INSIDE OUT 2024-2025 Guide

Contents

Board Chair Message 6

President's Message 8

Foundation Board Chair Message 10

Chamber Leadership 11

Membership Info 12

Corporate Partners 16

Events Calendar 18

Programs & Events 20

Advocacy 24

Board Member Profile: Clark Davis 28

Profile: Kevin McKeever 30

Coalition for Aging 32

Foundation Scholarships 34

Leadership Institute 36

BERG Alliance 38

Member Directory 43

On the Cover:

Chamber Programs & Events

Vol. 3 | Issue 3 | Summer 2024

4123 Cedar Springs Road, Suite 1206

Dallas, TX 75219

(214) 821-4528

lgbtchamber.com
Messsage from the Board Chair

Winding Down the Year

As I complete my term as the Chamber’s Board Chair, I am thrilled to reflect on the remarkable journey of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce. For nearly 20 years, the Chamber has been at the intersection of business and LGBTQ+ equality. We have worked towards fulfilling our mission to achieve equality through business. Along the way, we have found new allies, and we’ve become better allies to other communities. Even though we have not met our mission, we have become stronger (and maybe even smarter) along the way.

When I was nominated by the Board to become Chair, I had some apprehension. As a cisgender, heterosexual woman, would the Chamber Membership and community see me as an interloper or as the long-time ally that I am? True to form, I was welcomed with open arms. Apprehension was replaced by excitement with an eye on the future of this wonderful organization.

While serving as Board Chair, the Chamber achieved many milestones. Last year, the Chamber membership rose to 400 businesses, and we increased our staff to three. Don’t get me wrong, these are not my successes; I just happened to be in the Chair’s seat at this time. These successes, and so many more, belong to you, our loyal members, and to our hard-working staff. I was proud to see the Chamber’s Board of Directors make great strides together like significantly improving our employee benefits to help us retain our amazing staff and investing in technology to improve your membership experience and support the Chamber’s sustainability.

It has been my great pleasure to work with the Chamber staff and the incredible volunteers who make up the Chamber Board. I dare say, this is an ideal board. Every board member always has the best interests of the Chamber and its members in mind. There are no personal agendas. I would be happy to have a beer (or Cosmo) with any one of our board members, and I have.

Although my term as the Chamber Board Chair is ending, I am honored to be stepping into the role of Foundation Board Chair where I will once again have the pleasure of working with our great staff, our board members and all of you. I am still excited about our future and all of the things we will accomplish together.

Thank you for your support, it makes all the difference.

In pride and equality,

Rachel Wolf • Board Chair

North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce

BoardChair@LGBTChamber.com
Message from the President

The Power of Connections

As the President of the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, I have the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that building and nurturing business connections can have on our members and our broader community. In today's increasingly interconnected world, are we really connecting? Are we building business relationships or simply collecting business cards (or the social media equivalent)? The professional relationships you cultivate now could be the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving.

One of our greatest strengths as your Chamber of Commerce is our ability to bring people together. Through our programs like the Business Exchange Network, Queer Professionals Network, and Brewing Up Business, we create spaces where business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders can meet, exchange ideas, and form lasting relationships. In addition, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce business enterprise certification (LGBTBE®) distinguishes its own cohort where small businesses and supplier diversity professionals can meet and make inroads to working together.

Our members also benefit from the Chamber’s connections. We are the only LGBT chamber in the nation that participates in local, regional, and national chamber professional associations. During the pandemic, we were able to use those relationships to learn about government funding for small businesses. We also gained access to free COVID test kits distributed exclusively to chambers of commerce by the Texas Department of Emergency Management. Relationships like these strengthen the fabric of our local economy and make us more resilient in the face of challenges.

This chamber of commerce, your chamber of commerce, the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce is on the cusp of celebrating twenty years of connecting and representing our members and our community. We have enjoyed steady, organic growth that has resulted in a total of 424 members today. At our Chamber of Commerce, we prioritize creating and fostering these connections. The good news is that the Chamber staff are on hand to facilitate connections and support your business. We believe that by working together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.

I encourage every member to take full advantage of the opportunities we offer to connect, collaborate, and grow. By doing so, you are not only investing in the success of your business but also in the prosperity of our entire community.

Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM • President & CEO

tony.vedda@lgbtchamber.com
Message from the

Foundation Board Chair

As we embark on the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 15th anniversary, I thought I would use this space to reflect on a couple of the Foundation’s accomplishments in pursuit of its mission to develop leaders in the LGBTQ+ community.

