Meet the BOard Members
Tee LeShoure | President
She / Her /Hers
QCUnitypride@gmail.com | (309) 373-1479
Tee has acquired a Master's as well as a Bachelor's degree in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration while minoring in Psychology/Sociology recently completing graduate studies at Western Illinois University. After working 20 years for the Rock Island School District #41, she is now employed at Family Resources as the Homicide Other Violent Crimes Supervisor offering support for victims all over the Quad Cities region.
Tee is also the founder and President of A.L.P.H.A.S. (African American Lesbian Professionals Having A Say) organization providing advocacy, resources and education for local/surrounding areas for the LGBT community. She is a member of the Equality Illinois Community Advisory Group that consists of 35 LGBTQ individuals and allies from across the state to engage with Equality Illinois in the policy development and agenda building necessary to secure and advance LGBTQ equality, social justice, and intersectional action in Illinois.
Tee is, also, the Founder of Tee It Up Movements. An organization originated for the purpose of moving from being stuck or complacent in trauma, grief, bad experiences, failures, self-doubt or self-sabotage to a place of empowerment and vision. The plan is to build up individuals, communities, and businesses so that thriving in their most authentic form becomes innate. Tee It Up’s mission is to empower individuals, communities, and businesses to view life and other experiences through an inspired lens.
Jolene Ramsey-Moody | Treasurer
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Jolene Ramsey-Moody is a proud Navy Veteran, dedicated community advocate, and loving matriarch of a large vibrant family. As a mother to eight children (& counting) and a nana to two amazing granddaughters, she brings warmth, resilience, and leadership to every aspect of her life.
As long-standing member of the Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities (MCCQC), she has spent years fostering inclusivity, spiritual growth, and support within the local faith and LGBTQ+ communities. Her commitment to service extends into her active involvement with Quad City Pride where she plays a key role in advancing visibility, equality, and celebration of diversity across the region.
Whether through her military service, her faith, or her tireless community engagement, she embodies strength, compassion, and a fierce dedication to making a lasting impact.
Meshel Ramsey-Moody | Secretary
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Born and raised in Rock Island, Michelle has proudly called the Quad Cities home for most of her life. She’s a wife, supermom of eight (yep — and counting!) incredible kiddos, and a doting grandma to two irresistibly adorable little girls. When she’s not juggling family life, Michelle stays busy spreading love and energy throughout her community. She’s active in Metropolitan Community Church of the QC, QC Pride INC, Scouting adventures, and all kinds of school activities. Her heart beats for family, community service, equality, activism — and the magical art of sneaking in a good nap. While studying at St. Ambrose University, Michelle discovered the power of Servant Leadership and Working for Justice — values she proudly weaves into her life’s journey, one day (and one kid!) at a time. "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Mahatma Gandhi
Tonya Torres | Vice President
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Tonya is a boy mom, dog mom, lover of cinema, avid reader, Breast Cancer Survivor, and huge proponent of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, accepted and appreciated. She enjoys spending time with her son and influencing him to be a good human by leading by example. Community service is something that makes Tonya’s heart happy. Tonya is always looking for new volunteer opportunities to better serve her community. She enjoys meeting/making new friends who love to serve and spread kindness as well.
Tonya graduated from Scott Community College receiving her associate's degree. She also attended St. Ambrose University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Tonya began her career in child welfare where she gained knowledge and perspective and enjoyed the challenges and the rewards of helping to keep kids safe by helping parents increase their parenting skills and protective capacities. Eventually, she sought out her current position in social work as the supervisor of a program that focuses heavily on prevention and early intervention services for youth and families in our community. This important role has allowed Tonya to be able to add much needed services for youth in our community, offering them mentorship and peer groups to teach them life skills that will put them on the path to success.
Being a part of QCA Unity Pride means a lot to Tonya because “Diversity and inclusion is an important value in my life, and I fully support people being able to show up everywhere they go as their authentic selves.”
