Who we are
Fort Collins Pride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Colorado. Our mission is to create inclusive, affirming spaces where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions can thrive, connect, and be seen.
Each year, Fort Collins Pride will organize a vibrant and welcoming Pride event in the heart of Fort Collins. This celebration brings together community members, allies, local businesses, and advocacy organizations to honor LGBTQ+ history, culture, and progress. Through live performances, speakers, vendors, educational outreach, and family-friendly programming, our Pride event promotes visibility, unity, and joy.
Beyond the annual celebration, Fort Collins Pride works year-round to support LGBTQ+ individuals through community engagement, advocacy efforts, and partnerships with local organizations that share our vision for equity and inclusion.
Together, we're building a more compassionate and connected community—one where everyone can be proud!
Check out our team below!
Meet the team
Nico Williams
President of Fort Collins Pride and Event Full LLC Nico is a heart-forward business leader with a passion for building sustainable, inclusive communities where people and the planet thrive. With over 15 years of experience in real estate, project management, and the arts.
She is especially drawn to work that aligns economic development with social equity and environmental health — because she believes the future of business is rooted in purpose.
As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and an advocate for inclusive business practices, she is deeply committed to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Nick Heimann, MPH, he/him
Nick works as Cultural Community Programs Manager for the City of Fort Collins. He is a passionate public servant who aims to integrate art into the Fort Collins community and support various cultural initiatives.
He recognizes that the arts and culture support individual and community health, and grounds all his work in the idea that creativity is part of a healthy life. In his free time, he and his husband, Dylan, lead active and creative lives, and enjoy spending time together, in their garden, and with their cat Clarise.
Leanna Valadez, (she/her)
Leanna is a long time resident of Fort Collins. She received a B.S. in Innovation Management and Organization with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship at the CSU College of Business. She has over 20+ years in service. In 2015, Leanna opened R Bar and Lounge in Fort Collins. To this day it remains Northern Colorado's only Queer venue. She plays an active role in the LGBTQ+ community, fostering and encouraging activism, and providing a safe space.
In 2021, she was featured in the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce Business Appreciation Celebration for her contributions to the community. In 2023 and 2024, she was recognized at the NGLCC Business and Leadership Conference Awards for her impact, receiving grants to further her opportunities and advancements in the LGBTQ+ community. She works closely with advocacy groups, non-profits, and outreach programs to ensure a higher quality of life for our LGBTQ+ population.
Leisha Talley Lawson, she/her
Vice President of Fort Collins Pride and Event Full LLC
Leisha facilitates access to resources and empowers a diverse range of entrepreneurs, enabling them to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to actualize business ideation, thrive through volatility, and strategize for resilience. With a background in natural resource science education, carbon management, and sustainability accounting, she can help businesses identify areas for optimization, navigate applicable environmental policies, realize cost savings through mitigating externalities, and enhance brand value through responsible corporate practices.
Dylan (he/him)
Dylan works for a global food manufacturer and is deeply committed to collaboration and community support. He sees his values reflected in Fort Collins Pride and aims to leverage his business acumen to bolster this budding initiative.
Dylan is passionate about giving back to the community he grew up in and continues to belong to. He and his husband, Nick, cherish social engagements with friends and family, and when they're not outdoors, they enjoy traveling, exploring food, art, and exercise, or relaxing at home with a good movie.
Sage Warner, he/they
Bilingual community outreach library assistant, Poudre Libraries
I grew up in Fort Collins and was lucky enough to have found spaces and organizations dedicated to supporting and uplifting the queer community when I was growing up. In my role at the library, I have the opportunity to pay it forward and create spaces and opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to connect, celebrate, and thrive.
Aza Rose (She/Her/Ella)
Live Beyond Limit Community Coordinator
Shannon Ash, she/her
City of Fort Collins – Utilities Affordability Programs Manager / PRIDE Employee Resource Group Co-Chair
I’m a Wisconsin gal at heart, but Colorado has been home for a while, so when given the opportunity to help create an event that provides our community with a sense of belonging and the embrace of home, I wanted to be involved. Now more than ever, we need spaces to celebrate queer joy, so what better way than to host Pride where we live and work!
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!