Originally founded in 2009 as the Leadership Education & Advocacy Program, the Chamber Foundation has granted nearly $175,000 in educational scholarships to deserving LGBT and ally students across Texas. Our scholars have gone on to become physicians, attorneys and tenured professors at universities, to name but a few. Assisting people in completing their education with slightly less debt benefits both the students and the community.

As time goes by and as we acquire more funding, we hope to begin providing four-year scholarships. Starting in their freshman year, we want to make a commitment to fund each scholar with a set amount of funding that they can count on receiving throughout their undergraduate studies, while maintaining certain levels of academic achievement, of course.

In 2011, the Chamber and Chamber Foundation began to explore the creation of a leadership program specifically for the LGBT community and its allies. The process was slow until 2018, when members of the EY (Ernst & Young) employee resource group reached out to the Chamber to offer their assistance. In September 2019, the first cohort of the LGBT Leadership Institute began. The cohort graduated in May 2020 during the pandemic shutdown. After a slight hiatus, the second cohort began in September 2021. Recently, we celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort with plans to begin the fifth cohort in September of this year.

If not for the professional assistance from EY and the Chamber’s ability to expand its staff, the LGBT Leadership Institute might still be waiting to launch. Instead, we have a one-of-a-kind program with a proven track record of success. In the future, I believe people will look at the LGBT Leadership Institute as an essential component of the sustainability of our community.

I wish I could take credit for the Foundation’s accomplishments, but I cannot. As the Board Chair, I am merely the Foundation’s temporary steward, committed to keeping the organization in good stead for the next Board Chair. The credit for the Foundation’s accomplishments lies with my predecessors, our volunteer Board Members, the Chamber membership, and our community. The generous contributions, financial as well as those of time and talent, are what have made the Foundation a great success and a valuable asset in the North Texas LGBTQ+ community. Thank you for your support.

Looking to a bright future,

Gary Sanchez • Board Chair

LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Chamber & Foundation Board Members

Suzanne Butler, CPA

Treasurer

Butler Accounting

Scott Carnes

Dave Perry-Miller

Real Estate

Clark Davis

Brinker International

Armando Gonzalez

Secretary

Goody Goody Liquor

Valerie Jackson

Hair & Now Electrolysis

Jacob Krysiak

General Counsel

Polsinelli, PC

Kevin McKeever

Toyota

Armando G. Ramirez

Reliance Mortgage

Gary Sanchez

Foundation Board Chair

Visit Dallas

Clint R. Thomson

Past Board Chair

DFW-MSP

Justin ‘’JT’’ Williams

LGBT Chamber Foundation
Chair Emeritus

Independence Title

Kevin Williams

American Airlines

Evie Wise

Wise Insurance Group

Rachel Wolf

Chamber Board Chair

Rolex

Staff

Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM

President & CEO

Lisa Howe

VP of Membership & Programs

Erica Mendez

Membership Specialist
Who We Are

North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce is mission-focused; we work to achieve equality through business. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive business community that promotes economic vitality, connects members and advocates on their behalf.

As an organization funded by its members, the Chamber operates independently of government funding, which empowers it to be an influential advocate for businesses and a valuable asset to its members and the broader community.

When you join the Chamber, you, your company, your employees and the community all benefit. If you want to improve your bottom line, develop better employees and become part of a positive force in North Texas' LGBT economy, then YOU belong in the Chamber.

Joining the Chamber is easier than ever and gives you the freedom to connect in ways that serve and grow your business.

Membership in the Chamber offers numerous benefits for you, your business, your employees and the local community. By joining, you contribute to the economic empowerment of the LGBT community in North Texas and gain opportunities to enhance your business's financial performance, cultivate a skilled workforce and engage with a dynamic economic force in the region.

The Chamber welcomes businesses of all sizes and sectors, including those owned by or supportive of the LGBTQ community, from North Texas and beyond. Allies are especially encouraged to join. The membership process has been streamlined for your convenience, allowing you to engage in ways that best fit your business needs. With a variety of small business membership levels available, you can choose the one that aligns with your objectives and budget, with the flexibility to upgrade at any time. The Chamber eagerly anticipates your participation and warmly greets its new members.
Events Calendar

