NOMINEES FOR 2027-2028
BIOS BELOW
VOTING WILL HAPPEN ON-LINE FROM SATURDAY AUGUST 15 TO MONDAY AUGUST 17
NOMINATIONS:
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIONER
- Bryce Maloney
- Justin Quonson Mui
SPECIAL EVENTS COMMISSIONER
- Rafe Larsen
- Lance Sandover
- Raheem Sinclair
MEMBERSHIP COMMISSIONER
- Dan Julian (Elected by Acclamation)
LEAGUE COMMISSIONER
- Seán Hernández Cummings (Elected by Acclamation)
NOMINEES FOR COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSIONER
BRYCE MALONEY
Hi, my name is Bryce Maloney, but you may know my alter-ego, Madeleine Ass-tonne, from the Miss WESA Pageant! Originally from the Okanagan, I’ve lived in Vancouver for the past 6 years with my partner, Ben. I am excited to put my name forward for Communications Commissioner after an amazing Rookie Year with Celebrities Tier 1.
Professionally, I work in non-profit digital marketing, with a strong focus on web development, graphic design, social media management and communication strategy. In my work, I use a data-driven approach to ensure communications are clear, engaging, and effective.
Why should you elect me? :
Experience managing social media and digital communications
Strong technical skills in graphic design, web development, and marketing strategy
Strong focus on inclusive, accessible, and community-driven messaging
As a newer member of WESA, I bring a fresh perspective along with a genuine enthusiasm for the league and its community.
If elected, my goal would be to enhance WESA’s communications to continue to boost its inclusivity and accessibility. My hope is to make it more engaging for everyone, both current members and those looking to join a fun, welcoming activity. I would focus on highlighting our players, improving how updates and information are shared, and continuing to build a strong sense of connection across the league.
I would love the opportunity to contribute my skills and energy to help support and grow the WESA community!
***
JUSTIN QUONSON MUI
I've been a proud WESA Member for 17 years, served on the Commission for 16 years, and made countless friendships and memories along the way. Those experiences continue to inspire me to give back to the league that has given so much to me.
I would be honoured if you would consider voting for me for WESA Communications Commissioner for the 2027–2028 term.
As someone who has been involved in LGBT+ sports for more than 30 years, I know firsthand the importance of creating welcoming communities where people can connect, thrive, and belong. The friendships and experiences I have gained through WESA have enriched my life, and volunteering is my way of giving back.
It would be a privilege to continue being on the Commission after contributing in these roles:
- Communications Commissioner (2022–2026)
- Interim Technology Commissioner (2023–2024)
- Secretary (2012–2018)
- Special Events Commissioner (2011, 2019–2021)
Professionally, I am a Marketing Events Specialist, with communications, marketing, event planning, and project management forming the foundation of my career. I have also led WESA's communications and social media for over a decade.
If re-elected, I will continue to focus on clear, timely, and transparent communication while working collaboratively with my fellow commissioners to help ensure WESA remains welcoming, fun, inclusive, and member-focused.
While experience has given me valuable perspective, I also believe WESA is strongest when we continue to welcome new ideas, new volunteers, and future leaders. I look forward to continuing to work with fellow commissioners and helping support the next generation of volunteers who will guide the league into the future.
WESA has given me far more than softball. It has given me community, friendship, and a place to belong. I have been fortunate to benefit from this community for many years, and I'm not done giving back yet. I appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting our league and membership. Thank you for your consideration and support.
NOMINEES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS COMMISSIONER
RAFE LARSEN
Hey WESA! Happy Pride!
In the past two years as your Special Events commissioner, I have brought an array of change to the way WESA events operate, and I take great pride in having had the chance to meet so much of the membership. Since joining the league in 2022, WESA has become a core part of my adult life here in Vancouver. Seeing our membership come out of their shells and thrive, whether it's at our socials, in games, or on the main stage, has been a highlight of my time volunteering for you all, and I'm here to share why I am the best person for the role going forward.
My commission accomplishments include:
- Created our WESA Monthly Socials, which included watch parties, trivia nights, mixers, after-parties, and more.
- Introduced the Pride Points system, where our membership got to shine a light each week on their successes, personal achievements, and team spirit, while connecting the commission with regular feedback about how our games are going.
- Brought a strong voice of leadership to the WESA Commission and helped instigate new and necessary changes to the way we operate.
