2023 PRIDE GALA AND AWARD WINNERS

Person of the year

Becky Tayler

Becky Tayler (She/Her/Hers) is the Executive Director of Iowa Safe Schools. She has spent most of her career in direct service of LGBTQ youth across Iowa and was excited to step back into the work that Iowa Safe Schools is doing statewide. She is inspired by the incredible work being done by young people across the state in GSAs and QSOs. Becky is especially interested in helping students and young people use their voice to create positive change in their communities through youth activism and advocacy efforts.

Person of the year

Bethany Snyder and Kris Maul

Bethany Snyder and Kris Maul are a queer couple living in Urbandale, with their amazing 12-year-old kiddo and adorable pets. They plugged into the LGBTQ+ community focusing on strengthening connections for LGBTQ+ families by starting Central Iowa Rainbow Families, a group focused on providing support, social, and advocacy opportunities for LGBTQ+identified parents and families with LGBTQ+ children. Today Central Iowa Rainbow Families boasts a membership of over 600 and partners with community organizations for multiple events each month. Bethany is also the Board Chair of One Iowa Action and looks for opportunities to build connections and foster partnerships within the LGBTQ+community whenever she can. They have both served on boards and in leadership roles for several national and local LGBTQ+ organizations, including Family Equality.

Honorary Person Of The Year

Meda Brkic

Meda Brkic is a Relationship Manager that’s has been with F&G for 9 years. She was instrumental in building the foundation for the company's DEI efforts and currently sits on the F&G’s DEI Council. She is an active CCP Board member serving as the Director of Diversity, Accessibility & Inclusion. Meda also serves on various boards, committees and is an active volunteer in the community. Originally a refugee from Bosnia, Meda’s passion is to help those less fortunate and facing adversity.