I’m Nick! I’m from the metro Detroit area, but moved to mid-Michigan to study Sociology with a focus on Gender Studies, followed by my Master’s degree in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education(HALE). I now work in Educational Consulting, partnering with colleges, universities, and education organizations on various projects and trainings. My husband and I live in Owosso and are dog dads to a Pembroke Welsh Corgi (Loial)  and a Miniature Schnauzer (Raja).

Hello, friends and allies! My name is Jackie Burzmor, and I have the honor of serving as the Youth Events Committee Chair for the Owosso Pride Board. For over 22 years, I have been teaching high school English and a variety of electives, always with a focus on creating inclusive, diverse, and welcoming spaces for all—especially our youth. As an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, I see the critical need for safe spaces where teens can feel supported, understood, and celebrated for who they are. It is my mission to help ensure that every young person in our community knows they have a place where they are valued and loved. Being a part of the Owosso Pride Board gives me the chance to not only advocate for our youth but also share my personal journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, both in my professional life and at home. Alongside my wife, I’m working to raise our daughter to be a strong, kind, and compassionate individual—someone who values inclusivity and welcomes people from all walks of life. We strive to be an example of living authentically, with pride, love, and a deep hope for a more inclusive future. I am committed to fostering a community that celebrates every individual and family for who they are, and I look forward to continuing this work with the Owosso Pride Board to ensure that all people—of all backgrounds and identities—can find a place to belong.

Hey y’all! My name is Tyler and I’m Proud to be a founding member of Owosso Pride. Growing up in Owosso, it was commonplace to travel to larger, nearby towns for many things; clothes shopping, big stores, Michigan culture, even Pride events. It wasn’t until a little later in life that I realized that Owosso and its community offer a lot to be Proud of, and what it doesn’t have, we have the power to build. Professionally, I work as a graphic designer and I am a graduate of Baker College with a Bachelors in Graphic Communications. Each of us has the ability to help in a unique way and mine is through design and marketing. I’m excited to foster support and build a beautiful community of LGBTQ+ folks and allies.

Hi! My name is Erica Matteson and I serve as the Secretary for the Owosso Pride Board, as well as the Chair for the Festival Planning Committee. As a strong ally, I wanted to do anything I could to shape this community to be more inclusive and welcoming. I was born and raised in Owosso and when my husband and I chose to move back to Owosso and raise our family here, we knew there were steps we could take to make Owosso a place that we feel proud to raise our family here. My husband and I own a photography business and I work as a family educator and liaison to a free family resource center in our county.

Hello! I’m Steve Starr, currently serving as the Treasurer for Owosso Pride. I’ve lived in Owosso the majority of my life. My wife and I have 2 wonderful children, and 3 spoiled cats. I work for a cloud communications company, and in my spare time I love to enjoy the outdoors. I felt a calling to join this amazing organization because I believe in the mission of making our community more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Being part of Owosso Pride allows me to contribute to the kind of community I want to see—one that embraces diversity and uplifts every individual. I’m excited to continue this work alongside an amazing team!

Hello! My name is Kathryn Gosaynie. I was born and raised in Owosso and have served as a board member with Owosso Pride since 2023. As a social worker who works with youth, I understand how crucial it is for young people to feel safe, seen, and included in their communities and the connection to mental health and overall wellbeing. I envision an Owosso and greater Shiawassee County where ALL people feel safe as supported to be their authentic selves.

Hello! I’m Voula Erfourth and in addition to serving as a board member, I am the chair of the Education Committee. When I’m not volunteering for Pride and other community organizations, I serve as the Vice President for Student Success & Engagement/Dean of Students for Baker College, where I’ve been working for 21 years. My work in education allows me to connect others with resources to help them reach their goals and my work in student affairs, specifically, is a daily reminder that our students come to us as whole people and that everything they value is important. This is one of the reasons I value Owosso Pride’s work so much; everyone should get the opportunity to live their authentic self in peace and safety, not quietly or in fear. I believe that folks allowed to live in authenticity are happier and thus, better neighbors, friends, colleagues, which is good for our collective community. Everyone deserves to be happy. If one person feels valued as a result of our work, then it is all worth it. I live with my spouse, Michael, and our two sons, Simon (17) and Leo (14) and when I’m not on the sidelines of one of their games, I definitely have my nose in a book. Reading is my first, true love.

Hi! I’m Ashley Windnagle, Vice Chair of Owosso Pride, Chair of the Events Committee, and a proud member of the group since 2021. I live with my husband and two daughters in Owosso, MI. I’m very passionate about creating safe spaces in Owosso for all LGBTQ+ people in our community because I believe that everyone deserves to be loved, safe, and free to be their full, authentic selves!