Jazz McKinney

Jazz McKinney chose to pursue a life of advocacy and social justice in order to continuously help others. As the executive director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center since 2020, they do just that in their efforts to advocate for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. In their day-to-day duties, McKinney manages operational and programmatic activities at the Center by supervising any volunteer facilitators and/or volunteer activities, as well as ensures all social and support groups are conducted, as scheduled, in a safe, affirming and inclusive manner while being the primary point of contact for anyone seeking the center’s support. Notably, McKinney was nominated for the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 200 Most Powerful Influencers.

Prior to their current role, McKinney was a residential clinical manager at D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s from 2019 to 2020 and an LGBTQ+ DV/SV outreach therapist at the YWCA of West Central Michigan from 2016 to 2019. Taking on roles of a similar nature, they were a clinical specialist for ProtoCall Services, Inc., a case manager/therapist intern at Forest View Hospital and a DV/SA counseling intern at Every Woman’s Place and Webster House Youth Services between 2013 and 2016.

McKinney commenced their professional journey at Grand Valley State University, where they earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a minor in mathematics and women’s studies in 2009 and served as a student manager at the institution’s Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center from 2008 to 2009. Later, in 2014, they achieved a Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. Reflecting upon their career, McKinney attributes their success to never giving up on their beliefs and to their spouse of 18 years, D.L., who has been a constant source of support.

Looking toward the future, McKinney envisions themself keeping the fight for the little man, supporting the community and mentoring the next generation. To remain abreast of the field, they currently maintain professional affiliation with the American Psychological Association, the Young Non-Profit Professionals Network and the Golden Key International Honor Society.