Jennifer is an avid lover of many types of music, having studied ballet, tap, and jazz dance in childhood and drums as an adult. However, her true musical passion is singing. She was in various choirs and musical choruses from grade school all the way through college. She also enjoys volunteering at animal shelters and learning about animal behavior. She now dedicates her time to activism and advocacy and strongly supports and encourages diversity and inclusivity. She brings a strong attention to detail and organization to her role as our Secretary and a love and passion for music to the chorus.

Tracey Bulau serves as the Director of Family, Children and Youth Ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Rockford, where she creates a safe space of belonging and inclusion for all children, youth, and families, especially those traditionally excluded from churches. She co-chairs the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) subcommittee for the Northern Illinois Synod, helping educate other churches on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Her love of music began as a preteen when she first picked up the flute and has since grown to include singing and choral music, which she is thrilled to share through her performances with the Forest City Rainbow Chorus.

​Jessica Mullner serves as the Chief County Assessment Officer and Supervisor of Assessments for Boone County, Illinois, where she oversees the fair and accurate valuation of real property in accordance with the Illinois Property Tax Code, managing countywide assessment operations, supporting township assessors, administering exemptions, and working closely with the Boone County Board of Review to ensure equity, transparency, and compliance. Beyond her professional role, Jessica is known for her love of music and her strong support for the arts, and she is a proud ally of queer people through her support of the Forest City Rainbow Chorus, reflecting her commitment to inclusion, community, and cultural enrichment in the Rockford region.

Ezra is the Access Coordinator for The Forest City Rainbow Chorus, ensuring our rehearsals & concerts are accessible to people w/ disabilities. He works as a petsitter & legal secretary in the Rockford area. Ezra also performs as the drag king Neuro Cosmos across Illinois and southern Wisconsin. His vocal experience includes classical voice lessons from ages 14-22 and Jewish communal singing.

Aletha Wood is a community-minded individual with a lifelong passion for music. For over 20 years, she has performed as a solo vocalist and guitarist, as well as working with a variety of choirs and ensembles. She is also an avid multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and audio technician. Aletha spends her days providing Rockford small businesses and nonprofits with a variety of technical services. In her spare time, she lends her equipment and expertise to help coordinate and elevate performances, as well as volunteering her time with organizations such as Test Site Art Foundation, Sustain Rockford, and The Unitarian Universalist Church to promote creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity within the Rockford community.

​Andrew J. Mertzenich is an accomplished local musician with a particular passion for community music-making. He serves as Director of Traditional Music at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Organist at Court Street United Methodist Church. Andrew was also a frequent performer at the historic Coronado Theatre, including appearances with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, he formed the Rockford Area Pride Committee, which led to the Rockford Area's first official Pride Parade in 2024. In 2026, he published his first book, Forest City Yester-Queer, which is the first, full-length exploration of queer history in and around Rockford, Illinois. 

Alex Martinez is the Artistic Director of the Forest City Rainbow Chorus, bringing precision and a deep love of choral music to every concert program. With four years of experience as a choir director and more than a decade of teaching private music lessons, Alex cultivates strong vocal technique while creating an affirming, joyful space where singers can thrive. Her work centers on musical excellence, emotional authenticity, and the power of collective voices to build community. As Artistic Director, Alex is committed to shaping performances that are rooted in the chorus’s mission of inclusion and visibility.