Board of Directors

Board President/Executive Director

All Pronouns

Michelle retired in 2021 following a distinguished career in public education administration in California. After relocating to Bellingham during the post-COVID era, Michelle experienced firsthand the challenges of building community as a newcomer. Motivated by a desire to foster connection, they began organizing gatherings for LGBTQ+ individuals in the arts district—curating events such as film screenings at the Pickford Film Center and performances at the Mount Baker Theatre.

Through this grassroots engagement, Michelle identified a widespread need for inclusive, intergenerational queer spaces and support resources. In response, they played a central role in founding the Bellingham Queer Collective (BQC) in 2023. As a nonprofit organization, BQC is dedicated to enhancing the social health of the queer community through arts, movement, and nature-based initiatives.

Recognizing the importance of a safe, private, and accessible physical space for affinity groups and community programming, Michelle led efforts to establish the BQC Center—the first LGBTQ+ community resource center serving the region between Seattle and the Canadian border.

Michelle currently serves as the full-time volunteer Executive Director of BQC, where they continue to lead the organization’s strategic development , programming, development, and community outreach

Vice President

he/him

Paris has been a mental health support in the Bellingham community for the past 3 years. He has helped others navigate mental health crises, conflict mediation, and improve their self-confidence, self-advocacy, and wellness. One form of wellness that Paris encourages is movement and a great gathering of friends. He has led the annual coordination efforts for the Bellingham Erotic Ball, a friend-raising dance event hosted by the BQC, since its inception. He attributes his favorite planning experiences to being a RA and Graduate Hall Director for his alma maters, Jacksonville State University and Wake Forest University.

Treasurer

She/Her

Constance spent her working career in the building trades. She became an apprentice plumber at 14 and a Journeyman plumber by age 18. She worked as a plumber with enough time in the trade to qualify as a Master Plumber. She owned and operated design/build firms in Washing, Arizona and California. As a sole proprietor she designed and built residential and light commercial projects. Her artistic talent revealed itself in the design work and her construction skills include every aspect of the blue collar trades.

She operated excavation equipment, led framing teams, installed plumbing and electrical, roofing/siding and interior finish work including drywall, texture, painting, cabinet making and installation, tile work and wood flooring.

Constance has been supporting the LGBTQIA+ community from the time she arrived in Bellingham in 2017 to this day. She and her husband are out and proud T4T and serve the queer community in many ways.

Director/Development Committee Chair

She/Her

Connie brings to our organization a professional background in web design, marketing, nonprofit management, and community engagement. She recently graduated from Washington State University with a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Sciences at the University of Washington.

After spending a decade managing an animal welfare organization, Connie moved to Bellingham in 2020 to join PeaceHealth’s philanthropy team. She was also the Co-Chair of PeaceHealth Pride, a resource group for LGBTQ+ employees and allies. It was while coordinating PeaceHealth’s booth and sponsorship of Pride in Bellingham that she met Michelle Harmeier and was introduced to the BQC.

Connie is now the Web Services Manager for the Washington State Department of Licensing, where she leads a team of web designers and content strategists.

Director

He/Him

Ken is a chef currently running a restaurant just south of Bellingham, bringing a lifetime of culinary experience and leadership to BQC. Outside of work, he enjoys a life of adventure with his partner of nearly five years. They love traveling, especially to locations from their favorite films and Banff, Alberta holds a special place in their hearts. He’s excited to contribute creativity, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to the BQC Board.