- Designed a fresh and heightened WESA Pageant Experience where I have helped the league generate over $25,000 for charitable causes (and this year may have been the best show yet!).
- Delivered effective communication about our events across our correspondence, like Social Media, Teamlinkt, etc.
- Built a rapport with Vancouver Canadians Baseball, where they've invited us to show off our membership's achievements to the greater public on the official pitch in celebration of us.
- Helped start the Vancouver Pride Sports group where I represent WESA and collaborate with many other queer sporting leagues on all things news, events, help, and advice.
- Organized the first ever Family Feud between WESA and OFK, where WESA proudly took the top spot in 2025 ;)
- Helped design the current Three-Tier WESA Gameplay Structure to create a more balanced and fairer softball experience.
And most importantly, I've connected the commission with your membership experience more than ever, and the league is in a healthier, happier place for it.
In the pursuit of further growing the WESA experience, there are many NEW things that I would like to bring in my next term:
- Build a proper WESA Events Committee, where we can collaborate on what the membership wants most out of our Events, without it being restricted to the vision of one person on the board.
- Add variety to our Monthly Softball Socials, which have become a staple to look forward to each month. Think dance parties, movie nights, karaoke, and more.
- Create a 50th WESA Anniversary Committee, where we will plan some BIG, celebratory events reflecting on the fantastic legacy that this league has created in Vancouver (upcoming in 2028!).
- Improve our Opening Day and Draft Day events, to create a more exciting and organized start to the season.
- Enhance the WESA Pageant Experience to an all-night event, with a later show start time, where we can stay and dance all night in Celebrities Nightclub with our membership after their hard work.
- Expand WESA's presence outward into the community, including collaborating on events with other LGBTQIA2S+ sports leagues.
- Overhaul WESA's Social Media to focus more on showing off our membership through short, crafted shoutout videos of our membership.
- Create a Winter WESA Fundraiser event where we can all come together and dance the off-season blues away with our friends from past and upcoming seasons.
It has been a dream and a pleasure to get to know so much of the membership since joining the board in 2025. Frankly, my life has changed so much since discovering WESA, and the best way to show my appreciation is to continue giving back to a community that means so much to us all. I've worked hard to be someone that the membership can approach about any and all league matters. Taking the time to have 1-on-1 conversations with so many of you has brought much needed clarity to how we can keep WESA a welcoming space for everyone. I can proudly say that I now know (almost) everyone in the league after these two years, and I aim to continue being your friend and leader for another two seasons.
Thanks for your support these last two years. Please consider me for Special Events Commissioner!
With love,
Rafe Larsen
***
LANCE SANDOVER
🌈👑🥎 Vote Lance for WESA Special Events Commissioner! 🥎👑🌈
WESA family… it’s time to celebrate the community, the connections, and the unforgettable events that make WESA the league we love!
I’m Lance, and I’m excited to throw my hat (and maybe a few sequins) into the ring for Special Events Commissioner!
For those who know me, you know WESA isn’t just a softball league to me—it’s family. It’s the friendships, the laughs, the celebrations, and the moments that happen long after the final out.
I’ve had the honour of serving as Special Events Commissioner for 10 years, along with being a coach and a team sponsor. I’ve seen what makes this league shine, and I’ve loved being part of the magic that brings our community together.
One of my proudest moments was helping usher in a new era of the WESA Pageant—our legendary and fabulous biggest fundraiser—which has raised more than $100,000 for WESA. That’s not just a pageant… that’s a WESA tradition we can all be proud of! 👑
If elected, I’ll bring:
✨ Creative events that people can’t wait to attend
✨ More opportunities to connect on and off the field
✨ The passion and enthusiasm that WESA deserves
Because let’s face it… we may come for the softball, but we stay for the community, the friendships, the stories, and the moments we’ll be laughing about years later.
I can’t promise I’ll fix your swing… but I can promise I’ll help make sure WESA keeps hitting it out of the park! ⚾
Vote Lance for Special Events Commissioner!
🌈 Experience. Passion. Community. A little bit of sparkle. 🌈
***
RAHEEM SINCLAIR
Good Afternoon,
I'm Raheem Sinclair, and I'm excited to put my name forward for the Special Events Commissioner position. Over the past couple of seasons, WESA has become much more than a softball league to me; it's a community where friendships are built, and memories are made both on and off the field. I want to become more involved because I don't just want to be part of the league; I want to help shape its future. In my professional career as a Project Manager, I lead projects from planning through execution, working with stakeholders, managing budgets, coordinating vendors, and delivering successful initiatives. These experiences have given me the organizational, communication, and leadership skills that I believe would make me an effective Commissioner.
