SPENCER, Ind. – June 1, 2026 Celebrating two decades of LGBTQ+ advocacy and rural community building, Spencer Pride today announced a historic milestone to kick off Pride Month: the appointment of Jake… Read More »An Historic Pride Month: Spencer Pride Celebrates 20 Years by Appointing First Executive Director
Jake is a native of rural Michigan, Missouri, and Indiana, and brings a background in community development, nonprofit work, education, and equity-centered practice. Jake holds an MA in Intercultural Encounters from the University of Helsinki and a BA in Journalism from Indiana University.
Before joining Spencer Pride, Jake served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, partnering with local communities on education, health, and agricultural initiatives, managing grant-funded projects, working with local organizations, and helping launch a village library. They also served as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC, leading a team through disaster relief, public health, and community service projects across the United States.
Jake’s experience includes advocacy and nonprofit work through roles with the Human Rights Campaign and the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, where they supported equity programming, community engagement, and board relations.
As for Jake’s passions outside of work, they enjoy reading, language learning, and spending time outdoors.
Contact Jake via email jake@SpencerPride.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A Brushstroke of Progress Spencer Pride and KODA’s Powerful New Mural Reshapes Indiana’s Narrative on Equality August 5, 2025 SPENCER, IN — Spencer Pride is proud to… Read More »A Brushstroke of Progress
It’s Pride Month in the United States and in many countries around the world, and although this year’s events are overshadowed by the horrifying actions of some world leaders (including… Read More »Together in Pride
U.S. Supreme Court decision reinforces state-level barriers to trans youth medical treatment. The Supreme Court’s ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti today upheld Tennessee’s prohibition on gender-affirming medical care for minors,… Read More »Spencer Pride Statement on U.S. v. Skrmetti Decision
DISCLAIMER: Spencer Pride is excited to see Mitch Teplitsky’s documentary film about our work move into production and its pending release. Please note that the film is being developed entirely… Read More »PRESS RELEASE – Spencer Pride Film Finalist for $10,000 PitchDox Award: Public Voting Now Open
Greetings! Check us out in this featured article that discusses the documentary being made about Spencer Pride!
Spencer Pride is excited to welcome visitors for the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. This once-in-a-lifetime event is expected to bring 17,000 visitors to Owen County,… Read More »Experience The Eclipse With Spencer Pride
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 28, 2024 SPENCER, IN – Spencer Pride’s Board of Directors issued the following statement today: Indiana’s State Enrolled Act 480, the law that stops minors from… Read More »SPENCER PRIDE SUPPORTS TRANS YOUTH
During this holiday of Thanksgiving, we would like to express our gratitude for all who make up Spencer Pride. From our volunteers to our visitors to our leaders, you all… Read More »Director’s Corner – Thanksgiving Edition
We asked our directors to tell us about all things Halloween related. Here are the questions: Favorite Halloween treat? Least favorite Halloween treat? Favorite costume you wore/created? Have you ever… Read More »Director’s Corner – Halloween Edition
Each month, the directors of Spencer Pride will be bringing you a bit of themselves. This will be a way for the directors to share a more personal side with… Read More »Director’s Corner – Jonathan
Each month, the directors of Spencer Pride will be bringing you a bit of themselves. This will be a way for the directors to share a more personal side with… Read More »Director’s Corner – Lisa
Spencer Pride was featured at the IU Rural Engagement Conference in French Lick. “Spencer Pride: A short documentary-in-progress” Spencer, IN in Owen County is the smallest town in… Read More »Spencer Pride: A Short Documentary Featured at IU Rural Engagement Conference
We are disheartened by the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws being passed in state legislatures, including here in Indiana. Many of these laws specifically target our trans family, focused on restricting… Read More »Official Statement regarding Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws and Twitter
Each month, the directors of Spencer Pride will be bringing you a bit of themselves. This will be a way for the directors to share a more personal side with… Read More »Director’s Corner – Rex
Each month, the directors of Spencer Pride will be bringing you a bit of themselves. This will be a way for the directors to share a more personal side with… Read More »Director’s Corner – Katie
Each month, the directors of Spencer Pride will be bringing you a bit of themselves. This will be a way for the directors to share a more personal side with… Read More »Director’s Corner – Jacob
Each month, the directors of Spencer Pride will be bringing you a bit of themselves. This will be a way for the directors to share a more personal side with… Read More »Director’s Corner – Kim
