Be the Rainbow Board Members
Together, we’re uniquely positioned to hold Be the Rainbow events in Brevard County and continue to develop engaging and fun events throughout the year for our diverse LGBTQIA+ and ally community.
MerryBeth Burgess (she/her)
President
MerryBeth is an active member and resident of Brevard County, owning and operating a local bookstore in Cocoa, FL, for the past four years with her wife, Amy. She currently serves on the Cocoa Planning and Zoning Board. MerryBeth brings more than 25 years of retail management, event planning, and employee relations experience. She loves her dog and playing games with friends.
“I grew up feeling lost, alone, and unaccepted and I never want another person to feel that way. Everyone deserves a place that feels safe and where they can be themselves.”
Amy Elkavich (she/her)
Vice President
Amy lives and works in Brevard County and brings 20+ years of marketing and communications experience in the higher education, government, and nonprofit sectors. She currently works in marketing and communications with a nonprofit, serves as a board member of the Historic Cocoa Village Merchant Association, and is co-owner of a bookstore in Cocoa, FL. She loves fiber arts and her dog.
“Each year, Be the Rainbow grew because of the wonderful people who not only enjoyed it but wanted to be a part of it too. This event gave us so many gifts: friendship, a place to be creative and inclusive, and a cool way to collaborate with local businesses. I’m excited to build on that foundation of giving to create a sustainable future of engaging social and educational opportunities.”
Siobhan Darling (Carr) (she/her)
Vice President
Siobhan is an LGBTQIA+ mother of three, a poet, and a published author. She has fought tirelessly for reproductive rights as a patient liaison in a New York-based abortion center, a public policy advocate with YWCA of WNY, and a founding member of the Be the Rainbow nonprofit. Born and raised in Brevard County, Siobhan is passionate about building and protecting her local queer community for all.
“Being born and raised in Brevard County and knowing that I was queer from a very young age was a difficult path. Being involved in this nonprofit means to me that the next little Siobhan won’t have to go without a family.”
Peter Hwang (he/him)
Treasurer
Peter has lived in Brevard County for three years in Cocoa, FL, with his partner Michelle, and hails from neighboring Orlando. He brings five years of accounting and financial auditing experience and previously served in the U.S. Army. He loves his dog and would love a cat but does not love cat allergies.
“The strength of our culture is bolstered by viewpoints only available through diversity. The strength of our economy depends on leveraging skills only available through diversity. The strength of our community lies in welcoming diversity: from diversity amongst friends we haven’t met yet.”
Carly Erksine (she/her)
Secretary
Carly Erskine is a born-and-raised Brevard County resident with 10+ years of work experience in the legal, medical, and nonprofit fields. She has a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from UCF and is currently a student at Eastern Florida State College. Carly enjoys reading, listening to music, and playing guitar.
“Be the Rainbow is much needed in our county. Everyone deserves a place where they can be themselves and be celebrated and loved – especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community.”