mEET Our Team

AVERY WARE (HE/THEY) - FOUNDER & PROJECT DIRECTOR

Avery is a writer, educator, and founder of Mx. Juneteenth. Hailing proudly from Lorain, OH, they now reside in Cleveland, where they provide leadership and support to Black and Queer communities. Avery’s work—spanning research, writing, teaching, and creative projects—centers on a Black-queering of history, critically examining social inequalities and systemic injustices throughout U.S. history. As the founder of Mx. Juneteenth, Avery has proudly led each celebration, shaping its vision and impact from the very beginning.

RY MARTIN-YATES (THEY/THEM) - Marketing

Ry Martin-Yates, a Cleveland native, is a multi-hyphenate artist blending creative writing, poetry, storytelling, graphic art, multimedia, and digital marketing into a powerhouse of innovation. Driven by the belief that they were “created to create,” Ry brings a dynamic and visionary approach to their work, crafting compelling stories and visuals that leave a lasting impact. Inspired by their experiences as a guest and volunteer at past events, this marks Ry’s first year contributing to Mx. Juneteenth’s leadership.

VIVIAN SMALL (THEY/THEM) - EVENT LOGISTICS

Vivian is the Event Logistics Manager for Mx. Juneteenth, focusing on day-of operations to keep everything behind the scenes running smoothly. With a background in operations and space management, they’re passionate about timely coordination, creative support, and building events that celebrate Black + queer culture and liberation.

When not working, you’ll find them lounging with their pup Rosa, watching movies, or hunting down the best happy hour spots. Vivian is all about cultivating spaces of belonging for Black folks—so if you see them out, don’t hesitate to say hi! This is VIVIAN’S FIRST YEAR WORKING WITH MX. JUNETEENTH!

PAST MX. JUNETEENTH contributers:

DeNavya Tolbert (NAVY JAYDE - she/they)

DeNavya Tolbert (Navy JAYDE) is an artist, DJ, and founder of BLK PunX Press, a Cleveland-based underground venue that supported emerging independent artists. As one of Cleveland’s go-to bedroom DJs, she curates some of the city’s best dance parties for queer communities. Navy also served as part of the Mx. Juneteenth leadership team from 2021 to 2023, contributing to the festival’s growth and impact.

ALEX FRAISER (they/them)

Alex Frazier, also known as Juanita Bind’Em, is an artist, activist, and educator from Cleveland, Ohio. As their drag persona, Juanita Bind’Em, they co-hosted Drag From The Left alongside Avery Ware—a weekly digital series that reviewed RuPaul’s Drag Race while exploring social issues through a radical leftist lens. Currently, Alex works in public health, leading statewide sexual health programs across Ohio. They were also a key member of the Mx. Juneteenth leadership team from 2021 to 2022.

Zoe Byron (THEY/THEM)

ZOE BYRON is a core organizer with The Community Care Collective (TCCC), a national organization dedicated to building community among BIPOC individuals, with a focus on supporting Black folx. ZOE SERVED ON THE MX. JUNETEENTH LEADERSHIP TEAM FROM 2021 TO 2022.

Chynna Baldwin (She/her)

Chynna Baldwin (she/her) is a community organizer and writer from Youngstown, Ohio, by way of Twinsburg. She is the founder and core organizer of The Community Care Collective, a QPOC-led organization dedicated to building community and practicing care across Ohio and beyond. As an abolitionist and Black feminist, Chynna is deeply committed to social justice and currently works in voter protection advocacy while pursuing a master’s certificate in nonprofit management. CHYNNA took part of the inaguaral mx. juneteenth CELEBRATION.