Our Members

Maggie Riegel (she/her) is a graduate of Moravian University with a bachelor's in political science and philosophy, and of Lehigh University with a master's in political science and master's certificate in women, gender, and sexuality studies. After working in the service industry for over a decade she moved onto nonprofit work before returning to graduate school for her PhD. She is currently a third-year doctoral candidate at Drexel University in Communication, Culture, and Media. She is a long-time resident of Bethlehem where she lives with her life partner Mike, as well as their white Swiss shepherd, Marx (named after Karl, not Groucho) and is proud to be part of her city's diverse and progressive community.

Alison Leigh is a small business owner who has been on the southside for 15 years running Hair by Eskandalo! and more recently, The Other Side where they cater to the queer community by providing safe spaces to shop the clothing you feel comfortable in and without judgement or fear. Hair by Eskandalo! has been a steadfast supporter of the trans community providing gender affirming hair services and pricing based on time not gender, while encouraging other salons to do the same so we can create a safer space for the trans community to exist and thrive in the Lehigh Valley! She is passionate about standing up and defending the rights of marginalized communities and continues to strive to keep the southside a place where we can all live freely knowing we have each other's backs.

Rachel Farrow is a passionate community activist and Lehigh Valley resident. Growing up in Allentown, she graduated from Parkland High School and began working as a young teen in the Southside, falling in love with the community many years ago. Professionally, she was trained with an extensive background in journalism and social services, having worked across the region at local nonprofits before pivoting into her current role as the Director of Brand Marketing for WeVeel Toys and Stationary in Bucks County. Her values and passion are rooted in her family and her community, and she is the proud mom of a four-year-old son. At the end of the day, she hopes to spread the message of love and inclusivity for all in everything she does, trying to spread a little bit of color wherever she goes.