Contents

Letter from the President & CEO

Chamber Leadership

Team Spotlight: Meet Ryan Wilson,

Director of Corporate Relations

Comcast: Giving Back to the Community

Sysco: Giving Back Food Drive

Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive Gallery

Wells Fargo: A Partner in Success

Allied Member Spotlight:

Like Minds Communications

LGBTBE® Certified Member Spotlight:

Bickham Services Unlimited

Out & About

2808 Caroline St., Suite #201-B Houston, TX 77004

(832) 510-3002

info@houstonlgbtchamber.com houstonlgbtchamber.com

Working at the intersection

of business and the

LGBTQ+ community.

Mission

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative

programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.

This publication was created and produced

by Town Square Publications for the

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

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Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Director of Operations | Joseph Nugara

Sales Executives | Wayne Metcalfe

Editor | Rebecca Anderson

Designer | Angie Davis

Letter from the

President & CEO

In the LGBTQ+ community there are segments of support that, together, build a stronger, more inclusive place for us all. At the heart of that development is our Impact Partners – a driving force behind our mission, advocates for diversity and inclusion, and pillars of support for the Chamber and its mission.

In this issue of Business Intersections, we spotlight some of these remarkable Impact Partners who not only provide generous financial support but also actively contribute to the betterment of our Chamber Members and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Their dedication goes beyond their partnership dues or events sponsorship; it’s a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Whether purchasing from our small business members, through supplier diversity or LGBTQ+ employee resource groups, donating funds or volunteer hours to Chamber Member nonprofit members or partnering to deliver programming content for our members (to name just a few examples), our Impact Partners make a huge difference for our members and the Chamber, not to mention the community. All you have to do is look at the results from the Chamber Holiday Food & Supply Drive, where several of our Impact Partners stepped up to make a tremendous difference for our 2023 Drive beneficiary and nonprofit member, Tony’s Place, generously providing food and supplies to help LGBTQ+ homeless youth.  

Within their own companies, LGBTQ+ employees and allies serve as trailblazers, setting the standard for inclusion and equality in the workplace. Every day we are grateful for our Impact Partners, and their investment and support, that enable us to expand our reach, amplify our voices, and create meaningful change in the region and beyond.

Take a few minutes to read more in this issue about just a few of our incredible Impact Partners. Thank you to our generous advertisers for this issue and our cover sponsor,

Galene Financial. 

With Pride,

Tammi Wallace (she/her)

Co-Founder, President & CEO

Chamber Leadership

Tammi Wallace

(she/her)

Co-Founder,

President & CEO

Jack Berger

(he/him)

Director of

Programming & Events

Celinda Provost (she/her)

Director of Marketing

& Communications

T. Ray Purser

(he/him)

Director of

Government Relations

Ryan C. Wilson (he/him)

Director of

Corporate Relations

Thomas Lopez

(he/him)
Board Chair

Stephen Miranda

(he/him)

Vice Chair

Tiffany Tosh

(she/her)

Secretary /

Treasurer

Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr.

(he/him)

Board Member

Maureen Maiuri

(she/her)

Executive Administrator

Kristi Marchand

(she/her)

Executive Administrator

TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Meet

Ryan Wilson

By Marene Gustin

At 40, Ryan C. Wilson, Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s first Director of Corporate Relations, has spent half his lifetime in advocacy for the community.

First, he was co-president of Clemson University’s Gay-Straight Alliance and Safe Zone Coordinator for the University of South Carolina back when they were leery of posting meeting locations for safety reasons, to his most recent stint with the Human Rights Campaign for almost a decade. As Associate Regional Campaign Director there, he was recognized as employee of the year in 2016, and focused on Southern states, including as a member of the team fighting for HERO – the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, before joining the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce last December.

He has seen and been a part of the changes towards the LGBTQ+ community in this country for 20 years and brings this wealth of experience to his new job, along with a strong commitment to propel the Chamber, and Houston, to the forefront of LGBTQ+ rights in America.

“I really think the Chamber has a lot of potential,” he said. “Houston is the fourth-largest city in America; the more we can grow the impact the Chamber has in Houston, the more it will not stop at the city border. We can, and should be, leading the way and setting best practices for the entire country.”

As Director of Corporate Relations, Wilson oversees corporate partnerships, now called Impact Partners, by building and maintaining relationships with them to enhance relations and increase business opportunities. Impact Partnerships range from $5,000 to $50,000 and include a variety of customizable benefits to suit each corporation’s sponsorship needs.

“My goal is to focus on how we make those groups, those Impact Partners, as strong as possible, to help them recruit LGBTQ+ employees and to give back to the community,” Wilson said.

