Who We Are
Holly Atkins (She/Her/Hers) President and Founder
"There are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on" - Led Zeppelin or "What's my definition of success? Listening to what your heart says Standing up for what you know is Right, while everybody else is Tucking their tail between their legs" - Singer NF
I founded Hope for Teens because
"There are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on" - Led Zeppelin or "What's my definition of success? Listening to what your heart says Standing up for what you know is Right, while everybody else is Tucking their tail between their legs" - Singer NF
I founded Hope for Teens because I remember being bullied growing up. The reasons may have changed, but the impact hasn't. Everyone deserves support, love and acceptance. With no other organization in Wake County dedicated specifically to the LGBTQIA+ youth, it was way beyond time there was one.
The Board of Directors
Margaret Bilodeau
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Ben Chapman, Archivist (He/They)
"In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer" - Albert Camus
I am involved with Hope for Teens because this is the only local organization dedicated to LGBTQ youth in Wake County. Knowing that I am supporting an organization that facilitates an annual event like the Queer Prom makes me excited to ask how I can contribute.
Ellen Dershowitz, Realtor for 31 years (She/Her )
“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them” Dalai Lama
I want to be involved with Hope for Teens because LGBTQ youth deserve to feel safe, accepted, and supported. I believe compassion and community can make a life-changing difference during such a critical time.
Jamie Ewing, Educator
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” - E.M. Forster
Serving on the board of Hope for Teens is deeply personal for me. I grew up in Raleigh as a gay kid, deeply in the closet, carrying fear that eventually pushed me to leave the place I called home just to feel safe being myself. Years later, I’ve come back—now as a proud, married gay man—rooted in the same community that once felt impossible to navigate. Being part of Hope for Teens feels like closing a powerful circle: showing up for young people who are where I once was, and helping make Raleigh a place where no teen feels they have to flee to survive.
Bryan Keith, Management (Health Insurance) & candidate for Ordination (United Methodist Church) ( He/Him)
“Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” John F. Kennedy
I believe life is too short to live as anything less than your authentic self. I’m part of HFT because I want teens to know they are loved and supported as they live and thrive as their authentic selves.
Phoenix Bilodeau, they/he/she, Full-time college student
"God blessed me by making me transsexual for the same reason he made wheat but not bread and fruit but not wine, so that humanity might share in the act of creation." -Julian K. Jarboe
I've experienced bullying on the basis of my gender expression since before I even understand that I was trans. I know what it's like to be physically and mentally tormented for things you can't change about yourself, and I long for a world where people don't have to continue experiencing that, not in school, not anywhere. I hope to serve as a beacon of hope to younger generations of queer people, a reminder that it's going to be okay.
Bryan Tenorio
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Student Ambassadors
Phoenix Bilodeau Full-time college student (they/he/she) College Ambassador
Phoenix Bilodeau Full-time college student (they/he/she) College Ambassador
Phoenix Bilodeau Full-time college student (they/he/she) College Ambassador
"God blessed me by making me transsexual for the same reason he made wheat but not bread and fruit but not wine, so that humanity might share in the act of creation." -Julian K. Jarboe
I've experienced bullying on the basis of my gender expression since before I even understand that I was trans. I know what it's like to be physically and m
"God blessed me by making me transsexual for the same reason he made wheat but not bread and fruit but not wine, so that humanity might share in the act of creation." -Julian K. Jarboe
I've experienced bullying on the basis of my gender expression since before I even understand that I was trans. I know what it's like to be physically and mentally tormented for things you can't change about yourself, and I long for a world where people don't have to continue experiencing that, not in school, not anywhere. I hope to serve as a beacon of hope to younger generations of queer people, a reminder that it's going to be okay.
• Vacant - High School Ambassador
Phoenix Bilodeau Full-time college student (they/he/she) College Ambassador
Phoenix Bilodeau Full-time college student (they/he/she) College Ambassador
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