August

1 Brewing Up Business Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBD240801

6 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL240806

7 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND240807

8 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS240808

8 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP240808

12 Brewing Up Business Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBP240812

13 Business Connections Lunch Tarrant County

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BLTC240813

20 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL240820

21 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND240821

22 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP240822

22 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS240822

29 New Member Showcase

https://lgbtqchamber.net/NMS240829

September

3 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL240903

4 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND240904

5 Brewing Up Business Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBD240905

9 Brewing Up Business Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBP240909

10 Business Connections Lunch Tarrant County

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BLTC240910

12 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS240912

12 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP240912

17 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL240917

18 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND240918

20 2024 Pride In Business Awards

https://lgbtqchamber.net/PIB2024Event

24 Pride Happy Hour

https://lgbtqchamber.net/PHH240924

26 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP240926

26 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS240926

October

1 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL241001

2 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND241002

3 Brewing Up Business Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBD241003

8 Business Connections Lunch Tarrant County

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BLTC241008

10 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS241010

10 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP241010

14 Brewing Up Business Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBP241014

15 BEN Oak Lawn

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENOL241015

16 Pride Happy Hour

https://lgbtqchamber.net/PHH241016

16 Brewing Up Business Fort Worth

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BUBFW241016

16 BEN North Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENND241016

24 BEN Cedar Springs

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENCS241024

24 BEN Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/BENP241024

31 Queer Professionals Network Fort Worth

https://lgbtqchamber.net/QPNFW241031
Who We Are/What We Do

Programs and Events

The North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce offers a robust array of programs and events designed to support the economic vitality and professional development of the LGBTQ+ community in North Texas.

One of the cornerstone programs is the Business Exchange Network (BEN), a structured networking group that helps members increase business through referrals and regular meetings. Each BEN group meets twice a month, providing a supportive environment where members can hone their elevator pitches and build long-lasting business relationships. Participation in BEN is exclusive, ensuring that each business category is represented by only one member, which fosters collaboration over competition.

The New Member Showcase is a dynamic event designed to introduce and highlight the newest members of the Chamber to the broader community. This event provides new members with an invaluable platform to present their businesses, services, and products to other Chamber members, fostering immediate connections and opportunities for collaboration. This format not only helps new members integrate into the Chamber community but also allows them to start building meaningful business relationships from the start. The New Member Showcase is an excellent way for businesses to gain visibility within the LGBTQ+ community and to start leveraging the Chamber’s extensive network to grow their business.

Another popular event is Pride Happy Hour, normally held on the third Wednesday of each month. This informal networking event attracts 40-60 professionals each time, creating a relaxed atmosphere for LGBT and allied business professionals to connect. It's an excellent opportunity for members to expand their networks in a fun and welcoming environment.

The Chamber also hosts Brewing Up Business, a morning networking event where members can share their 30-second business commercials, engage in open networking, and enjoy a light breakfast. We recently added a third Brewing Up Business. Now you may attend BUB in Dallas, Plano, and Fort Worth. This event is designed to jumpstart the day and business relationships alike.

One notable addition to the Chamber’s menu of programs is the Queer Professionals Network (QPN), which serves as a bridge for young LGBTQ+ professionals and entrepreneurs to connect, share experiences, and support each other's growth. QPN provides an inclusive space where members can engage in meaningful conversations, expand their professional networks, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit the LGBTQ+ community.

Each month, the Chamber also holds the Business Connections Lunch in Fort Worth, designed to foster business relationships and encourage collaboration among LGBTQ+ professionals and allies in the Fort Worth area. This lunch series brings together a diverse group of professionals from various industries, offering opportunities for networking, sharing ideas, and discussing business strategies in a welcoming environment.

For LGBTQ+ people who work with large employers, the Chamber has the LGBTQ+ BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) Alliance, which focuses on supporting and connecting ERGs and BRGs. The Alliance provides a platform for sharing best practices, resources, and strategies to help companies create more inclusive and supportive environments for their LGBTQ+ employees. Through workshops, meetings, and networking events, the LGBTQ+ BERG Alliance fosters collaboration and empowerment across businesses in the region.

These programs, alongside various other workshops, awards, and networking opportunities, underscore the Chamber’s dedication to supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ business community in North Texas and underscores its mission to achieve equality through business.
Who We Are/What We Do

The Importance of

Advocacy

The North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce exists at the intersection of business and equality. We are steadfast in our commitment to advocacy at all governmental levels, championing the interests of our members and the wider LGBTQ+ Ally Business Community. Our daily endeavors are aimed at transforming Texas into a state where LGBTQ+-owned businesses are afforded equal opportunities for economic growth and success.