Impact Partners can benefit from the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance, a program to connect LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group leaders and others who are a part of their companies’ diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Participation in the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance is open to any LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, Business Resource Group or Affinity group at any private and public sector company that is currently a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Impact Partner or other collaboration chamber in the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce coalition that is in good standing.

“It’s about spheres of influence,” said Wilson. “We want to create connections between people in companies who are doing the same work so they can share information and best practices. We’re going to have webinars and networking activities as well as a Workplace Alliance Summit this summer. We want Impact Partners to engage, to work on internal policy advocacy as well. To question, ‘do we have a nondiscrimination policy, do we offer trans benefits,’ it’s easier if you have others in other companies to connect with, to see what they are doing and use that to your benefit.”

Some of the networking activities include happy hours and drag bingo, virtual seminars, a day of service, a food drive, and a history month event in October, as well being able to attend all Chamber programming and events all year long.

Also, Impact Partners have access to Certified LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE®) companies to support their supplier diversity program. As Wilson said, “if your company needs to hire a caterer, why not hire locally and hire a Certified LGBTQ+ business?”

Summing up his job, Wilson said, “I’m sort of a concierge who connects all the dots, who helps the Impact Partners do what they do best. Because the Impact Partners are just that, partners making an impact on our community.”

Comcast

Staff Giving Back to the Community

By Marene Gustin

At 45, Misha McClure is living her best life at America’s largest multinational telecommunications and media conglomerate.

“I always say I am blessed to live my passion every day,” said McClure. “As the Director of External Affairs for Comcast, Texas, I lead our company’s philanthropic, community impact, and digital equity initiatives, merging my strategy and communications expertise with my passion for fostering positive change.

“What I love most about my job is witnessing the transformative impact of our Project UP Initiative. We are positively impacting lives and creating unlimited possibilities. For example, through our partnership with SERJobs, we’ve been able to support individuals like Kenneth Harvey, a lifelong mechanic who had to change careers after an injury. Having never sent an email, he needed to learn how to use a computer to find work. And now this ‘computer cowboy’ (as he likes to call himself) has all the skills he needs thanks to this digital navigation course.”

McClure said Engaging (or Teaming UP) directly with communities, like in Waller County, and distributing food with Waller Assistance and Restoration Ministries, reinforces their commitment, but is also a passion. The joy on people’s faces, she said, knowing Comcast cares, is incredibly rewarding.

“There are so many examples of what I love about my job, but seeing the glimmer of hope in someone’s eyes, realizing they can connect with distant family through affordable options like Internet Essentials, is what makes this job truly fulfilling,” explained McClure “We’re not just connecting people; we’re connecting them to the moments that matter most.”

Supporting community is core to Comcast’s DNA. From Project UP, the comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities, to Team UP, the always-on, 365-days-a-year effort that brings Comcast teams together and provides opportunities for everyone to get more involved in their local communities, Comcast is deeply invested in the communities it serves and the small businesses that shape them.

“One program we had the opportunity to partner with the Chamber on was Comcast RISE,” McClure said. “Comcast RISE was created in 2020 to help small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19 recover and thrive. During its initial two-year term, 13,000 small businesses were awarded with over $110 million in monetary, marketing, and technology grants.” You can learn more about Comcast RISE and the recipients by visiting comcastrise.com.

“Public-private partnerships can unlock the promises of technology, propel economic mobility, and further broadband adoption and digital skills training,” she said. “Collaborating with partners, like the Chamber, is central to the mission of Project UP and can help us reinforce our resolve and fuel our aim to help close the digital divide and build a future of unlimited possibilities for everyone.

“At Comcast, we’re committed to creating an inclusive culture within the workplace and leveraging the power of our platforms, our people, and our reach to effect positive change and a more equitable society. One way that we leverage this is through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). One of those ERG’s is OUT at Comcast.

“OUT creates an environment where everyone — including LGBTQ+ employees and their allies — is comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work every day. OUT provides leadership, networking, development, and volunteer opportunities to its members.”

One initiative McClure is most excited about is the expansion effort to ensure Comcast is connecting more people to the power of possibility.

“We are planning a major network expansion … bringing services to new communities seeking faster and more reliable internet access,” she said. “Last year, we made a $100 million investment to include at least 1,000 miles of new fiber-rich highway that will reach up to 80,000 homes and businesses. And this year, our commitment will only grow, so save Texas.Comcast.com to make sure you are plugged in to where we are going next!”

Sysco Corporation

Giving Back Food Drive

By Marene Gustin

If all you know about Sysco is those ubiquitous food trucks outside your favorite restaurant, then you really don’t know much about the world’s largest broadline food distributor.

