Hope Dehnert, MPH

Founder | Managing director

She/Her/Hers

Hope began developing the vision for Sean’s Legacy while an accelerated dual-degree student at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Hope has a Bachelor of Science in Health Administration and a Master of Public Health from Drexel, and a certificate in Human Rights from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. She has global experience working with human rights issues, spending time in residence with the Philadelphia International Women’s Project and Physicians for Human Rights, Israel. Her research specialties include female genital mutilation/cutting, LGBTQ+ health disparities, and effects of social environment on trauma victims. Hope is a suicide prevention advocate and an outspoken LGBTQ+ ally based in La Jolla, California.

Allison Shipkowski

Co-FOUNDER | director of fundraising and outreach

SHE/HER/HERS

Alli has always dreamed of starting a non-profit. When she learned of the intentions of honoring her childhood friend’s legacy, she experienced no hesitation to get started on making a difference. Alli’s compassion and empathy for others has led her to pursue a career in social work. Currently, she is working toward a Bachelor of Social Work from Liberty University. She is passionate for helping those in need, and is a friend to anyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts and depression. Alli is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Tyrone Best

ambassador

HE/HIM/HIS

Tyrone is dedicated to saving and changing the lives of those impacted by drug and alcohol addictions. He is the manager of operations at Retreat Behavioral Health, where is also the facilitator of an LGBTQ+ group. Tyrone’s outgoing and artistic spirit will inspire educational outreach and fundraising. He is based in Middletown, Pennsylvania.

Jenna Wilkinson

Creative Director

She/Her/Hers

Jenna has 4 years experience in the art and design industry. Starting her career in the sports industry, she gained valuable experience designing for the Aberdeen Ironbirds, Reading Royals, and York Revolution. Since her time in the sports industry she has moved to a design agency covering a broad basis of design from executing campaigns to branding local businesses. Visit her website: jennamaew.com

Aliccia Koznecki, PharmD

Content Creator

SHE/HER/HERS

Aliccia in the past has dedicated her time towards community medication educational materials and outreach. She was inspired by the family dynamic and perseverance of her sister who has dealt with her own personal struggles of being trans. Aliccia graduated from Temple University School of Pharmacy, and is currently working as a science writer for an immigration law firm. She is hoping to create an impact to reach and inspired those in need through writing and communication. 

Coriann Dorgay, MPH(c)

Health Communications Intern

She/Her/Hers

Coriann Dorgay is a Master of Public Health candidate at the Yale School of Public Health in the Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases department. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Luther College. In her research, she is interested in exploring the role of social capital in the care continuum for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. She is also interested in prevention and education efforts concerning these diseases among LGBTQ+ and other minority populations. At Yale, Coriann volunteers at the HAVEN Free Clinic and serves as a student ambassador for the School of Public Health.

Myesha Sapp

Health Communications Intern

I am currently working towards my Bachelors in Social Work with a Psychology minor at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ. Then I will continue on by pursuing my Masters in Social Work. I am from Cape May, New Jersey. I am an advocate for anyone struggling with mental illness of any kind, especially my fellow LGBTQ+ individuals. My research interests include mental health within the LGBTQ+ community, especially in queer people of color, STD Awareness for the LGBTQ+ community, and LGBT health care. 

Helena Habtemariam

Health Communications Intern

Helena is currently a Master of Public Health candidate at Brown University, concentrating in maternal and child health. Her current research revolves around prenatal care utilization, and she is passionate about amplifying minority voices that go unheard. She is also interested in mental health among children and adolescents. 

Caitlin Joyce

Health Communications Intern

Caitlin is a dedicated social advocate and aspiring researcher. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Arcadia University, with a special focus on gender, sexuality, and intersectional theory. Her research interests include the intersections of culture and LGBTQ+ lived experiences, such as impact of Confucianism on the Chinese movement for LGBTQ+ rights, or the history of LGBTQ+ representation in Japanese and American literature.

Lucy Dollinger, CHES

Health Communications Intern

Lucy is a Master of Public Health student at The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Health Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2019, where she also minored in Sociology and Women & Gender Studies. Lucy’s interests include health promotion and prevention specifically in women’s health and LGBTQ+ health. She previously interned at her local health department in Southern Illinois and the Planned Parenthood Great Plains in Central Missouri.