a voice and source of solace for the forgotten, the abandoned, the unloved and the marginalized. Shortly after returning Jerry joined the Board of the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation. Being a part of and being able to see a lot of their efforts and good works being impactful to the benefit of our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters.

Since returning to the area Jerry has spent over a decade in the banking industry. In November 23’, Jerry celebrated his 5th year anniversary with current company Rally Community Credit Union (formerly NavyArmy) Starting first as Member Service Rep / Lending Officer, now holds position as Quality Assurance Coach, ensuring the best service to improve lives and drive possibilities for their members. Jerry is proud to say, for the asking of support, Rally has contributed in the past to Coastal Bend Pride Center and Pride Corpus Christi events and hopes to further that support with his company.

Jerry also as a side project and in the service of friends, does assist local establishment The Hidden Door, the premier gay bar in Corpus Christi, opened since 1980. He provides time and effort to promote their events and shows, along with contributing to maintain their social media. The decision to assist also stemming from their countless fundraising events to donate and support to several non-profit organizations. Jerry was happy to have represented, riding along with The Hidden Door in the Pride Parade ’23.

To date Jerry continues to sit on the board of CBWF. He ambitiously hopes to utilize his affiliation with The Hidden Door, CBWF, and now Pride Corpus Christi to foster a symbiotic, cohesive relationship between them, as all 3 organizations have continued to serve the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in the Coastal Bend area.

In a time where we see and feel the impact of growth and change in South Texas, Jerry’s want is to be part of a Legacy that helped contribute historically to progressively moving our community forward. Promoting inclusivity & equality to such an end, that all LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in our area and beyond, know and feel the message: “that all are welcome at our table”.  With the help of Pride Corpus Christi, Jerry hopes to make this world a happier place.

Served Since:2024

Assist. Secretary

Chelsea Hastings

Chelsea Hastings, born and raised in Weslaco, Texas, moved to Corpus Christi in 2008 to attend Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She currently resides in Corpus Christi and works as a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. In this role, Chelsea serves a diverse range of clients and small businesses across the United States, assisting them with financial and investment strategies. She holds a leadership position as the Developmental Chair for the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas. Additionally, Chelsea is a Texas Master Naturalist and a member of the Nueces County Historical Commission. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, taking care of her plants, and spending time with her dogs, friends, and family.

Served Since:2024

Board Member

Joylee Coffey

Community Historian

Kitana Sanchez

Kitana Sánchez (she/her/hers/Ella) is a proud Transgender Latina leader, born in Del Rio, Texas, and based in Corpus Christi since 2007. She holds a BA in English from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. 

As a dedicated community advocate, Kitana serves as Vice President of CCLGBT and co-facilitates the Coastal Bend Trans Alliance. She also facilitates local LGBTQIA+ events and pageants, including Miss Corpus Christi Sweetheart and Miss Corpus Christi Latina, through Brittany Andrews Entertainment.

Kitana’s mission is to amplify transgender voices and promote equality, striving for a world where LGBTQIA+ individuals are valued and empowered. Through her work, she advocates for inclusivity, visibility, and social justice.

Board Member

Jace Schmidt

Jace Schmidt holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Jace was a teacher for six years and now works as a mental health professional, where he enjoys participating in mental health and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.

Jace loves anything pink and drag (he even sometimes performs as the drag performer Kalico Kandy) and has three cats: Whopper, Chad, and Harvey. Jace is very excited to bring his mental health advocacy and creativity from teaching music to the Pride Board and help our community as much as he can!

Board Member

Bill Williams

Bill Williams hails from West Orange, Texas. Upon leaving his home town began attending college at Texas A&M College Station. He was successful in graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management . He has been involved in Banking for over 25 years, & employed with Kleberg Bank for 12 of those years during that time. After leaving the banking industry he then opened his own Mortgage Lending company; providing service to all Coastal Bend area residents. After deciding to leave mortgage lending Bill then started managing The Hidden Door, Corpus Christi’s premier and oldest gay bar. Established in 1980 The Hidden Door Corpus Christi is the longest lasting bar serving the LGBTQIA+ Community in the Coastal Bend area. Not just a bar, but a safe space supporting many local area non-profit organizations for which the bar is known for it’s outstanding work in fundraising efforts to contribute to the ongoing success of those organizations.
Bill is currently an active member of The Imperial Court of The Texas Riviera Empire, a non-profit organization that works in conjunction with The Hidden Door to raise money for people in need in our community. While apart of this organization Bill has had the privilege & opportunity to travel to multiple states to assist other communities to raise money through the court system. The Rainbow Room, the Coastal Bend Pride Center, the Coastal Bend Wellness Foundation, Communities in Schools and Breast Friends have all been the beneficiaries of the work and selfless effort provided by TRE in the past years locally.
Due to his extensive experience in the LGBTQIA+  community , Bill has a unique perspective garnered by experience over the years as he has seen the community grow and change. He has resided in Corpus for the past 40 years, and looks forward to being part of, and proud to serve on the board of an organization such as PRIDE Corpus Christi. Bill intends to use this opportunity  afforded him to continue the work and the ethics employed at the Hidden Door, that all are welcome in our community where we are all family.

