JUNE 6, 2026 at City Hall

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Board of Directors

Board of directors

The Pride Houston 365 Board of Directors sets organizational policy and approves major initiatives and expenditures, ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong civic partnership.

Kerry-Ann Morrison

President

Cheryl Peterson

Secretary

TBD

Treasurer

Aicardo Rivera Jr photo

Aicardo Rivera, Jr.

Vice President

Kitty Howard photo

Venita "Kitty" Howard

Board Member

Herman Finley

Board Member

Erica Tremillo

Board Member
Samantha Wheatfall photo

Samantha Wheatfall

Board Member

Madison Irelan

Board Member

Jaimee Adkins

Board Member

Carlia Helm

Board Member

Kerry-Ann Morrison

President

Kerry-Ann Morrison is a queer Jamaican leader, entrepreneur, and advocate whose journey from Jamaica to Canada, New York, Los Angeles, and now Houston has shaped her global perspective and lifelong commitment to equity and inclusion. Her lived experiences as an immigrant and woman of color fuel her passion for creating spaces where underrepresented communities feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

She currently serves as President of Pride Houston, where she leads with a vision of uniting diverse voices and strengthening partnerships to advance LGBTQIA+ visibility and advocacy. Kerry-Ann is also the founder of HerCity.com and I AM Toronto, a strategist for iMe, and works in public health with Harris County. With more than a decade of experience across finance, nonprofit leadership, and community development including her work with My Community One Foundation, she brings expertise in governance, fundraising, and equity-focused programming.

Kerry-Ann continues to champion initiatives that amplify marginalized voices, mobilize communities, and build lasting legacies of inclusion.

Cheryl Peterson

Secretary

Cheryl Peterson, from Houston, Texas, also known as The40YearOleVegan, is a life insurance educator, self-taught vegan chef, certified life coach, and passionate self-published author. She has written two books — 365 Shades of Affirmations and 20 Shades of Vegan — showcasing her commitment to healthy living, personal growth, and inspiring others. Cheryl proudly identifies as a lesbian and is a strong advocate for equality, representation, and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Cheryl also works as a project manager in state government, combining her professional expertise with her passion for helping others thrive.

In her spare time, she enjoys working out, cycling, traveling, gardening, and spending quality time with her family. She also celebrates Pride and actively supports initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQIA+ voices.

Jaimee Adkins

Board Member

Aicardo Rivera Jr photo

Aicardo Rivera, Jr.

Vice President

Aicardo Rivera, Jr. is a Houston-born strategist, innovator, and advocate whose journey from New York City back to his hometown reflects a full-circle commitment to purpose and community.

As the Founder of SERP Savvy Studios, Aicardo empowers brands to make smarter, data-driven decisions — transforming how organizations structure, govern, and activate information to create measurable, human-centered impact. His expertise in data analytics and SEO has made him a trusted partner for enterprise brands seeking to modernize their digital presence and connect more authentically with their audiences.

Now serving on the Board of Directors for Pride Houston, Inc., Aicardo combines his technical insight and strategic vision with a deep compassion for the LGBTQIA+ community. He is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, fostering meaningful partnerships, and providing impactful resources that elevate visibility, inclusion, and empowerment. Grounded in Houston’s dynamic energy and driven by a passion for progress, Aicardo continues to use data, innovation, and advocacy to inspire meaningful change.

Kitty Howard photo

Venita "Kitty" Howard

Board Member

Venita “Kitty” Howard is a passionate community advocate and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community since 2005. She actively volunteers with Pride Houston 365 and have been since 2008 and is deeply committed to giving back through service and outreach.

She is especially focused on creating safe, inclusive spaces where my LGBTQIA+ family can feel seen, valued, and supported—driven by her journey of embracing her authentic self after years of hiding. Her work reflects a strong dedication to empowerment, visibility, and unity.

Herman Finley

Board Member

Herman L. Finley III (also known as Father Blaque) is a proud Houston native, community leader, and advocate for public health and equity. He previously worked for 15 years at St. Hope Foundation in HIV prevention and health education, and today serves as a Member-at-Large on the Pride Houston 365 Board of Directors.

In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Herman is the owner of House of Blaque Marketing & Multi-Service Group and Blaque Room Lounge HTX, an inclusive community space. He is also the founder of the House of Blaque, where he mentors and uplifts LGBTQ+ youth and others in need.

A devoted father of six, Herman is recognized for his warmth, creativity, and unwavering dedication to service, advocacy, and community empowerment.

Samantha Wheatfall photo

Samantha Wheatfall

Board Member

Samantha Wheatfall is a U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to empowerment, resilience, and inclusion. Also the founder of her company, S.Naomi & Co., LLC, she continues her mission to promote mental wellness and create spaces where authenticity and belonging thrive. 

As Director of Outreach for Pride Houston 365, she builds meaningful partnerships and leads initiatives that connect and uplift diverse communities. With over two decades of leadership experience in the military, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors, Samantha brings expertise in resilience training and community engagement.

Madison Irelan

Board Member

Madison Irelan serves on the Board of Directors for Pride Houston 365, leading marketing, media strategy, and communications for the organization’s year-round programming and signature Festival & Parade. She also serves as Press Officer for the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest United States, overseeing public diplomacy and regional media engagement across a five-state territory. With over a decade of experience in strategic communications, Madison brings expertise in marketing, crisis response, and creative leadership. A proud bisexual Houstonian, she is dedicated to building inclusive platforms that celebrate and uplift LGBTQIA+ voices.

Carlia Helm

Board Member

Carlia Helm (she/her) is a multifaceted creative, operations leader, and the current Volunteer Director for Pride Houston 365. With a professional background that spans global private chef work, creative direction, event curation, and community engagement, Carlia brings an exceptional blend of artistry and organizational vision to Houston’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration.

As the founder of International Palate, she has cooked for more than 85 internationally recognized artists, tours, and high-profile events across the U.S. and overseas. Her creative work integrates food, culture, storytelling, and hospitality, and she is known for elevating backstage experiences through thoughtful menu design, warm leadership, and world-class service.

In her role with Pride Houston 365, Carlia leads the transformation of the volunteer program: building structured leadership tiers, expanding training systems, strengthening youth engagement, and designing a year-round pathway for community involvement. She is committed to building a volunteer culture rooted in joy, belonging, equity, and excellence.

Carlia’s voice, creativity, and leadership reflect her lifelong mission—to build environments where people feel seen, supported, and celebrated.