IPAHW Operational Staff
Sir Justin, Executive Director
Sir Justin has been involved in the Chicago leather community for nearly two decades. In that time he has served on several local and national boards, and he has also spent time as a local, regional, and international titleholder. Currently, Sir Justin is the producer of Illinois Leather Pride Weekend, Executive Producer of the International Puppy and Trainer Contest, and the Executive Director of International Puppy and Handler Weekend.
Sir Justin is a fierce defender of education as a means to bridge gaps when there are areas of division. He has a PhD in Education and teaches every chance he gets. Since earning his international title, he has taught/lectured/spoken in 28 states and seven foreign countries. He has also authored two books: BARK! which chronicles his movement through the puppy community and Love Thy Neighbor…Unless He’s Gay, which tackles the chasm between homosexuality and religion. He is currently working on co-authoring a third book.
He is a member of Mama's family (Mama's Little Desperado and Mama's Gentle Trainer), is the founder of Sir Justin's Kennel (where he is kindly referred to as the Dogfather), and is a proud member of the (Leather) House of Raven. His lifetime achievement is being Sir of the Dogwood Pack. He is happily loved and in love with his family-pack.
Pup Kona, Contest Producer & IPAHW Co-Producer
Pup Kona is the current producer of IPTC and on the board of IPAHW, past IPTC International Puppy 2015 and NW Puppy 2015, 2 time Pantheon of Leather award recipient, co-founder of the BLFC Puppy Summit Group, co-founded the 1st ever pup and Handler contest in AU (Australian Pup and Handler Competition), co-founder of Paw and Pounce Weekend, and contributing writer for the pupplay.info website. Pup Kona is a French Bulldog and leather pup currently residing in the country of Canada. He’s been working with non-profit charity organizations for over 13 years. Pup Kona currently works alongside Helping Paws, a local non-profit charity organization who helps charities and causes in the BC area through mascot performance entertainment. He is also the founder of PAHs without Borders, which focuses on promoting mentorship, support and conversations between pups and Handlers all around the world in the effort to give every pup/Handler a chance to grow, be heard and loved. Throughout his travels, he has reached out and visited various community groups all over the world, sharing his passion and teachings inside and outside of puppy play. Pup Kona is Alpha of his pack, Dogwood pack, a member of VAH-PAH, SEA-PAH, Sir Justin’s Kennel, member of Mama's family (Mama's Blue Puppy) and part of the furry fandom.
Pup Tripp, Weekend Producer
Never underestimate the power of just one moment.
That is a mantra Pup Tripp has learned to appreciate to the full, ever since one boot-play scene during Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2008 opened the door to a whole new world of self-discovery as a pup. From that moment began the journey that culminated in Tripp being chosen IPC’s International Puppy 2014 and, later, an executive producer of International Pup & Handler Weekend.
Tripp first entered the leather/kink world in 2002 and has been actively involved in the community since 2003. He is a lifebrother and past-president of the DC boys of Leather as well as co-founder and past Alpha of the former Mid-Atlantic Kennel Korps. He served as a club representative to the Atlantic Motorcycle Coordinating Council for ten years, including two years as AMCC vice president. He has also served on the boards of Washington DC-area organizations such as Metro Leather Pride and Leather & Kink United. Tripp has been the recipient of several community awards, including the DC boys of Leather 2005 Bryan “Pup” Mullikin Leatherboy of the Year Award, IPC’s Good Puppy Award, MAKK’s Ronnie “Timer” Mallard Packmate of the Year Award, as well as a Pantheon of Leather nominee.
In addition to being a former IPC titleholder, Tripp also served as a former co-owner and producer of the International Puppy Contest. Currently, Tripp is a member of the DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as Novice Sister Jedda Knight.
Within the pup and handler community, Tripp has long been a staunch advocate and supporter for the community through promoting inclusivity, the importance of education, and knocking down barriers. As an executive producer of IPAHW, Tripp is dedicated to bringing to the pup and hander community the event that they want and can call their own.
