Meet the Team

While Front Runners Atlanta Board of Directors helps organize and lead many factors of the FRA events, the Atlanta Pride Run has expanded, requiring an additional sub-committee.

All members of the Atlanta Pride Run Steering Committee are 100% volunteers. If you would like to help with 2023 Atlanta Pride Run, contact info@atlantapriderun.org

DJ Pulce

President

My name is DJ Pulce (he/him) and I've been running with Front Runners since 2018. This was the first running community that embraced my entire identity as a black gay man.

I love helping people and creating safe spaces. Since 2019, I’ve worked as a Creative Director for the Atlanta Pride Run, honing the brand identity and driving awareness of our rich history of empowering our community.

For me, being a leader isn't about making all the decisions. It's a time to share joy and love. With this great team around me, we will elevate the voices of those who have been historically marginalized, misrepresented, or underrepresented. 

For any questions, please contact me at djpulce@gmail.com.

Deonte Moore Social Chair

I am Deonte Moore (he/him). I work in the education system. I hope to collaborate in bringing people together to have a strong sense of connection. People should feel seen and they should feel that they really count. You will see my work on our social media platforms: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. I’m so excited to impact and inspire everyone this year!

Andrea Zmaj

Merch Coordinator

Hi! I’m Andrea (she/her) and I’m excited to be working with merch coordination and planning for the Pride Run this year. This run is such an important and special event for our city, and I wanted to have an active role on the Pride Run committee this year as a proud ally and friend to the LGBTQIA+ community.

I have been a member of Front Runners since 2022 and am so grateful for the friendships that I’ve made in this inclusive, welcoming and fun-loving group!

I am a mother to a precious two year old boy as well as a locally competitive distance runner who’s run 68 marathons as well as many shorter distance races. In fact, I’ll be racing at the Pride Run (and have for the past two years!). I am so honored to have a small part in what will be without a doubt the best Pride Run that Atlanta has seen yet!

Joe Schmidt

Race Manager

Hi! My name is Joe (he/him) and I am leading this year’s race day planning in coordination with Front Runners Atlanta. I led the Ball State University running club and planned many 5Ks for our campus to enjoy.

I’m excited to be a part of this team and love what FRATL: has brought to me: community, friendship, and acceptance.

Maia Morton

Social Media Lead

I’m executing the social media content strategy with Deonte by using my video storytelling skills. I love and support the LGBTQIA+ community as an ally. I can’t wait to share more stories that need to be told.

I’m looking forward to growing out the “WeSeeYOU” campaign and challenging the world to notice the marginalized voices in our community.

John Graves

Sponsor Lead

My name is John Graves (he/him). I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Masters in Applied Sociology in Spring 2021. During my graduate studies, I focused extensively on LGBTQIA issues, including reducing homelessness among LGBTQIA youth and increasing the use of PrEP among gay men in Atlanta through the creation and execution of community programs.

Today, I work as the Director of Recruiting at Hire Velocity in Atlanta, GA. We provide customized Recruiting Process Outsourcing and Talent Advisory solutions to clients across the United States. I hope to leverage the knowledge I've gained through my education and career to form meaningful relationships with individuals and organizations as we collaboratively work to make a positive impact in the community through this event."

Eric Nunez

Graphic Lead

Hello, I'm Eric Arturo Nuñez (he/him), a recent art graduate. I have always been drawn to the power of creative expression and its ability to inspire change and bring people together. I’ve worked on the Atlanta Pride Run for the last 3 years as a designer and helped architect the look and feel.

This year at the Pride Run, I hope to achieve this by using my artistic skills to celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and promote a message of love. I also hope to contribute to the planning and design of the event, working with other volunteers and organizers to create a cohesive and engaging experience for everyone involved.

Anthony Chiu

Bib Experience Lead

Hello! I am Anthony Chiu (he/him) and I am excited to be part of the social team this year. I joined Front Runners Atlanta back in 2018 as a way to connect and make more queer friends.

It was one of the best decisions I ever made because I was able to create so many meaningful connections and bonds from a community I originally felt like I did not fit in, despite being an open gay man myself.  It brings me pride to be able to put some of that love back into the pride run and into Atlanta.

John Bagwell

Community Lead

I have worked for the federal government for 13 yrs in two different agencies. I have been a disability advocate since college, and I was a co-founder of the first disability group at Georgia State University. Before I became disabled in 1990 I was on the varsity tennis team in high school, and now I have adapted to wheelchair tennis. I have other adaptive sports that I want to try, especially wheelchair racing. I am an advocate for people with disabilities in our community. It’s something that is not talked about enough. I’m working with the team to incorporate accessibility in every step of the race.

I joined Front Runners Atlanta for the socializing part, and my membership got me involved in the Pride Run for this year, and I love it! 

Forrest Evans

Logistics Coordinator

Forrest has worked with various Atlanta-based and LGBTQ+ organizations. From supporting operational needs for Gaye Magazine and a member of the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Pride Committee, the lowcountry native is also known for circulating Queer resources and joy.

Ray Lloyd

Sponsor Lead

Ray is a proud openly gay finance professional who works in the banking sector. He is passionate about empowering those that are economically disadvantaged through financial education. Ray has volunteered for many years teaching financial principles at various organizations that focus on homelessness and food insecurity. An organization Ray is proud to support and volunteer for is Lost N Found Youth.

In his spare time, Ray enjoys spending time doing anything outdoors and playing the banjo. Ray currently lives in Midtown.