Since Sysco’s formation in Houston in 1969, it has grown its annual sales from $115 million to its all-time high of $76.3 billion in the last fiscal year, both through organic growth and acquisitions. Being the leader in the foodservice industry means Sysco understands the important role food plays in bringing people together and creating connections. That understanding inspired Sysco’s company purpose: Connecting the world to share food and care for one another.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognize the need to support partners who operate in the communities where our corporate headquarters are located,” said Nathan Hejl, Senior Research Manager, Customer Insights and Spectrum LGBTQ+ & Allies Colleague Resource Group (CRG), Co-Chair, Strategic Partnerships Committee. 

“These organizations provide much needed relief to those with the most need and provide opportunities for our colleagues to give back to their communities by volunteering at organized group or individual events,” Hejl continued. “Sysco is proud to show our support of the LGBTQ+ community as an Impact Partner of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce and demonstrate our pledge to create a workplace consistent with our Value – Commitment to Inclusiveness.

“Sysco’s Colleague Resource Group (CRG) members are encouraged to volunteer in our communities. We support community organizations where we have established relationships and whose mission aligns with our strategic focus. Spectrum is Sysco’s LGBTQ+ & Allies CRG – a group for all Sysco colleagues, including allies and the LGBTQ+ community along the entire spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity diversity,” Hejl said.

Last November, the Chamber held the popular Holiday Food & Supply Drive benefitting Tony’s Place, a resource center and community safe space for LGBTQ+ Houston youth. Sysco joined in a big way as a Giving Back Sponsor.

“Sysco’s Spectrum LGBTQ+ & Allies CRG worked alongside our DEI team to make an in-kind donation to the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber’s Holiday Food & Supply Drive, closing out Sysco’s first-ever Global Purpose Month,” said Hejl. “Global Purpose Month was launched to mobilize colleagues around the world in connecting the world to share food and care for one another. Together, we made a positive impact on the communities we serve and advanced our Global Good Goal to contribute $500 million of good in our communities by 2025.

“This particular donation helped fill food and supply needs at Tony’s Place, a resource center and community space focused on LGBTQ+ youth and young adults who need safe housing, queer health resources, educational support, and more,” said Hejl. Sysco donated nearly 100 cases of food and supplies worth $5,000, making a substantial impact on the community.

As an Impact Partner of the Chamber, formerly known as a Corporate Partner, Sysco has access to the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance programs.

“These programs have provided support for LGBTQ+ CRGs by cultivating growth through best practices sharing, collective learning, and networking opportunities to help build inclusive and welcoming work environments,” said Hejl. “Our CRG members have also had the opportunity to get out in the community to show support of our certified LGBTQ+-owned customers.

“As we think about the Sysco of the future, our Spectrum CRG and out-and-proud colleagues like myself envision a company culture where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has a fair and equal chance to thrive – and that extends beyond our walls with the youth in our local communities,” said Hejl. “We were honored to partner with Sysco’s DEI team, our South Texas Region, and our Houston site to make a difference in our local community.”

Wells Fargo

Investing in the Local Community

By Marene Gustin

Impact Partner Wells Fargo & Company is a multinational financial service company. But it is also a company committed to investing in the local communities where it does business.

“I am proud that at Wells Fargo we think of giving back to the community in multiple ways,” said Robert “Roby” Schapira, Director of Small & Business Banking Diverse Customer Segments. “I like to think of it in three ways: Time, Talent and Treasure.” 

Schapira explains it like this:

“Time: More than 100,000 employees actively participate in internal volunteering and employee resource groups, which engage with communities through employee volunteer opportunities and community support. I personally volunteer my time with my local LGBTQ+ chamber, the GSBA – Washington’s LGBTQ+ chamber, as the vice-chair of the Board and by supporting several key programs like our Telling your story workshops, Supplier Diversity-matchmaking and pitch event, and our mid-large business roundtable.

“Talent: An example of how we give talent is by helping to de-mystify the financial side of small business ownership. With the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce – NGLCC we sponsor programs like XLR8, a cohort online executive management program. In addition to sponsoring, we deliver an economic update geared toward what small business owners need to know to help them plan/forecast effectively. 

“And Treasure: Treasure may seem the most obvious and includes large commitments like our Open for Business Fund, a roughly $420 million national small business recovery effort that we established with the proceeds from the first round of PPP and has delivered access to capital and expertise through grants to more than 200 community organizations nationwide. I am also proud of how we identify opportunities to provide local support, like with our LGBTQ+ community. Today we sponsor more than 20 LGBTQ+ chambers across the country focused on cities where our customers are located. We are so proud of this work and the engagement we can create with amazing chambers like the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce!”

These chamber partnerships, both national and local, he said, are where small business owners go for trusted support and resources.

