We Believe everyone should feel they belong in the communities in which they live and work.
We Believe the inclusion of all children promotes healthy social-emotional growth, enabling one’s ability to learn at their best, ultimately raising healthy, active, engaged, and intelligent citizens.
We Believe the visibility of our campaign creates a sense of belonging. Our communities are stronger and safer when people know where to find one another.
Kristen Bruck (she/her) is the founder of the You Belong Campaign. A wife and mother of two teenagers, Kristen holds a Master’s Degree in Education and is currently the Director of Curriculum & Instruction at a Philadelphia-based literacy non-profit. She created the You Belong Campaign signs to make sure all of the students in her community knew that there were neighbors that support them for who they are - no matter their race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Stacey Kahan is a clinical research management professional with over 15 years’ experience in the Life Sciences industry and a mother of 4 located in Malvern, PA. As the mother of a transgender child, Stacey is an active participant in both her local school board and grass-roots political activities to ensure all LGBTQIA+ students have a safe and accepting educational experience. Stacey joined the board of You Belong after running 2 campaigns in the Great Valley School District to help increase the visibility of positive messaging and acceptance in her school district.
Jessica Hess (she/her) is a Mom and step Mom to 6 adult children and their partners, and a Nana to one so far. She has lived in Eastern PA her whole life with the exception of one year in Maryland. Jessica holds a BFA in Fibers and is an ordained Interfaith-InterSpiritual Minister. She believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. As a professional religious educator in a liberal faith community Rev Jessica works to ensure the voices of the marginalized are heard as we work toward a more inclusive community. Serving You Belong Campaign is her honor.
Deb Baker-Janis (she/her)is a wife, mother of two, and healthcare industry professional. She has served on various boards of directors over the years including for public education and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, accepted, included, and supported. Deb is well-connected in her community and is skilled at leveraging and building relationships to propagate positive change.
Mx Deej McCoy (they/them )is a 36-year-old Philly native who has always called Philly their home. In 2010, they graduated with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from Moore College of Art & Design and that degree is still collecting dust in a box somewhere. They are a non-binary, genderfluid and transgender and neurodivergent person who wants to help people unlearn some of the toxic/ harmful perspectives we have about gender, physical ability and neuro divergence. Their professional career was relatively boring, jumping from fast food to retail to insurance sales, trying to find a job to make ends meet. After losing their last job due to symptom flare ups of what’s now diagnosed as multiple sclerosis in 2019, their activism “career” began. They now find themself advocating for disability rights and accessibility, they seek to expand the knowledge and supports available to adults with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and encourage people to show up as their full, authentic selves by utilizing mobility aids and other supports needed to be comfortable in public. As a person who grew up in an unsupportive environment, Mx Deej wants to be a part of the efforts that create non-discrimination policies and laws that keep LGBTQ+ children and adults safe while existing in this world. They want to be the change they want to see in the world and are doing so one day, one meeting, one gathering, one show and one moment at a time. Everyone deserves to live their best lives. Mx Deej wants to help make that happen!
Krissy Laverty (Creative Director) holds a BS in Art Education and has taught preK toddlers through 12th grade. Krissy lends her talents to several nonprofits and other causes close to her heart. When not volunteering, Krissy is raising her 2 young children and agreed to help Kristen with her original sign campaign because she believes that the best communities for our kids include, embrace, and protect diversity. She hopes that her designs will remind anyone hurting that they are loved and challenge their allies to support safe and inclusive communities for all.
The You Belong Campaign is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Email: youbelongcampaign@gmail.com