Zash | Board Member
They / Them
Homegrown in Tennessee, Zash now calls Moline, IL in the Quad Cities their home. Zash is a dedicated partner and pet mother. In their free time, Zash enjoys spending time with their three partners, listening to music, traveling, scrolling through social media,Dungeons & Dragons, watching Law & Order SVU, and reading on their Kindle. They are an active member of Metropolitan Community Church of the QC. They are a true believer of spreading God’s inclusive love for all people.
Zash has a Master’s in Social work and is a licensed social worker in Illinois. They have been a social worker/therapist for 9 years. They currently work as a school-based therapist at a therapeutic day school in Moline. Working with children is Zash’s passion. Zash is also passionate about self-care, positive mental health and protecting the rights of all people.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” — Psalm 9:9
Joe Golden | Board Member
He / Him /His
Joe Golden is a Quad City community member who has lived in this area since 2012. Joe graduated from St. Ambrose University where he now works as the Program Coordinator for the Master of Public Health (MPH) program. In this role, Joe aids and assists both faculty and students, ensuring the smooth operation of the program and fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth as well as assisting with grant research in areas such as gun violence prevention and refugee health and education.
In his free time, he coaches cheer at St. Ambrose and is passionate for public health advocacy, especially focusing on LGBTQ+ health equity and community building for marginalized communities. As student Joe worked with the Project of Quad Cities to expand upon the outreach efforts and better understand the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ identifying individuals in the QC area. As a graduate he has gone on to present this research to public health related conferences in the bistate region and further educate public health workers and providers on best practices for culturally competent and welcoming care for this population. While an emerging professional in the public health industry, Joe's efforts in these areas highlight his dedication to creating inclusive and supportive environments for all.
Cyndi | Board Member
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Cyndi is a multifaceted woman whose life’s work bridges creativity, compassion, and education. As an artist, she finds beauty in the everyday and uses her creative gifts to express emotion, culture, and storytelling. Her artwork reflects a deep understanding of the human experience, often inspired by her work and the people she loves most.
A devoted educator & certified behavioral specialist, she has spent years nurturing young minds and empowering students to embrace their potential. Her approach to teaching goes beyond the classroom—she sees learning as a lifelong journey and encourages curiosity, resilience, and empathy in every learner she meets. Her expertise in understanding behavior and mental health has made her a vital resource in educational and community settings. She uses a compassionate lens to help others grow, heal, and thrive.
Balancing professional life with personal devotion, she is a proud mother and “Mimi” to her grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit and boundless energy are at the heart of her family. Whether she’s reading bedtime stories, creating art with little hands, or offering wise counsel, she brings love and intention to every role she plays.
She believes that creativity is not just an act but a way of life an exemplifies strength, kindness, and purpose in all her roles.
Sara Meyer | Board Member
She / Her /Hers
Sara moved to the Quad Cities in 1986 with her family to attend St. Ambrose University. After graduating, she remained in the community where she built her career and raised her children.
For 25 years, Sara worked in the field of substance abuse counseling, dedicating her professional life to supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of addiction. Sara retired from counseling to care for her life partner of 23 years, who passed away in 2017.
Sara remained deeply engaged in community work, volunteering, and working part-time jobs. She found great satisfaction sharing her knowledge and creative talents with individuals living in senior residential settings and working as an administrative assistant. In November 2024, she officially retired after she resigned as Office Manager for Quad Cities Interfaith.
In addition to her involvement with QC Unity Pride, she serves as Secretary for QC Pride in Memory, an organization dedicated to documenting and preserving the local LGBTQ+ history of the Quad Cities, while also providing educational opportunities that foster understanding, visibility, and inclusion.
Today, Sara is surrounded by her own large and vibrant family. She is the proud mother of four children, three daughters and a son – all of whom remain incredibly close. She credits both sides of the family for fostering this bond and teaching her children to value diversity, respect, and independence. In addition to her 4 kids, grandchildren, & great grandchildren, her family has been gifted with both a daughter & a son-in-law and their children. Since 2019, Sara has lived in Rock Island with her current partner of 7+ years.
Sara has a lifelong love of music, a passion that began in childhood, when she joined her extended family in her Grandparents' kitchen, singing songs of her parents' generation in joyful harmony. Music remains close to her heart, with those cherished memories continuing to inspire the joy and connection she brings to those around her.