Montgomery Pride United
 

Our Team

We are a safe space uniting the community and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

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Our Founders

Meta Ellis and Emma McDaniel-Ellis are our Director and Educational Outreach Director. Meta Ellis has been a life-long activist for human and animal rights here in Montgomery, AL as well as California, Arizona, Ohio, and Washington D.C.

Meta is the Director of Montgomery Pride United and the co-founder of the Bayard Rustin Community Center. Meta is passionate about working to help create the Beloved Community as we strive for equality for all. Meta was also selected to represent Alabama in USA Today's "State By State: Faces of Pride" June 30, 2017 edition, and co-recipient of the 2018 Billy Jack Gaither Humanitarian Award. Learn more about them here.

 

Our Leadership and Board

 
 
 
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Meta Ellis (SHE/HER, THEY/THEM) | Director

Meta Ellis has been a life-long activist for human and animal rights here in Montgomery as well as California, Arizona, Ohio, and Washington, DC. Meta is the Director of Montgomery Pride United and the co-founder of the Bayard Rustin Community Center. They are passionate about working to help create the Beloved Community as we strive for equality for all. Meta was also selected to represent Alabama in USA Today's "State By State: Faces of Pride" June 30, 2017 edition, and co-recipient of the 2018 Billy Jack Gaither Humanitarian Award.

 

MARCO MAYS (HE/HIM) | PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Marco Mays is an advocate, humanitarian, empowerment speaker, author and model, and is the founder and CEO of Live Like An Icon, a consulting company specializing in personal development and events management, and founder of The Black Cave, an all Black community group dedicated to better the Black Same Gender Loving (SGL) male. As a tireless advocate, Marco works to de-stigmatize HIV, educate communities, and promote safe practices. Marco is a testament to the power of confidence, both inside and out, as a force for positive change in the world.

Board/Committee member on Until There’s A Cure, The Reunion Project, ROC4Aging+ Communication Committee, Serenity House, Colors River Region, Alabama Consumers Advisory Board, Low Income Housing Coalition Alabama, HPTN096 Community Advisory Group.
Marco currently resides in Montgomery, Alabama and is the Director of Programs for Montgomery Pride United. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Auburn University at Montgomery.

 
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Emma McDaniel-Ellis (Ms. Harvey Mcdaniel) (SHE/HER)| Educational Director; dIRECTOR - sOUTH eASTERN qUEER aRTS

Emma McDaniel-Ellis is a Human and Civil Rights Advocate and Activist who uses her voice to raise awareness of the discrimination against sexual and gender minorities. She is the Educational Outreach Director for Montgomery PRIDE United, co-founder of the Bayard Rustin Community Center, and Director of South Eastern Queer arts. She has spoken in numerous conferences about the importance of inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQ+ persons - especially transgender persons - in all aspects of society. She has testified before the Alabama House of Representatives Health Committee advocating for transgender rights, helps co-facilitate several support groups, and was also a co-recipient of the 2018 Billy Jack Gaither Humanitarian Award.

 

Miranda Lucas (she/her) | Board Member

Originally from South Georgia, Miranda Lucas has lived in Montgomery since 2015. With the goal of wanting to be a part of something and the need and want to connect with community, Miranda discovered Montgomery Pride United in 2020. Since that time, Miranda has been heavily involved in a variety of community-based projects and volunteerism. Miranda has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Albany State University in Georgia, and a Master's Degree in Geology from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. While at Fort Hays, Miranda was active in the community, and also on campus serving as the Vice-President of the Black Student Union and the President of the Multi-Cultural Student Coalition. Miranda is passionate about equality for all, education, civil and human rights, and environmental justice. Miranda aspires to live a fulfilling life complete with compassion, love, peace, and advocacy.

 

JOSE VAZQUEZ (THEY/THEM) | BOARD VICE PRESIDENT, Past ORGANIZATIONAL president

Jose Vazquez currently is Communications Director at the ACLU of Alabama. They are also active in the queer community by contributing their design, marketing, and photography skills. Before coming to Montgomery, Jose was a founding member of an LGBTQ+ Latinx Giving Circle in the San Francisco Bay Area. In their time with the giving circle, they raised over $40,000 for local, Latinx-led nonprofits that serve LGBTQ+ individuals.


