Indy Pride, Inc. is pleased to announce the election of Alex Richardson as Chair of the Board of Directors, succeeding Lupe Pedraza as she steps down at the conclusion of her term. Richardson assumes the role at a pivotal moment for the organization, as Indy Pride strengthens its operations, rebuilds momentum, and prepares to enter its fourth decade of service to LGBTQ+ Hoosiers across Central Indiana.
Pedraza’s leadership over the past several years guided Indy Pride through periods of transition and challenge. Her steady presence, thoughtful stewardship, and deep commitment to the community leave a lasting legacy. The Board of Directors extends its sincere gratitude for her service and leadership.
Richardson steps into the Chair role with a focus on organizational stability, transparent governance, and renewed community trust. Like many LGBTQ+ nonprofits, Indy Pride continues to navigate a challenging fundraising environment, particularly amid shifting support for DEI-aligned initiatives. Even so, the organization remains grounded in resilience and optimism.
“This moment calls for clear-eyed leadership, collaborative problem-solving, and a return to the values that have sustained Pride from basement gatherings in the early 1990s to one of the most visible LGBTQ+ organizations in the Midwest,” Richardson said. “The challenges are real—but so is the will of this community.”
Alongside Richardson’s election, Komal Sheth-St. Pierre has been elected Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, succeeding Richardson in that role. Sheth-St. Pierre brings a strong record of community leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening Indy Pride’s systems and long-term sustainability.
“Our community has never been defined by its challenges—we’ve been defined by how we rise to meet them,” Sheth-St. Pierre said. “As Vice Chair, I’m committed to working with Alex, our team, and our community toward strengthening the systems, relationships, and partnerships that ensure Indy Pride continues to thrive for the next generation of LGBTQ+ Hoosiers.”
Together, Richardson, Sheth-St. Pierre, the Board of Directors, and Indy Pride’s staff will continue advancing the organization’s mission to create spaces of connection, celebration, and belonging—rooted in queer joy and collective resilience.
Indy Pride will share additional updates on 2026 planning, leadership initiatives, and opportunities for community involvement in the coming weeks.
