PRIDE Corpus Christi Board

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.

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.

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  

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.

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.

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.

J naturally run our youth programs as a mother and local educator.

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.

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!

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.

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.

David Spence is a native to Corpus Christi and earned his MBA from TAMU-CC in 2017. He works in accounting for individuals and small businesses around the Coastal Bend. David enjoys cross country running, Dungeons & Dragons, and travelling with his husband.