 

ANWAR WALKER (HE/HIM) | BOARD MEMBER

Anwar Walker is a dedicated professional with a diverse background spanning environmental science, education, and hospitality. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Science at Tuskegee University, Anwar brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as an Executive Assistant to the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS) at Tuskegee University.  In his role, Anwar excels in providing exceptional customer service to students, staff, faculty, and stakeholders. Prior to his current position, Anwar served as a Science, 4H, and STEM teacher, where he developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning needs. He maintained a safe and supportive classroom environment, fostering positive interactions and facilitating student progress through regular communication with parents.  Anwar's passion for environmental science is evident in his research and practical experience. As a Graduate Assistant at Tuskegee University, he contributed to research projects on winter cover crops and anaerobic digestion. Beyond his professional endeavors, Anwar is an active volunteer, contributing his time and expertise to various organizations, including animal rescue centers, educational programs, and community initiatives. He holds certifications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and has presented his research at prestigious events such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Youth Symposium.  He currently the serves as the Staff Advisor for Safe Space, Administrative Professionals Development lead and on the planning committee for the 1890s Research Symposium. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. 

 
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Doug Mccloud (HE/HIM) | Board PRESIDENT

Doug Mccloud has served on the Board of Montgomery Pride United since its founding, currently serving as Chair. He is an experienced health educator with a demonstrated history of working in the health wellness and fitness industry. Doug was manager of consumer programs and fundraising at Medical Advocacy and Outreach until its dissolution, and currently works with Central Alabama Alliance Resource & Advocacy Center. He is skilled in research, social services, event planning, case management, and program development. He graduated from Alabama State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.

 

David Cline (He/HIM) | board member

David is a Montgomery native but grew up in a military family all over the country.  He graduated from R.E. Lee high school as the school was then known.  He served in the US Army under President Ronald Reagan. David has a long career in customer service and worked in retail sales and portrait photography.  He has lived in Pensacola, FL as well as Phoenix, AZ and Denver, CO.  He finished college in Denver and earned a degree in Behavioral Science with coursework in psychology, sociology and human sexuality, among others. Amongst other jobs, he worked as a recruiter, then counselor for an HIV research study at Denver Public Health.  Project Explore was only conducted in 6 cities in the US.  While in Denver, he also volunteered for the LGBTQ+ community center, known as The Center.  He has served as a facilitator for a men’s group known as “Coming Out, Being Out” for several years.  During his last few years in Denver, he worked as a Certified Addictions Counselor.  David returned to Montgomery in 2012 when his mother became ill with lung cancer.  He met his future husband and was recently widowed in September 2023.  

 

Thane Myles (he/him) | past emergency program director, current board member

Thane Myles is an Army veteran who currently works with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Montgomery, Alabama. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration and has worked in various client service positions with fortune 500 companies in human resources, specializing in Health and Welfare and pension. In June of 2019, Thane received an iCare Certificate from the Department of Veterans Affairs Montgomery for his work in LGBTQ Advocacy for Military Veterans. Thane is a board of directors’ member and has also served as the Emergency Program Director for Montgomery Pride United. He was instrumental in creating a survey used in assessing homeless persons’ needs and distributing food, clothing, and hygiene items. Thane is also one of MPU’s most active public speakers and panel representatives when educating the public about LGBTQ+ issues.

 

ASHLEY BOAZ (SHE/HER) | BOARD MEMBER

Ashley Boaz is a healthcare administrator with over 20 years of experience. She grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and went on to attend the University of Virginia where she earned a degree in Classics. After that, she completed her MBA and MHA from Georgia State University. Ashley is married and has one amazing daughter. Throughout her career, Ashley has worked with several prestigious institutions such as Grady Hospital, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and has even run her own healthcare consulting firm full time for 7 years. She also spent 5+ years working with MAO in HIV care. Most recently, Ashley worked with the Alabama Primary Healthcare Association and is now working with Webb McNeill Walker PC. She has a passion for gardening, cooking, and making an impact in the healthcare industry.

 

JESSICA MAJORS (SHE/HER) | BOARD MEMBER

Jessica is a State Farm Agent and Small business owner in the Montgomery, AL Community. Jessica was born in Montgomery but grew up primarily in Dothan, AL before establishing her business in the River Region in 2018 at the age of 21. Her personal mission is to be a catalyst for greatness and her career purpose is to improve financial literacy especially among the underserved communities. Jessica has a large family---1 of 8 kids! --- three dogs, and a wonderful, better half named Justin. She’s an avid traveler and always looking to add a location or experience to her bucket list. You will often find her at community events and workshops offering complimentary financial classes. Jessica will be an asset to the Montgomery Pride United board due to her background in insurance and financial services and desire to promote financial literacy for all. Bring her your money math questions!