We take pride in keeping our members and the LGBTQ+ Community well-informed about impending public policies and, when necessary, formulate Chamber position statements. This establishes us as a reliable authority on present and prospective issues and legislation at the municipal, state and federal tiers. Moreover, we are dedicated to forging and nurturing political partnerships that resonate with the Chamber's mission and principles. These collaborative endeavors not only serve our members and community but also bolster businesses in our area, thereby amplifying our collective voice to influence crucial legislation.

Our legislative agenda is reflective of our members' feedback, gathered through surveys, ensuring that our priorities are member driven. The Chamber also collaborates within the framework of the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce, which encompasses all four Texas LGBTQ Chambers, to craft a unified agenda for each Texas Legislative Session.

Annually, throughout the legislative session, the Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce organize a Day at the Capitol, empowering our members to engage with legislators and make their voices heard in Austin.

The Chamber remains unwavering in its advocacy for our members and the LGBTQ+ community at large. However, to intensify our advocacy efforts, we invite your support. Please consider becoming a sponsor of the Chamber's legislative advocacy initiatives.
Chamber Board Member

Clark Davis’

Career Driving Positive Change

Seven years ago, Clark Davis joined Brinker International as Director of Investor and Government Relations. Before that, he spent three years as a legislative aide for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. “I worked on everything from patent reform bills, the Justice for the Human Trafficking Act (JVTA), the preservation of DACA, and any number of issues that came through the committee,” he says. “At the end of my time in the Senate, I served as the liaison to the state to help get Federal grant money for cities, ports, universities, and hospitals; it was a great experience.”

Now at Brinker, the parent company to Chili’s Grill & Bar, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and virtual brand It’s Just Wings, Davis’ day-to-day work is more varied. “I cover government relations for 49 states, plus Federal,” he says. “This means I work with lawmakers and state restaurant associations to see what upcoming legislation might impact the restaurant industry.”

At the beginning of the pandemic, Davis began working from the investor side, helping ensure Brinker’s corporate story was told correctly. “I like to think of my investor relations job as helping our executives tell the company’s story to shareholders and Wall Street,” he explains. “I help the company communicate our strategy, earnings, and long-term goals.”

Davis first became involved in the Chamber about five years ago, as Brinker was already a member. “I wanted to get involved, but I was new to the organization and didn’t know the ropes yet,” he says. “I was passionate about LGBT issues and knew we had a lot of work to do.” He began meeting with Chamber CEO and president Tony Vedda to discuss legislative issues and found that Tony had been doing a great job keeping tabs on what was going on in the state and across the country on LGBTQ-related legislation.

“When I was asked to join the Chamber Board last year, I was thrilled,” Davis says. He enjoys being a part of the North Texas LGBT Chamber Board, as he can use his policy expertise for positive change for the LGBT community. “Texas can be tough when it comes to LGBTQ+ policy at the state and local levels, which is why I was excited when Board Chair, Rachel Wolf, asked me to lead the government affairs committee,” he says. “I have good relationships in Austin, so I’m excited to help the Chamber in putting those to good use.”

As a member of the Chamber Board and chair of the government affairs committee, Davis seeks to support, the organization, and its mission to achieve equality through business.

“The Texas political environment has changed in the last few years, and I want us to be front and center helping shape the policies that directly impact our community’s livelihood. I want to take my storytelling skills from Brinker and use them to help the Chamber achieve its legislative goals. We need to create a great climate for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community because we’re not going anywhere!”
Tapping Into the Next Generation

Toyota’s Kevin McKeever focuses on giving back and looking ahead

Kevin McKeever has only lived in Dallas for six years, however he has already made an impact on his company and the community.

As general manager of Mobility, KINTO, & Fleet Management for Toyota Financial Services, McKeever also serves as executive sponsor for Spectrum, Toyota’s LGBTQ+ Business Partnering Group or ERG.

Formerly based in Chicago, he joined Toyota Financial Services in 2007 as a regional business finance manager. Over the last few years, McKeever has launched several new brands for Toyota Financial Services, including private label businesses Mazda Financial Services & Bass Pro Shops Financial Services; KINTO Carshare; and Toyota Financial Services Fleet Management.

“I’m currently overseeing Toyota’s mobility financial space called KINTO, which is a new global brand that has everything to do with nontraditional mobility like Uber and other rideshare services,” he says.

He also is passionate about LGBTQ+ and youth causes. McKeever has been part of many non-profit boards and councils, including Boys and Girls Club Midwest & South Youth of the Year, North Texas After School All Stars and Lambda Legal’s Dallas Leadership Council.