Wells Fargo was the first financial institution to join the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and support its mission to better address the financial and educational needs of LGBTQ+-owned businesses. In 2023, Wells Fargo was named NGLCC’s 2023 Corporation of the Year in recognition of over 20 years of partnership and significant impact to LGBTQ+ business owners across the country.

“Wells Fargo supports over 20 regional/local LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce where we have a significant customer base,” Shapira said. “Our goal with these partnerships is to provide dedicated technical assistance programming that includes the engagement of a local Wells Fargo employee who serves as an ambassador to the chamber. For the Houston Chamber, this employee ambassador is Lead Business Growth Consultant Shawn Smith. In 2023-2024, we have focused this support on TGX (Transgender and Gender Expansive) and COCI (Communities of Color, ethnically diverse LGBTQ+-owned) businesses nationwide to enable them to join their local chamber and get certified as an LGBTBE® (LGBT Business Enterprise) at no cost for the first year.”

“I am proud to work for Wells Fargo where for over 25 years I have felt valued and supported for all I am … including as a gay man,” said Shapira. “As a leader of our small business work, I know that small businesses need community support to thrive. I think of it as every business needs a village, and in particular, businesses in our LGBTQ+ community can benefit when they choose to come out and join their chamber to receive support, information, and resources. One of the best parts of my job is watching business owners find community, and I am committed to spreading that impact as far and wide as possible.” 

Like Minds Communications

By Marene Gustin

The leading mind of Like Minds Communications, Jenny Gustafson, doesn’t just give back to the community -- her whole business model is built on making a difference.

“We work exclusively with mission-driven businesses, which means our clients are specifically nonprofit organizations, social enterprises or for-profit businesses that want to make the world a better place and utilize impact marketing to drive sales,” Gustafson said. “Our agency is unique in the type of clientele we work with … and in that we really only work with clients whose values align with ours as a business and as humans. We also don’t think of ourselves as an outsourced vendor to our clients, but as a true partner and part of their larger team.” 

Like Minds Communications gives back with pro bono or in-kind work for smaller LGBTQIA+ and women-focused organizations. They have developed and executed fully integrated marketing campaigns for NCJW, TENT (Transgender Education Network of Texas), and most recently, Trinity Episcopal Church’s “Drag Me To Church” fundraiser. 

Gustafson has always felt connected to the LGBTQIA+ community and says the Chamber is the first organization where she’s felt truly welcomed and like a part of a community.

“Why ISN’T being an ally important to me?” she asked. “First and foremost, I have known, seen and experienced the most real love and support within the LGBTQIA+ community, beginning when I was child, and my mom was the Executive Director of AIDS Foundation Houston (now Allies in Hope). I’m hopeful that by raising my own three children to be kind, accepting and loving humans who are comfortable in their own skin, regardless of their sexual or gender identities, I can make a small dent in the hatred and vitriol LGBTQIA+ folks are facing today. As such, we love bringing our family to community events including last summer’s Chamber-sponsored family PRIDE event at Levy Park and the event Like Minds supported for TENT, “Show Up and Show Out” for trans youth at Axelrad.

“I am proud to be an ally,” she said. “And hope I’m able to showcase my support however and whenever I’m given the opportunity to do so … something the Chamber makes even more tangible.” 

Bickham

Services Unlimited

Rachel Bickham is a black, gay, woman business owner, but it’s only the woman part that has ever given her trouble.

“I started in the construction business,” she said. “As a senior project manager, they didn’t respect me, they thought I was there to make coffee and be an admin. I learned to speak up for myself.”

It was after the recession, when laid-off employees started asking her to help them find new jobs, that she realized finding employees and employers the right match was her calling. It went from a side gig to founding Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC in 2017, a statewide staffing and recruiting company based in Houston.

“What sets us apart is our expertise in the businesses we serve,” Bickham said. “In the construction industry, I know how they operate and what their needs are.”

Although never having experienced discrimination for being an LGBTQ+ business owner, she still wanted to feel supported by others.

“People have some idea of what gay looks like,” she said. “And apparently, I don’t look like it; they’re always surprised to find out that I’m gay. But I wanted to be surrounded by others who identify the way I identify. That’s why I joined the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.” And that’s why she recently had her business certified through the Chamber’s LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE®) Certification program.

“I haven’t received any business through it yet but just the networking is worth it, and I’m really looking forward to being more involved.”

This CEO and mother is also a first-time author. An Entrepreneurial Leap: My Faith, My Lessons, My Success, the story of how she built her own business, was just published in February.

“My advice for young LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs is to check out my book,” she said. “It’s all there, how to overcome the challenges in starting your own business and overcoming your fear. Basically, don’t be afraid. Those who don’t agree with who you are, are not your customers.”