2022 Volunteer Awards
Another year is coming to an end, and as we look back at what we've accomplished in 2022, we know that it could not have been possible without our hardworking volunteers. We thank you for all the time that you put into Out Boulder County and the LGBTQ+ community.
Now of course, each year we have a few volunteers that go above and beyond in their service and time commitment. Thank you Anna Vaine, Astrid Etemadi, Dan Thomas, Greg Ginocchio, Jamey Johnston, Joel Duran, and Sarah Peapples for your contributions to OBC and our programs throughout 2022. We are thankful to each and every one of you.
Anna Vaine (she/they/ella/elle)
Anna is a Colorado native attending school in Boulder at the University of Colorado. They are currently a junior pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish. Anna is a bilingual activist who advocates for resources for the hispanic community, Black Lives Matter, reproductive rights, and especially for LGBTQ+ related causes. She has been working with OUT Boulder since the summer of 2022. Before coming to Boulder, Anna organized an Intersectional Pride March in her hometown of Dillon, Colorado, and helped organize Summit County’s first pride march the following year. They value giving back to their community, and spent a summer as an AmeriCorps member, working with youth in their hometown. Anna makes activism and volunteering a prominent part of her everyday life, and is passionate about this work.
Astrid Etemadi (she/her)
My name is Astrid Etemadi (she/her) and I am a transgender woman currently studying molecular biology at the University of Colorado Boulder. I first got involved in OBC’s youth group and then started volunteering for OBC as well.
Dan Thomas (he/him)
Dan Thomas (he/him) was born in Colorado but lived on the East Coast for a decade and a half. Upon returning to Colorado, he has sought out spaces where community and justice are fostered. He is grateful to have found support in this through local Unitarian Universalist congregations, addiction recovery groups, progressive spaces and other groups. He is actively involved in immigration and social justice and volunteers with youth both at his church and Out Boulder. He is grateful to be part of the creation of spaces where marginalized voices can be heard and where we build the beloved community.
Greg Ginocchio (he/him)
Greg Ginocchio, a laugh or a smile given regularly. Gets joy and a weekly education from the "kids" on OBC staff, thrilled to keep on getting invited back to volunteer! Thinks it's high time for Mardi to get elected president. Besides volunteering at the office each week, he's heavy on the pour at OBC events as perennial bartender and also a long-time Speaking Out panelist. Always accepts tips and then gives them to Mardi. You'll see him around.
Jamey Johnston (he/him)
Jamey (he/him) is one of our newer volunteers at OBC. He relocated to Boulder from Chicago in 2021 and has been spending a lot of time helping us out in the office and at some of our events. Jamey’s passions include traveling, volunteering and scenic Colorado drives. He is especially grateful for the all the wonderful resources that are available in Boulder County.
Joel Andres Duran (he/him/his/el)
Joel Andres Duran (he/him/his/el), has been an active member in Out Boulder County as a dedicated volunteer. Joel was initially exposed to OBC in his teenage years when he was first coming to terms with his identity, realizing that having access to a welcoming and encouraging community is a gift far too often taken for granted in our society. While attending school at the University of Colorado Boulder, Joel would maintain his connection to OBC through its weekly newsletter and occasional attendance at events. However, after receiving his bachelor’s in Mathematics and Philosophy, Joel focuses his attention towards maintaining a presence in the community and advocating for the rights of others through DEI efforts. Currently working in the legal field as an administrator and manager, committee member in the Association of Legal Administrators, member in the Kiki House of Majik, and volunteering his time at OBC (among other organizations).
Sarah Peapples (she/her, they/them)
After three years of high school at a boarding school in southern California, where she thrived on the adventure, solace and non-gendered space of the outdoors on wilderness trips, Sarah steered herself to Boulder in 1985 to attend CU for similar opportunities. Sarah has since made Boulder her lifelong home and is a parent of a 16 and 20 year old. Coming out later in life, Sarah volunteers for OBC to build and maintain LGBTQIA community for herself and is so grateful to and for OBC services, events and the welcoming staff.