I believe WESA has an incredible foundation, and I'd love the opportunity to contribute to its continued growth while preserving what makes it special. My goal is to help create well organized, engaging events that bring our community together, strengthen relationships with sponsors and volunteers, and leave a lasting impact on our members. I'm someone who enjoys turning ideas into action, working collaboratively, and finding ways to make each event better than the last. Most importantly, I care about this league and would be proud to give back by helping create experiences that members look forward to year after year.
Thanks
Raheem
***
NOMINEE FOR MEMBERSHIP COMMISSIONER 2027-2028 - ELECTED BY ACCLAMATION
DAN JULIAN
Membership Commissioner Election Statement
Since joining WESA in 2018 and the coaching squad a few years ago, I have been passionate about fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for all members. Over the past year as Membership Commissioner, I successfully transitioned into the role with minimal guidance from my predecessor. I quickly established effective processes to support the league, coaches, and membership.
As Membership Commissioner, I have worked diligently to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, including recruiting and retaining members, maintaining accurate membership records, organizing player assessments and drafts, managing waiting and spare player lists, supporting coaches, and collaborating with fellow Commissioners to strengthen league operations.
During the last year, some of my key accomplishments included:
- Successfully growing league participation and creating an additional team, resulting in a full complement of 20 teams.
- Leading and coordinating Draft Day with the support of fellow volunteers and Commissioners.
- Assisting with player skills assessments and serving as Sub-Chair of the Tier 2 Rating Committee, where I contributed ideas and recommendations to improve player evaluation processes and tier placement discussions.
- Managing and maintaining membership information through TeamLinkt and supporting league administrative requirements.
- Coordinating player registration data, buddy requests, waitlists, spare player lists, and tier-specific tracking through detailed spreadsheet management.
- Supporting the iPride system by ensuring membership information was accurately maintained and uploaded as required.
- Working directly with members to ensure a positive experience, particularly for new players, by checking in regularly, gathering feedback, and encouraging continued participation.
- Responding thoughtfully and professionally to member concerns, including navigating sensitive conversations regarding player ratings, tier placements, and league policies.
- Supporting coaches by maintaining confidential player information resources and ensuring they had the tools needed to support their teams effectively.
- Attending the majority of commission meetings and supporting fellow Commissioners as needed, including taking meeting minutes when required.
- Coordinating field days and being actively present throughout the season to assist members and volunteers.
- Serving on the WESA Accessibility Canada Act (ACA) Working Group and contributing to additional league committees, including initiatives related to the PAC Cup and Canada Cup.
Beyond my role as Commissioner, I have coached within both WESA and the Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), which has provided valuable insight into member development, team dynamics, and the importance of creating positive and supportive experiences for players at all levels.
Looking Forward
If re-elected as Membership Commissioner, I will continue building on the successes of the past term while looking for new opportunities to improve the member experience.
My priorities will include:
- Continuing to recruit and retain members to support sustainable league growth.
- Ensuring new members feel welcomed, supported, and connected from their first interaction with WESA.
- Strengthening member retention by identifying and addressing barriers that may prevent participants from returning.
- Providing coaches, especially new coaches, with the resources, guidance, and support they need to be successful.
- Supporting the development of a strong coaching pathway that encourages leadership growth and succession planning within the league.
- Continuing to improve membership administration, communication, and league processes to create a positive experience for all participants.
- Seeking innovative solutions and new ideas that enhance fairness, accessibility, and member engagement.
Commitment to Community
My personal values align strongly with WESA's commitment to inclusion, community, respect, and belonging. As a First Nations community member and leader within a First Nations government, I believe diverse voices and perspectives strengthen organizations and help create more inclusive decision-making processes.
I am proud to bring experience in community development, project management, collaboration, governance, and relationship building. I believe it is important that everyone feels welcomed and valued within our league, whether they are a rookie player joining for the first time or a long-standing member of our community.
I am committed to continuing to strengthen WESA's culture by creating opportunities for members to develop new skills, recognize the contributions of others, and build an environment where everyone can succeed both on and off the field.
