I am so excited to be part of the True Colors leadership! As an educator (previously middle school and most recently 2nd grade) who is passionate about helping educators understand how to work with Queer youth and as a Queer person myself, I understand firsthand how important this organization is and the impact it is making on our area youth. Recent research indicates that 21% of Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQ+, with trends indicating that this number will continue to rise with Gen Alpha. These young Queer folks deserve to have an affirming space to simply exist without fear of safety and access to services and support that have not always been accessible to the Queer community. Outside of my time at True Colors, I am a dog and cat dad who enjoys playing Pokemon Go and spending time with my husband. We are doing amazing things together here at True Colors!

My name is Olivia Riley and I am so honored to be brought on board as Treasurer for True Colors. I have spent my adult life trying my best to make the world a better place in every avenue I can, and I can’t wait to support the mission of this organization by keeping the books and providing general administrative support. You can usually find me either at home with my wife, two dogs and two cats, or at True Colors working on some sort of project to enhance the youth experience!

Lori Cruz has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on trauma. Their master’s degree is in Adult Learning and Leadership with a certificate in Social Justice Education. They value community involvement and are active in the community. They believe that education is helpful for dismantling inequitable systems which perpetuate power-based violence. They are passionate about building safe communities where LGBTQ2IA+ youth can receive support.

I’ve been a Manhattan resident for 25 years and I have seen this community grow and change over all those years, often by adapting to the needs of The Little Apple. True Colors is one of those needs. I wanted to join the board because True Colors is the type of resource I would have thrived in when I was a youth. Now as a parent, I want to give support and insight for keeping this amazing organization going. As an undergraduate, I served on the board of the K-State QSA and remember a time before the Spectrum Center, when even our LGBTQ+ and allied college students didn’t have a physical space and dedicated staff to provide resources. I am currently a PhD student at K-State earning a degree in Student Services (educational counseling). I also serve on the Governor’s Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Education. As a voice on the board, I hope to be a valuable resource to parents and teachers in the community who want to learn more about True Colors and what supports we offer. My husband and I have three amazing kiddos, two dogs, and three cats. In my free time, I enjoy acting in plays at the Manhattan Arts Center, bowling, crafting, crocheting, and reading. 

Fun fact: as a kid I wanted to be an Oceanographer, now I live in Kansas. 

Hello all! I am originally from Arkansas and moved to Manhattan 19 years ago. I graduated from a small liberal arts school, John Brown University. I come from a large and very eclectic family but grew up in a small southern town. As a family it was crucial to seek out and discover all the diversity that was not represented in our community. I married my husband and moved to Manhattan to open a steak restaurant; Doe’s EAT Place. The restaurant closed and Arkansas called, but my love of Manhattan was absolute. I am on the USD383 team and consistently seek out meaningful ways to support our students. I will always be an ally and advocate for our queer youth, and it is truly an honor to serve the True Colors family. My purpose is to give all that I am into making your future brighter and life full. Thank you for allowing me to join the fight and make the change!! 

We are currently looking for a Vice President to take over as president in 2026! You can learn more and apply by visiting this page. 

For all of my adult life, my identity has been that of a teacher. I retired recently from 32 years of teaching English to middle school kids in Manhattan. Although I am proud of my service in the classrooms of Manhattan, my life truly changed when I became a mother 15 years ago. Together, my daughter and I enjoy traveling internationally and taking road trips in the USA using the backroads rather than highways. When I am stuck at home and not traveling, you will find me completing intricate Paint By Number paintings and selling them on eBay. While painting, I listen to books on Audible or listen to true crime podcasts, my current favorite being Crime Junkies. 
 

Having learned so much from the lives of thousands of students, I did not want to stop advocating for their needs when I stepped away from teaching. Being a part of the True Colors Board of Directors allows me to continue offering my love, understanding, and actionable support to young people as they navigate life. I encourage you to get to know our organization better, consider how you might be able to help alongside us, and challenge yourself to become more involved in the lives of Manhattan's young people. I'm so excited to watch True Colors continue to grow and evolve into Manhattan's premiere organization that supports Queer Youth in ways that are meaningful to them. 

I am Dr. Casey Ewy and am so excited to be a new member of this board. With 30 years of experience as a middle school teacher, I have spent my career focused on leaving a legacy supporting students and building inclusive communities within my classroom and school. As a member of the True Colors of Manhattan, Kansas board, I am honored to contribute to initiatives that celebrate diversity and help create a sense of belonging for all. I value the opportunity to learn from others and work together toward a more inclusive future for our entire community.

I am very excited to be on the board for True Colors! Kansas has been my home for nearly 20 years and I have lived a little bit of everywhere in the Sunflower State. I graduated from Wichita State University in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Unified Education and currently pursue a master’s degree in Special Education. My wife and I are happy to call Manhattan our home during this period of our lives and thankful for the supportive community here. I am passionate about advocacy and the needs of LGBTQIA+ youth and finding ways to support and build them up wherever and whenever I can.

We are currently looking for an additional board member! You can learn more and apply by visiting this page.