Founders | Co-CEO & Director of Entertainment

Gina & Jewells Johnson are the heart of many community-building efforts across Kansas. Throughout the years of dedication, service, and creativity, they have become a powerful force for positive change. 

Together, they have sat on and led PFLAG boards, Kansas Equality Boards, organized inclusive Pride Events, led youth engagement activities, and helped create safe, welcoming spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can celebrate who they are. Whether it’s through advocating, sponsorships, or simply lending a helping hand where needed, Gina & Jewells work as a seamless team, bringing warmth, compassion, and energy to every project they touch. They work endlessly to make the world a better place for their greatest accomplishments, their children. 

Their unwavering commitment to love, visibility, and connection is a living example of what true community leadership looks like. Gina & Jewells remind us all that Pride is not just an event - it is the everyday act of building a world where everyone belongs, no matter their race, creed, gender, physical or mental limitations, socioeconomic status, or orientation. 

Co-CEO

Josh Gilmore started to work in the non-profit field back in 2015 in Pensacola with a Mardi Gras Krewe called S.W.A.T. (Saints with Aggressive Tendencies). He was the LGBTQ ambassador to the community until 2019, and was one of the first openly LGBTQ and straight Krewer in Pensacola, FL.

By 2016, he met Michelle Salazman, a Mardi Gras Krewe member on S.W.A.T. who later became a FL house rep. She introduced Josh to De Palazzo who was with Equality Florida Safe School Program as statewide Director, and started the safe school program after the Pulse shooting in Orlando. He was an Ambassador with Equality Florida Safe School Program for three years, and he helped her to secure her entrance into several different counties and schools. With Josh by her side, they finished covering all of the counties throughout Florida.

He was part of the GLSEN survey for Florida which helped bring in $250,000 for the Tampa area so they could help start Equality Florida Tampa and also Saint Pete. He was also a part of a grassroot effort in 2017 & 2018 to secure a better superintendent for Escambia County. They came up with a bill for public vote and had it passed that the superintendent was appointed by the board, and not voted in by the people of Escambia County Florida.

In 2018, he joined Gay Grassroots of Florida as a voting member in Pensacola and helped put on the pride events for 2 years. They held politicians such as Mike Hill, the Mayor, and other city leaders accountable for the LGBTQ community. In 2020, he moved to Tampa and helped with Tampa Pride for two years on the entertainment committee. He has been mentored by several LGBTQ and straight mentors, community leaders and people over the course of years.

He is excited to be back in his hometown and place of birth, Salina, Kansas. He wants to help grow this community for everyone, be it straight or LGBTQIA+.

President

By day, Candace Smithkins is a dedicated wife, mother, and passionate advocate working with Homeless Veterans in Wichita. But by night, she transforms into the fabulous Candy Khan, the fierce matriarch of the Khan family and your original #ICTDiva! Candie is beyond excited to bring her sweet tooth and vibrant energy from Wichita, KS to serve as your HSCP President.

Candie is chunky, funky, and absolutely hilarious! A performer since 2017, she has been lighting up stages all across Kansas, and since 2019, she has played a pivotal role in HSCP. For years, Candie has organized and produced the Opening Kickoff Show, where she showcases both new talent and fan favorites. She continues to break barriers and make her mark within the community. As an AFAB queen (assigned female at birth), Candie has earned a well deserved reputation for her stunning makeup, show-stopping costumes, and powerful live singing. But it’s her big heart and commitment to giving back that truly sets her apart. 

Candie has put on and participated in dozens of fundraisers across Kansas, help raise tens of thousands of dollars for local organizations and communities in Hutchinson and Wichita.

Candie is incredibly proud and honored to be HSCP’s President, and she is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and making sure the LGBTQIA+ community is louder and prouder than ever!

Vice President

Vice President of HSCP, garden enthusiast, crime drama aficionado, and proud dog dad to two Great Danes who are absolutely convinced they are lap dogs. This is Giovanni’s first year serving as Vice President of HSCP, where he brings fresh energy, big ideas, and a heartfelt commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. He’s helping shape the future of the organization with goals centered on safety, inclusivity, happiness, knowledge, empowerment, and uplifting the next generation. 

Alongside his husband, Giovanni is building Kansas’s largest metaphysical store, Connect with Source, an enchanting haven for growth, healing, and community connection.

Outside of boardrooms and his business, Giovanni digs in - literally - with a deep love for gardening, reading, and interior design. His personal life is rooted in love, whether it’s nurturing plants, his pack of pups, or the community he serves.

Giovanni’s passion for giving back is anything but ordinary. He’s lent his talents to the Kansas Food Bank’s Backpack for Kids program and helped orchestrate events like Zoobilee at the Sedgwick County Zoo from the silent auction to the clean-up crew, catering, and volunteer command center. Additionally, Giovanni has been a foster parent, providing respite care and long-term placement for Kansas youth.

From board meetings to nature walks, Giovanni brings purpose, compassion, and just the right dash of fabulous wherever he goes. 

Treasurer

Treasurer of the HSCP Board, problem solver, community advocate, and adventurer at heart.

Numbers and strategy might be his forte, but Johnathan’s real mission is connection—bringing people together, strengthening communities, and building spaces where everyone feels welcome. As Treasurer, he’s using his expertise in finance, event planning, and leadership to help Salt City Pride flourish, ensuring the organization thrives for years to come.

