Board Members

Tony Palmer – Vice-President

I grew up in Minnesota, a few hours north of the Twin Cities, I moved to Platteville in late 2019 with my Husband, Royal, to purchase the Driftless Market on Main Street.

I love to go kayaking, hiking, swimming, anything outside, especially with our 2 dogs, Biscuit and Cubby. I also have an adorable Ferret named Milk, (yes, after Harvey Milk) and a love for music. I’m currently learning to play the Ukulele!

Shannon Baxter – Secretary

My name is Shannon Baxter.  I’m a high school science teacher in Dodgeville, WI, and live in Platteville, WI with my family, and goofy dog, Porter.

I’m originally from Prairie du Chien, WI, and have called Southwest Wisconsin my home for most of my life. 

Small town America may isolate us, but an organization like the Southwest Wisconsin Rainbow Alliance is actively and lovingly working to bring us together toward understanding and enlightenment.

I found this organization while trying to learn how to better support my transgender son on his journey.  I feel fortunate to have found this group, and hope that we can support members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike through our efforts.

Mike Steffel – Treasurer

I’ve had a slow awakening to the LGBTQ+ community over the span of my life.

I’m Mike Steffel and I use he/him/his pronouns and identify as a cisgender straight male. I live in Lancaster, WI. I work as UX and Accessibility Specialist and have been involved in web development since 1998.

Life experiences have modified my way of thinking in recognizing that lots of folks think differently than I do. I’ve know people who were transitioning and have transitioned, who are non-binary, and who just don’t want to be labeled. All of this has lead me to where I am now: respecting and supporting all while learning.

I love the LGBTQ+ people in my life! They are the reason I am involved with the Southwest Wisconsin Rainbow Alliance.

Tara Cobb

Hello! I’m Tara Cobb. My pronouns are they/them/their. I am genderqueer, pansexual and polyamorous. I moved to Platteville with family in June of 2021 and we were happily surprised to find a Pride event scheduled for our third day in town! In various chapters of my life I have been: a teacher, a student, a library worker, an activist, a leader, a crafter, a volunteer organizer, and an event planner. I have always strongly valued creating, connecting, and caring for community. I love cats, audiobooks, coffee, and yarn. And I am proud to be able to serve on the SWRA board. My goals are to empower, educate, and foster meaningful relationships.

Kristin Holman – Steffel

My name is Kristin Holman-Steffel, my pronouns are she/her/hers and I identify as a cisgender straight female.  I grew up in Delavan Wisconsin and currently live in Lancaster.  The majority of my adult life has been spent advocating for young children and families.  I ran a successful child care operation for 26 years, was involved with the Community Leadership Alliance of southwest Wisconsin, and then later took on the role of Programming Coordinator at the Schreiner Memorial Library.  I very often will joke that I’m new to this area, I’ve only lived here 30 years, and it takes a lot of effort to reach out to get to know your neighbor and this feeling of isolation runs deep in many of us.  This is what drives my passion to help members of the community feel welcomed and acknowledged through building relationships and by bridging people to the resources they need.  

There are so many important people in my life whom I love and who have felt marginalized, isolated, and unwhole.  Through relationship building, advocacy, and education, comes understanding, acceptance, and empathy.  I’m proud to be on the Board of Directors of the SWRA because the work we do helps to bring communities together and support those who need it most.