Our Team

Shannon McKay – she/her
Executive Director

In 2012, Shannon co-founded He She Ze and We as a peer to peer support group during her own search for a better understanding of gender diversity, specifically in youth. After 10 years of volunteer grassroots work, Shannon became the first Executive Director of HSZ&W in March 2022.

“As an educator, speaker, and advocate, I am passionate about spreading awareness of the complexities of gender identity, believing that education leads to understanding and acceptance,” said Shannon. ​​​​​​​“I feel beyond privileged to be working with the families that find their way to He She Ze and We.”​​​​​​​

Beyond program support, Shannon brings valuable expertise to education, resources and community partnerships.

Grayson Arthurs – they/he
Community Engagement & Events Coordinator

Grayson was born and raised in North Carolina, and moved to Richmond in 2024 with their spouse. As a trans person, they know first-hand how important it is to have a supportive, inclusive, and safe home and workplace. They are passionate about He She Ze and We’s mission: to support trans and non-binary people by empowering and educating their families, communities, and allies. In their free time, Grayson enjoys cooking, painting, and playing board games with friends. 

“I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if I had access to an organization like HSZ&W growing up. I didn’t have the language or resources to express myself. I want to be the representation that I needed as a young trans person, for other young trans and non-binary kids.”

Haiden Hopper – they/them
Communications & Operations Coordinator

Haiden joined the HSZ&W team in 2024 and are so excited to be the advocate that they needed as a young non-binary person. They have 10 years of experience in the non-profit world and specialize in establishing systems that bring structure & efficiency to organizations. In their free time, Haiden loves drumming, watching movies with their pups & cat, and shopping at art markets with their fiancé, Natalie.

“I believe that the queer community deserves more than lukewarm acceptance in all spaces. I am so pumped to utilize my gifts and passion to serve other trans & non-binary folks and their families at He She Ze & We.“

J Gallienne – they/them
Community Care Coordinator

J has a Masters in Social Work with over 15 years of experience advancing LGBTQ+  comprehensive  care and trauma-informed practice.  They are deeply rooted in community, which was influenced by growing up queer in Appalachia.  Their work bridges direct service, program management, training, and community organizing, with a focus on centering LGBTQ+ communities, survivors of violence, and historically oppressed communities. They have managed innovative healthcare programs, developed inclusive training curricula for providers, and raised critical funds to expand patient access. Beyond this, they bring deep experience in coalition-building, community organizing, curriculum design, and rapid response organizing, having collaborated with local and national partners to advance equity. They are passionate about creating systems and programs that are affirming, inclusive, and sustainable—ensuring people not only receive care but also feel seen, affirmed, and supported. They love all things spooky, possums, cryptids, the outdoors, and punk rock. 

“I have admired the work of He She Ze and We since the beginning, collaborating with the org along the way, and am super excited to be part of the team.”

Eli Torres- he/they
Outreach Support

Eli Torres is a Virginia transplant and graduate of James Madison University where he studied Public Policy and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Eli began their career in the voting space, serving in communications roles for five years. He is passionate about trans rights, advocacy and community. 

Eli is excited to join the team and contribute to the impactful work of He She Ze and We. When he’s not working, you can catch him playing Stonewall sports with friends, exploring Richmond’s neighborhoods, searching for the best matcha latte or supporting local artists at a market. 

April Johnson – she/they
Board President

Living in Virginia most of her life, April has watched the LGBTQ+ community grow and change, and is so proud of how that growth has made Virginia a better, more welcoming place to live. They found He She Ze & We while looking for new ways to help the young trans people in their extended family connect with others – and watching their teen friend immediately find a new circle of friends immediately showed how much difference it makes in all our lives when we know we’re not alone.

April is an executive consultant who brings technology and people expertise, from a wide range of organizations – corporations to startups, open source & community organizing, nonprofits and government organizations. In addition to work and He She Ze & We, she’s a swing dancer, Middle Eastern Dancer and ukulele-player who lives in Richmond with her partner and four cats.

Emma Yackso – she/her
Vice President

Emma Yackso is a dedicated professional with a strong background in justice-oriented and DEI work, including a decade of experience in LGBTQ+ advocacy and support, community organizing, and southern-focused racial equity work. Emma has experience in direct clinical care, equitable program development, non-profit management and strategic planning, all centered in the importance of relationship and mutual care. Previously in Washington, D.C., and New Orleans, LA, Emma grew up in Charlottesville and is currently working in the Richmond, VA community. She is passionate about fostering space for authentic conversations that are genuinely led by and empower folks in and of their communities. She has worked with folks to build their voices around LGBTQ+ equity and inclusion, community policing, equitable fundraising and grant writing, and more. 

Emma received her Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Virginia. She earned her undergraduate degree from George Washington University. When not working, she can usually be found digging in the garden with her wife Anna and their two very rascally dogs. 

Chad Fisher – he/him
Treasurer

A wise person once said, “It’s not so much what you believe but how hard you believe it.” And I believe with all of my soul that we were put on this earth to love and care for one another, which is why I’m a part of He She Ze and We.

Chad has spent 20 years bringing passion and a self-starter mentality to evolving Accounting leadership positions, working currently as the Director of Loan and Revenue Accounting at financial innovation company Affirm. My passion has led me to HSZ&W’s board as our Advocacy Chair, where I’m focusing on ensuring the voices of our marginalized communities are being heard. As a lifelong resident of the central Virginia area I have seen tremendous progress, thanks in large part to organizations like HSZ&W, who are on the front lines advocating for our trans and non-binary communities everyday. Joining the board is easily one of the most important decisions of my life, and I’m so grateful for Shannon and this opportunity to channel my passion for others. I live in Hanover with my beautiful wife Stephanie, along with our children Colton and Ellie and our fur baby (cat) Mookie.