My goal remains simple: to lead by example, serve our members with integrity, and help ensure that WESA continues to be a thriving, welcoming, and successful community for years to come.
Thank you for your support and consideration. I would be honoured to continue serving as your Membership Commissioner.
Kwa’s ho:y,
Kw’shimut
Dan Julian
NOMINEE FOR LEAGUE COMMISSIONER 2027-2028 - ELECTED BY ACCLAMATION
Seán Hernández Cummings
It would be a privilege to continue serving as your League Commissioner for a third term in 2027/2028.
WESA Volunteer Experience
WESA Member (2004–2026)
League Commissioner (2023–2026)
Rules & Regulations Commissioner (2021)
Coach (2011–2013, 2020–2021, 2026)
SQ Committee Member (2023–2026)
Working Group Member (2024)
Pageant Judge Liaison (2022)
Pageant Stage Manager (2011, 2019)
Special Events Committee Member
iPride Softball Delegate & Canada Liaison
Pride Softball Canada Committee Co-Chair
Strathcona Saturday Open Scrimmage Organizer (2010–2022)
Tournament Coach and/or Manager
Sunday After-Ball BBQ Fundraiser Coordinator (since 2012)
Fall Ball Co-Organizer
A League Where We Learn. Play. Belong.
When I joined WESA in 2004, I simply wanted to play softball. Like many members, I quickly discovered that WESA is much more than a sports league. It is a community where people come to compete, try something new, socialize, volunteer, celebrate, and build lasting friendships.
One of the things I have always appreciated about WESA is that no two members experience it in quite the same way. Some come primarily for softball. Others discover coaching, tournaments, volunteering, or friendships that last a lifetime. Many of us also look forward to traditions like the annual WESA Pageant, which brings our community together while raising significant funds that WESA invests in organizations serving the Greater Vancouver LGBT+ community. That diversity of experiences is one of WESA's greatest strengths.
Over time, I have been fortunate to experience many of those experiences.
Since then, my approach to volunteering has always been simple: look for where I can make a meaningful difference.
I believe strong communities create opportunities—for people to learn, to play, to belong, and ultimately, to lead.
That belief has guided my work as League Commissioner.
Looking back over the past four years, I believe we have made meaningful progress together because we have focused on creating more opportunities for our members.
Through the Coach Squad, we have created more opportunities for members to coach, mentor, and develop as leaders.
Through WESA Athletics, we have brought together Softball Essentials, coaching clinics, Saturday practices, and skills development under the philosophy of Learn. Play. Belong. Together, we have worked to make learning softball more welcoming, leadership more accessible, and competition fairer for everyone.
Beyond the field, we expanded Canadian tournament opportunities by establishing the Pride Softball Canada Cup with our sister leagues across the country. We also strengthened WESA's relationships with organizations such as HIM and Qmunity, reinforcing our place within the broader Greater Vancouver LGBT+ community.
Together, we have:
implemented the three-tier division structure to create a fairer playing experience;
built the Coach Squad and expanded leadership opportunities;
launched WESA Athletics to support learning, player development, and mentorship;
established the Pride Softball Canada Cup to expand Canadian tournament opportunities;
strengthened partnerships with HIM and Qmunity;
improved communication and shared expectations across the league; and
continued building a league that values inclusion, fairness, fun, and long-term sustainability.
Looking Ahead
If re-elected, I want WESA to continue being a league where every member has the opportunity to learn, play, belong, and lead.
I want WESA Athletics to continue helping members build confidence and develop their skills. I want more members to discover leadership through coaching, volunteering, and mentorship. I want our volunteers to feel supported and appreciated, and I want us to continue balancing inclusion, fairness, and fun while ensuring the long-term sustainability of our league.
As we prepare to celebrate WESA's 50th anniversary, I also want to place greater emphasis on leadership beyond governance. The Commission is only one part of what makes the West End Slo-pitch Association successful. Our league has always been strongest when members bring their own talents, ideas, and energy to our community.
Professionally, I work as a Consultant with the BC Film Commission at Creative BC. My background includes film production, financial management, theatre, communications, and project management. Those experiences have shaped my approach to collaboration, volunteer leadership, and organizational development.
Thank you for considering me for another term as your League Commissioner. It has been an honour to serve the West End Slo-pitch Association, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue building our league together.
Seán Hernández Cummings