Alongside his husband, Giovanni, Johnathan co-owns Connect With Source, a metaphysical store built on the foundation of inclusivity and growth. Together, they’ve created more than a business—it’s a sanctuary where people from all backgrounds can explore, learn, and find belonging. Whether in boardrooms, community spaces, or volunteer efforts, Johnathan is always working toward something bigger: unity.

Outside of work, he’s a book reader, a traveler, and a curator of experiences. Whether diving into a lit RPG, hiking a scenic trail, or painting a new masterpiece, he thrives on exploration—of both the world and his own creativity. He’s also an organizer of Emprise Bank’s volunteer efforts at Open Door, giving back to those in need four times a year.

At home, Johnathan and Giovanni share their lives with two Great Danes who refuse to acknowledge their size. And if you catch Johnathan at a game night, he’s either crafting the adventure as a Dungeon Master or outwitting everyone as the rogue.

From financial planning to fostering inclusion, Johnathan is here to uplift, connect, and make a difference—one thoughtful action at a time.

Secretary

Calypso Dawn brings over two decades of compassionate service as a Registered Nurse, with a deep focus on triage and crisis support within the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud pansexual and polyamorous member of the queer family, Calypso’s work has always centered around care, connection, and community resilience.

A spiritual facilitator by nature and by lineage, Calypso comes from a long line of fitted intuitive. She is a practicing astrologer, medium, energy healer, and intuitive reader - holding space for healing in both the physical and metaphysical realms. Her journey has been one of service, spirit, and strength.

Born between the Atlantic coast and the heart of Appalachia, Calypso has traveled coast to coast as a contracted RN, carrying light wherever she lands. In 2021, she rooted herself in Kingman, KS, and has been spreading love, healing, and advocacy throughout rural communities ever since. She is a proud member of the Wichita LGBT Chamber of Commerce and is honored to take on her first board role with Kansas Pride.

Calypso is beyond excited to support, uplift, and nurture our vibrant and beautiful tribe across the state. Her heart beats for inclusion, transformation, and the power of authentic connection. 

Director of Media

Dhani Rose (she/they) is a proud non-binary and pansexual member of the LGBTQIA+ community, known for their dynamic presence as an activist, author, graphic designer, musician, horror model, DJ, marketing executive, and owner of Chaotic Rose Media—a multifaceted multimedia company. With over a decade of experience in the marketing industry, Dhani has successfully blended traditional media with evolving digital strategies. She is also a passionate public speaker, having presented for the Kansas Press Association on digital media integration, and delivered inspirational lectures like “Failing Forward,” which chronicles her journey of perseverance through adversity.

A creative force since childhood, Dhani has served as Creative Director for both The Daily Downlow and Chaotic Rose Media. As a writer, she began publishing at age 11 and has since authored three poetry collections and two novels, including the niche bestselling sci-fi series The Aethereans. Her recent YA novel, The Loud Ones, highlights queer and neurodivergent representation, continuing her commitment to inclusive storytelling. Her work has appeared everywhere from local indie bookstores to major retailers like Barnes & Noble.

Dhani’s activism is deeply personal and lifelong. A mother of two neurodivergent children, she began organizing fundraisers at the age of six, raising money for organizations such as the American Red Cross, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, the March of Dimes, The Arc, and Special Olympics. To date, her efforts have contributed to over a million dollars raised for various causes. Her leadership includes past service as Chair of WalkMS, Committee Chair for HAYP’s Civics and Counter Committee, and member of the Ambucs Noon Network. She currently works as the Marketing and Administration Coordinator for New Horizon Services, Inc. in Salina, Kansas, advocating for individuals with Autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, and continues to volunteer with organizations like the Love, Chloe Foundation.

Dhani’s mission is to create space, offer support, and provide mentorship to those who need it most—especially within the LGBTQIA+ and disability communities. At the heart of her work is a commitment to building a more inclusive world, where every child, regardless of identity or ability, feels supported, heard, and valued.

Director of Security

Meet Angie, the official guardian of all things safe and fabulous as the Director of Security for Salt City Pride since its inception! She's a master of keeping things in line, a fierce protector of fun, laughter, and glitter! Armed with a walkie-talkie, a clipboard, and a relentless love for the LGBTQIA+ community, Angie ensures that every event is secure, smooth, and full of joy (and maybe a few good snacks, because let’s be real—security needs snacks).

Known for her quick wit, sharp eye for detail, and the ability to spot trouble before it even thinks about causing chaos, Angie is the real deal when it comes to keeping the party rolling and the peace intact. Need a smile or a quick laugh? She's got you covered—because while she’s all about keeping things safe, she’s never too busy for a good joke or a dance break.

Angie is beyond excited to serve as the Director of Security for Salt City Pride, ready to protect your fun with a side of fabulousness! Let the pride shine—and let Angie do her thing, ensuring it’s all smooth sailing (and dancing) from start to finish!

Director of Vendors & Volunteers

Koji T. Liby is a passionate, full-time independent artist and muralist who has made significant contributions to both the art world and his community. As a member of BrickMob, Koji’s work has transformed public spaces with vibrant murals that reflect creativity and inclusivity. In addition to his artistic achievements, Koji plays a pivotal role in the local business scene as a co-owner of Ghoulish Gatherings, where he helps bring together people with shared interests in a welcoming and creative environment.

Koji is also dedicated to supporting individuals with visual impairments through his work at Envision, a rehabilitation center where he assists with the art studio, empowering others to explore their own artistic expression. His diverse accomplishments reflect his commitment to fostering connection, inclusion, and self-expression within both the art world and the local community.

As a member of the Pride Board, Koji continues to champion diversity, creativity, and representation for all.