Elzan Sampson – he/him
Co-Secretary

Elzan is married with 4 wonderful children and works as an Information Security and Infrastructure Technology Executive in the global banking and finance industry, as well as a elementary Sunday school teacher.

Elzan enjoys all cultures and seeks to make the world a better place for his and all children, regardless of beliefs, background, race, creed and sexual orientation.

Afton Bradley – they/them
Board Member

Afton Bradley has spent most of their life in Virginia and has dedicated their career to advocating for and caring for the LGBTQIA+ community as both a social worker and advanced practice nurse. Passionate about building community, Afton continually seeks ways to provide meaningful resources to trans and gender-expansive individuals and their families.

Their work goes beyond direct care, encompassing training, technical assistance, and continuing education for healthcare professionals. In alignment with their commitment to gender equity and inclusive care, Afton serves on the board of He She Ze and We, a role that reflects their deep passion and expertise in supporting gender-expansive youth and their families.

Outside of their professional life, Afton is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast.

Kathleen Burden – she/her
Board Member

A native of California, Kathleen Decker Burden has lived in the Richmond area with her family since 1996. She and her husband raised two sons in the near West End, and once both were successfully fledged from the proverbial nest, Kathleen and her husband downsized and moved near downtown. Two rescue kittens joined them not long thereafter.

Kathleen’s day job involves paralegal support for her company’s state governmental affairs organization. She has been active in her company’s employee resource groups, and is a recent co-chair of the LGBTQ+ and Ally employee resource group. In addition to her professional work, Kathleen is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She is committed to supporting He She Ze & We’s growth, long-term sustainability, and continued advocacy for the transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse community and their families in Richmond.

Breanna Diaz – she/they
Board Member

Breanna Diaz is a queer, Latinx person from Texas whose lived experience deeply informs their advocacy She received her law degree from American University, Washington College of Law. Breanna currently serves as Senior Policy Counsel at ACLU, where she works on state reproductive freedom issues. They are the recipient of the 2023 OUTStanding Virginians award as well as recognized as a Richmond History Maker for their LGBTQ+ rights advocacy. 

Prior to joining ACLU, Breanna served as Policy and Legislative Counsel for ACLU of Virginia where they had the privilege of working with He She Ze & We advocating for LGBTQ+ Virginians at the General Assembly. They are also a “proud mediocre powerlifter” and host Barbells Not Bans, an annual deadlift fundraising event raising money for Virginia-based LGBTQ+ rights organizations.

James Millner – he/him
Board Member

James Millner is the VA Pride Director at Diversity Richmond where he leads the organization’s Virginia Pride program as part of a senior management team. He is a recognized leader in the Richmond Region’s LGBTQ community and has strong relationships with non-profit organizations, media, business leaders, civic leaders, and community advocates and activists. He is a passionate social justice advocate and who often speaks to local and national corporations, professional associations and other organizations about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. He regularly appears in the news media as an expert on issues affecting the LGBTQ and allied communities.

James has a background in both corporate and non-profit communications, having held senior-level positions in global PR agencies representing large government agencies and Fortune 50 companies.

James lives in Henrico County, Virginia with his fiancé, Richard.

Robert Salmons – he/him
Board Member

Robert Salmons is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to community engagement and enhancing employee experiences. As the Vice President of Product Delivery at Allianz Partners, he has played a key role in establishing the company’s DEI Council and expanding its outreach and involvement in DEI-related organizations.

Robert’s passion for community service and creating inclusive workplace cultures, combined with his business acumen, significantly contributes to our mission. He and his husband, Michael, reside in Henrico and are actively involved in LGBTQIA+ and Autism advocacy within their community.

Linda Tissiere – she/her
Board Member

Linda S. Tissiere has more than 30 years’ experience in executive leadership for both
profit and nonprofit organizations. She currently provides consulting services in strategic planning and strategic communications, as well as serves as a community volunteer for numerous nonprofits in Richmond, VA. In January, 2023, she retired as CEO of YWCA Richmond where she transformed one of the region’s oldest nonprofits at the forefront of creating positive social change through the elimination of racism and the empowerment of women. Prior to joining the YWCA, Linda was Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement & Integrated Communications at Luck Companies for ten years.

Linda’s extensive professional career spans a variety of disciplines including journalism,
public relations, philanthropy, teaching, and corporate communications for financial,
manufacturing, education and health care organizations. She has a passion for promoting women in leadership and creating equity for women in the workplace. As the parent of an adult child who identifies as nonbinary, Linda is interested in advocating for a world where persons of all genders are accepted, supported, and feel safe.

In addition to being on the Board of Directors for He She Ze and We, Linda serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia and Virginia Public Media.

Meredith Hertzler – she/her
Board President Emeritus

Meredith is a native Richmonder and the Director of Staff Operations for Sola Salons. She has been an active ally in the LGBTQIA community since the late 1980s, having found HSZ&W in 2016. Since then, witnessing first-hand the power of its message, she has helped guide the organization from a community support group to a thriving community resource. Meredith lives in Henrico with her husband, 2 sons, and 3 cats.