Allie Brizzi, Cincinnatti, OH
Allie is a graduate of the University of Dayton – both undergrad and graduate school. She is a Lay Marianist within the Cana Community. She is a Theology teacher and Spiritual Life Leader at Roger Bacon High School in Cincinnatti, OH. She stays active by playing soccer, camping, and traveling to visit family. Allie also loves to read!
Jacob Alexander Henson, San Antonio, TX
Howdy, my name is Jacob Henson, y’all! I am 22 years of age, a native of San Antonio, TX and currently a senior pursuing my Bachelor of Arts in Theology and International Relations at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. Being that I’m tall and a friendly guy (at least from what people say) some people refer to me as a gentle giant. I'm 6’4”, well really 6’3 and something of an inch but I just round up on my driver’s license; but hey it counts!
Outside of my academics I have two jobs that make me happy to be a part of. I am one of the five mail carriers who delivers mail for St. Mary's University, since the fall of 2016, and as of October 2017 I have been working in the bakery of H-E-B, a grocery company in Texas. If I’m not working, then I enjoy having conversations with people, especially ones with laughter and analysis. For example, I frequently like to contemplate how everyday events have a purpose in our lives. StrengthsFinder categorizes this as the connectedness strength, which is one of my top five strengths I refer back to in times of reflection and conflict. My other top four strengths are WOO (Winning Others Over), Input, Responsibility, and Leaner.
Aside from work and school I enjoy crafting, painting, making music on my computer, and hanging out with my friends and boyfriend. I came out to my family throughout the 2016 year and to myself and my friends in 2015. I’m happy to be a part of Fortunate Families and am proud to help shed light on rational and just perspectives concerning LGBT+ topics.
Nicholas Ralston, Lexington, KY
Nick is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in Psychology. His professional life has him working in Human Resources for a national company. He serves as the Parish Council Secretary at St. Paul Catholic Church; he gained support of parishioners and staff when he ran for Parish Council as an openly gay man. He also serves his parish as a sacristan. In high school, Nick was a Catechist for 2nd and 4th grade CCD at St. John’s Catholic Church in the Diocese of Lexington. He is also a founding member of the Catholic LGBTQ Ministry "Together on the Bridge" and a founding member of the ministry team of LGBT Catholic Family, Friends & Alies, "Together on the Journey," in Lexington.