Board Member

Margaret Obregon

Margaret has been a proud resident of Corpus Christi since 1980.  With a strong background in the banking industry, she now serves as the Receiving Manager at Julian Gold. In her role as a Board Member of Pride Corpus Christi she will leverage her skills and resources to actively advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, working to support the continued growth of Pride Corpus Christi and promote inclusivity throughout the region.

A passionate animal advocate, Margaret has dedicated countless hours to the local rescue community. From photographing animals at the city pound to connecting rescues with those in need, her efforts have helped save hundreds of lives. She has also played a key role in pushing for stronger animal welfare laws, serving on both the Corpus Christi Animal Advisory Committee and the Ad-Hoc Mayor’s Animal Advisory Committee.

Margaret has always been a steadfast advocate for equality. Alongside her husband, Frank, she has been a longtime supporter of Pride Corpus Christi, fostering a welcoming environment where inclusivity thrives.

Board Member

Rev. Jonathan Wickham

The Rev. Jonathan William Wickham brings over three decades of dedicated ordained ministry and community leadership to the Pride Corpus Christi board. Born March 31, 1969, in Oneonta, New York, he earned an Associate of Science from North Community College and a Bachelor of Arts from Binghamton University before completing his Master of Divinity at the University of the South. Following early roles as Youth Minister in Owego, NY (1989–1992) and St. John’s Cathedral in Knoxville, TN (1992–1995), he served as Director of Youth Ministry at Good Shepherd in Corpus Christi (1996–1999) and has held successive leadership positions across the Diocese of West Texas, including Assistant Rector and School Chaplain in San Antonio and Deputy for Camps & Conferences, before becoming Rector of All Saints, Corpus Christi in 2012.

Throughout his ministry, Father Wickham has been deeply involved in diocesan and community activities—serving on youth commissions, leading mission trips to Guatemala and Costa Rica, acting as Camp Dean/Chaplain, and participating on the Corpus Christi Metro Ministries Board. His theology is grounded in the present reality of resurrection—championing hope, renewal, and compassionate service in both worship and outreach. When not tending to parish life, he enjoys outdoor pursuits such as hiking, bird watching, nature photography, gardening, and brewing coffee, and maintains a spirited allegiance to teams like the Yankees, Spurs, Bills, and Newcastle United  .

We are honored to welcome Father Wickham to the Pride Corpus Christi board, confident that his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to inclusive ministry will greatly advance our mission of celebration, advocacy, and community support.

Board members meet monthly to plan and coordinate events that promote understanding, inclusivity, and acceptance of all individuals. They are passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or religion.

Their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in making our annual Pride activities successful. From the colorful and festive parade to the lively block party, our events have become a highlight of the year for many in our community.

We are grateful for the contributions of our board members and their commitment to creating a better, more inclusive world. We invite you to join us in supporting their efforts and becoming part of the Mosaic Project of South Texas community. Thank you for your support!

Past Board Presidents

The role of President of Pride Corpus Christi carries both honor and responsibility. Today, Presidents serve three-year terms, providing the continuity and stability necessary for projects that require long-term vision and follow-through.

Each President is entrusted with aligning the organization for the betterment of the community and ensuring that Pride Corpus Christi continues to bring progress, inclusion, and visibility for everyone. Through their leadership, the organization advances initiatives that strengthen our community and build a more vibrant, equitable future.

Tom Tagliabue

2019-2021

Tom Tagliabue served on the Board of Directors from 2019-2021 and carried the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dylan Rios

2016-2018

Dylan Rios was a founding member of Pride Downtown, now known as Pride Corpus Christi.

Our History

Pride Corpus Christi was born out of a moment of grief and resilience. In June 2016, following the tragic Orlando Pulse attack where 49 lives were lost, members of the Coastal Bend LGBTQIA+ community came together to honor the victims and stand for visibility. CCLGBT, Sarah Lydia, Korbin Boomer Matthews, and many others organized a candlelight vigil and the first Pride Parade through Downtown Corpus Christi. The event brought thousands together and marked the beginning of a new chapter for LGBTQIA+ visibility in South Texas.

2017

Growth as Pride Downtown

Community organized as Pride Downtown with Liz Musella-Robledo, Kitana Sanchez, and Dylan Rios. Added a block party near House of Rock.

Disco 3000, launched with Ema Rodriguez, became a fundraiser tradition. Brittany Andrews produced the Pride Diva Showcase.

Parade • Block Party • Fundraisers
2018

Becoming a Non-Profit

Formally incorporated as a non-profit with Dylan Rios as President. Parade expanded to Shoreline Boulevard.

2019

Expanded Visibility

Under President Tom Tagliabue, the Pride Parade and Block Party saw record attendance on Shoreline Boulevard.

2020–2021

COVID-19 Interruption

Parade and block party canceled during the pandemic, but community support efforts continued.

2022

Renewal & Expansion

Jonathan Swindle became President, returning the parade and block party at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Expanded the board and strengthened partnerships.

Today

Enduring Commitment

Pride Corpus Christi continues to work year-round to provide resources, foster unity, and ensure lasting visibility in South Texas.