191: David Chappell | He Didn't See A Place for Him at BYU—So He Created One

David Chappell is a civil engineer, community organizer, and emerging political voice in Utah County. Raised in Arizona in a traditional Latter-day Saint family, David served a mission in Milan, Italy, where exposure to a wider world—and greater diversity—began shaping the questions that would later define his advocacy. While attending Brigham Young University, David helped co-found the Cougar Pride Center, a grassroots organization dedicated to creating resources, connection, and large-scale events for LGBTQ+ people in Provo and Orem. During that time, he also faced his own personal struggles, including suicidal thoughts as a freshman, experiences that deepened his commitment to making campus and community spaces safer and more supportive for LGBTQ+ students navigating faith and identity. Today, David continues that work as both an advocate and a builder—applying the same drive he brings to engineering toward strengthening his community. He is now stepping into the political arena, running for office in Utah House District 62 in Provo, with the goal of helping shape a more inclusive and compassionate future for Utah. In this conversation, David shares his journey through faith, identity, mental health, and public service — and why he believes community care and representation matter now more than ever. Visit the CougarPrideCenter on Instagram: @CougarPrideCenter Visit David's campaign: DavidForUtah.com