After years of advocating for inclusivity in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, Jennifer Evans has taken on a new role: executive director of Out on the Lakeshore (OOTL), a West Michigan LGBTQ+ nonprofit.
Known for hosting the annual Holland PRIDE Festival and providing community support, OOTL is ready to enter its next phase of growth under Evans’ leadership, says Phil Quinn, chair of OOTL’s board of directors.
“Jennifer has a long history of being an agent of change and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, and she brings the specific skills and experience we need at this stage of Out on the Lakeshore’s story," Quinn says. "I’m confident she will lead the organization into the next chapter of building a community where all people are welcomed, supported, and celebrated.”
Evans’ background is a blend of nonprofit leadership and corporate advocacy. Before joining OOTL, she worked for Zoetis, where she led the company’s global LGBTQ+ Colleague Resource Group, which worked to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for employees worldwide.
Originally from Texas, Evans relocated to Michigan with her partner, Penelope, a lifelong Michigander, and their children. Evans first connected with OOTL as a volunteer, developing new programming and engaging with the community. That work inspired her to take on this leadership role.
"Out on the Lakeshore has a long history in West Michigan, and it is a privilege to step into this space and carry the torch forward," Evans says. "I’ve been inspired by the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community here and look forward to advancing OOTL’s mission to foster a culture of acceptance, education, and, most importantly, celebration for everyone."
Evans will oversee daily operations at OOTL while focusing on expanding the organization’s visibility and fundraising efforts. She also plans to prioritize building partnerships across various communities and belief systems to foster dialogue and collaboration, which she believes is key to empowering the local LGBTQ+ community.
As part of her efforts to connect with the community, Evans and the OOTL team are hosting a meet and greet at Big Lake Brewing, 13 W. 7th St. in Holland, on Oct. 9 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Community members are invited and can RSVP via email at
info@outonthelakeshore.org.
The Lakeshore caught up with Evans to talk about her new role and how her previous experience prepared for this position.
The Lakeshore: What drew you to Out on the Lakeshore, and how do you see your previous experience in nonprofit leadership and advocacy shaping your work here?
Jennifer Evans: Moving states can be lonely and, like many people, I thrive off having a community that surrounds me. Being queer, I don’t always feel safe being myself around new people, so I reached out to OOTL to find like-minded individuals. Once I connected with OOTL, I quickly started volunteering. As both a former volunteer and leader in animal nonprofits, I learned about work-life balance and compassion fatigue. As I navigate this role, I will be mindful of engaging our volunteers, staff and board to create valuable impact in the community while modeling the need to take care of ourselves so we can give our best.
TL: You’ve already contributed as a volunteer to OOTL’s programming. Can you share some specific initiatives you’ve worked on and how they influenced your vision for the organization’s future?
JE: One of the initiatives I am most proud of as a volunteer with OOTL was working with Natalie, the rock star assistant director at Herrick Library, and WGVU to put on a series of in-person screenings of “Through Our Eyes.” We brought together many leading nonprofit organizations to talk about systemic issues that children are facing. It was an incredible series that has shaped OOTL’s 2025-2026 focus. One of the episodes was focused on child homelessness and how adults can better show up for youth as a community. While planning for that episode, I learned that Ottawa County is experiencing an alarming rate of displaced youth due to coming out to their families. It breaks my heart and gives me the drive to create programming that is focused on how to better support their needs.
TL: The LGBTQ+ community in West Michigan has a unique resilience, as you’ve noted. What are some of the challenges or opportunities you see in advancing inclusivity and acceptance in this region?
JE: I think we have an exciting opportunity to help people in this region engage with the LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways. It is easy to judge what you don’t know, but I believe that consistently showing up in authenticity and love will help to humanize us to those who may not currently have any friends or family in the queer community. I see this in my own family with my partner and our children – when their friends come over to our home, we recognize we are often their only exposure to a gay couple. What they quickly learn is that we are just like other loving families they know. I believe we will advance inclusivity and acceptance one relationship at a time.
TL: Given your leadership experience at Zoetis with their LGBTQ+ Colleague Resource Group, how do you plan to translate those skills into building partnerships and fostering community engagement here at OOTL?
JE: One of my strengths during my time at Zoetis was building longer tables. As an organization, we partnered with other leading companies to support LGBTQ+ veterinary professionals. Through networking and commitment, we brought together leaders and colleagues from companies like Colgate, Hill’s, Banfield, MARS and others to increase the LGBTQ+ community feeling seen, safe and supported. I look forward to building community partnerships along the Lakeshore so we can maximize our collective impact.
TL: For those who are inspired by your vision and want to support the LGBTQ+ community, what are some of the ways people can get involved with Out on the Lakeshore, either as volunteers or through other forms of support?
JE: As I get settled in my new role, we plan to prioritize volunteer opportunities and internships. One of our top focus areas will be serving area youth and parent programming, and we will seek volunteers with related experience. The more we come together, the stronger OOTL will be for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. In addition to opportunities to contribute time, we will launch a campaign in 2025 focused on community members supporting our non-profit monthly. A donation of $10 a month could make a difference in the life of one of your neighbors.
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