Our Board
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for purposeful work, thoughtful design, and real connection.
Jimmy
Board President
Jimmy is the visionary behind Crystal Lake Pride, serving as the President of the Board. What began as a grassroots outreach project through Crystal Lake’s Downtown Main Street has flourished into the expansive community celebration it is today, thanks in large part to Jimmy’s dedication and leadership.
As a hospitality professional and the owner of Cantina52 in Crystal Lake and Twisted Hippie in Woodstock, Jimmy has spent his career creating spaces where "everyone has a seat at the bar." This professional mission is deeply personal; growing up in the suburbs, he recognized a need for the same safe, vibrant, and inclusive environments for queer individuals typically found in major urban centers. Building that sense of belonging and safety right here in our community is what drives his work with Pride.
Beyond his leadership at Crystal Lake Pride, Jimmy is a dedicated community advocate who serves on several non-profit boards. When he isn't working or volunteering, he prioritizes time with his family, caring for his mother, and relaxing with his boyfriend and their dogs. You can often find him on the dance floor or at a local drag event, celebrating the vibrant culture he works so hard to support.
Dustin
Dustin Cawthon is a Crystal Lake resident and dedicated community advocate with deep roots in McHenry County and a strong connection to Chicago. Beyond LGBTQ+ advocacy, Dustin actively supports local arts and community programs, such as the Raue Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County.
Professionally, Dustin is a distinguished leader in medical device design and innovation. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and a Master’s from Northwestern University. Currently the R&D Integration Lead for a catheter business in Germany, his career at Stryker and Baxter Healthcare is marked by numerous patents in medication delivery and infection control.
Outside of his professional life, Dustin is happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Whether he’s exploring the world through travel, catching live music, or enjoying a night at the theater, he stays inspired by the culture and community around him.
Dustin treasures Crystal Lake’s small-town charm and is committed to making the entire region an even more inclusive, warm, and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Vanessa
Board Historian and Marketing
Vanessa Baker is a Crystal Lake based queer woman who is deeply committed to serving her community and strengthening local connection.
Her past community involvement includes service with the Crystal Lake Chamber and the Crystal Lake Public Library, and she continues that dedication in her role with Crystal Lake Pride.
As the organization’s Historian and Marketing Board Member, she focuses on preserving the stories, milestones, and memories that shape Crystal Lake Pride’s journey, helping ensure its history serves as a beacon for the future. She also supports the organization’s visibility and outreach through its website and social media channels, working to foster connection, engagement, and awareness.
Outside of her board role, she is a parent, business owner, and Marketing Director for a leading tool company. She brings a strong belief that Pride is rooted in kindness, community, and the responsibility to support one another, and she is proud to help build a more inclusive and welcoming Crystal Lake for all.
Tiffany
Board Secretary
Tiffany Dougherty serves as Secretary for Crystal Lake Pride, bringing a strong background in corporate employee resource groups (ERGs), community engagement, and nonprofit leadership.
Throughout her career, she has focused on connecting people with purpose—bringing the right individuals into the right rooms for the right reasons to drive meaningful impact. With a passion for building inclusive, thriving communities, Tiffany approaches her work with a servant leadership mindset and a clear commitment to advancing equality and equity for the LGBTQ+ community. Her experience spans diverse groups and initiatives, where she has consistently worked to amplify voices, foster collaboration, and create spaces where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered.
As both an ally and an advocate, Tiffany’s dedication is deeply personal. She has stood alongside her queer friends and family through both joyful and challenging moments, shaping her unwavering commitment to showing up, speaking out, and taking action where it matters most.
A proud friend, family member, and local entrepreneur, Tiffany is driven by a vision of continued growth and connection within the Crystal Lake community—helping to ensure it remains a place where everyone belongs., approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.
Bree
Director-at-large
Bree Wawczak joins the Crystal Lake Pride Board of Directors as a Director at Large, bringing over 40 years of perspective as a resident of the Chicago suburbs. As a transgender woman, Bree’s commitment to the community is rooted in the belief that outreach and queer visibility are not just goals, but essential requirements for securing rights and fostering a safe future for all.
Bree’s advocacy is deeply rooted in the local area. She currently co-chairs a queer support group in the McHenry County region, providing a vital space for connection, sharing, and mutual support. Her work is centered on the idea that building a strong, visible presence is the most effective way to create lasting change and ensure that every queer individual in the community feels represented and empowered.
As a member of the board, Bree is excited to help shape the foundation of Crystal Lake Pride. She is driven by a vision of a Crystal Lake where authenticity is celebrated and where the next generation of LGBTQ+ individuals can grow up with the visibility and support she works so hard to champion.
Outside of her advocacy work, Bree loves taking advantage of the area's natural beauty, often found hiking local trails with her dogs and enjoying the community she has called home for decades.
Jay
Board Treasurer
Jay Highland brings a unique blend of leadership, financial stewardship, and community passion to his role as Treasurer on the Crystal Lake Pride Board of Directors.
By day, Jay serves as the Director of Clinical Operations at Family Health Partnership Clinic, where he oversees clinical program development, operational strategy, and patient-centered care initiatives. His career as a pharmacist and healthcare leader spans many roles in clinical program management/development, residency leadership, strategic and financial oversight, and large-scale national public health initiatives. Jay also is a singer-songwriter who performs locally across a variety of venues, using music as a way to connect, tell stories, and build community.
He also dedicates time to coaching youth soccer, where he emphasizes teamwork, confidence, and inclusion. Jay lives with his wife and 3 children and values time spent with family. His love of nature, music, and community all inform his commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered.
As a member of the queer community, Jay is deeply committed to advancing equity, visibility, and belonging. He believes in building inclusive environments that celebrate identity while addressing the real challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face. Through his role on the board, he is dedicated to ensuring the organization’s financial health while helping expand its impact and reach.