In addition to his many career accomplishments, McKeever has recently become more involved in the Chamber and the Chamber Foundation. “Toyota is big supporter of the Chamber. Last fall, when my Toyota teammate, Stephen Lewis, announced his retirement, I was excited to be asked to complete his term,” McKeever says. “I jumped in with both feet, or maybe I was pulled in. In addition to my Board duties, I am chairing the Corporate Advisory Council; on the Editorial Advisory Committee for Inside Out, the Chamber’s quarterly digital magazine; and co-chairing the LGBTQ Workplace Alliance program.”

McKeever says he is trying to make up for lost time since he didn’t come out until he was in his mid-40s. He is dedicated to giving back to organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community.

“I was married to my wife for 19 years and have two kids that mean the world to me,” McKeever says. “My son lives in Dallas and works for Toyota, while my daughter attends Illinois State University.”

He adds that coming out has been the best experience he could imagine, as it was “80s brain and the HIV/AIDS pandemic” that kept him in the closet. “At that time, I didn’t have any gay role models or mentors,” McKeever says. “Now, I have a partner of seven years, and want to be the role model or mentor that I didn’t have.”

“It is important to have people serving on nonprofit boards who are able to support the organization financially. Those tend to be the older, more tenured members,” he says. “I want to advocate for the next generation and the one after that to make certain there are LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to replace us and continue to advance diversity and equity.”
Aging Gracefully

Coalition for

Aging LGBT is

a key resource

for area seniors

The Coalition for Aging LGBT or CfA was established in November of 2015 with the mission to improve and protect the quality of life of older LGBT adults in North Texas.

“We advocate for the 400,000 LGBT seniors who live in the four largest counties of North Texas,” says Robert Emery, the Coalition’s Secretary/Treasurer and founding board member.

Emery is a 40-year civic volunteer in Dallas as well as a featured speaker on LGBTQIA+ history at the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s LGBT Leadership Institute. He serves as the president of The Dallas Way, an organization that gathers, organizes, stores and presents the complete LGBTQ+ history of Dallas (https://www.thedallasway.org/) and is part of the Rainbow Garden Club, https://rainbowgardenclub.com; both are Chamber members.

The Coalition provides a wide range of services to educate the community and support LGBT seniors in the area.

Recently, the Coalition established a scholarship within the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation scholarship fund with a contribution of $10,000. The CfA Scholarship will be used to support studies in geriatric health and well-being.

“With this scholarship, we are supporting bright young minds. We look forward to their new discoveries that will enrich the lives of LGBT seniors in North Texas and around the world,” Emery says.

CfA also conducts LGBT Cultural Competency Training classes for retirement communities throughout North Texas. “We conduct a one-hour training session for all staff, residents and family members that provides basic education, or what I call Gay 101,” Emery says. Attendees learn what, ”LGBT” stands for and receive contextual information to better understand of the community as a whole.

“It’s enough to open the door for conversation,” Emery says. “A fun anecdote is at the beginning of every class we ask, “Who knows or loves someone who is LGBT?” We typically get a smattering of hands or 10% of the class. After gently conversing over the course of our one hour together, we ask the question again at the end of the session, and 100% of the hands go up.”

This training is conducted on an annual basis, and the typical consensus from heads of the retirement communities is that residents are happier overall having attended the session.

“When you open the closet door to the LGBT issue, you give permission to open the door to other important items they previously may not have been comfortable discussing, ” Emery explains. “All neighbors and work associates are happier together, since they’re now free to talk about those they love.”

The Coalition also conducts other seminars and symposiums. Past sessions have included legal and financial strategies for LGBT seniors; classes on self-defense with the Dallas Police Department; and informational programs on Medicare and Social Security.

The Coalition publishes the North Texas LGBT-friendly Senior Housing Guide, which includes a listing of retirement communities that are thoroughly vetted. “We provide an LGBT-friendly metric with questions that seniors can use to vet other senior housing communities that aren’t listed in The Guide, to ensure they can respect and protect them,” Emery says. “Nothing is more important than being safe at home.”

For more information on Coalition for

Aging LGBT go to https://www.cfa.lgbt/

Download the CfA Senior Housing Guide at:

https://www.cfa.lgbt/guide-726813.html

View CfA LGBT-friendly metric here:

https://www.cfa.lgbt/uploads/1/1/8/5/118530061/cfa_lgbt-friendly_senior_housing_metric.pdf
Chamber Foundation Scholarships

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to cultivating leadership within the LGBTQ+ community. Serving as a vital source of support, it has significantly impacted the lives of LGBTQ+ students throughout Texas. The Foundation's scholarship program stands out as a key initiative, empowering deserving individuals from diverse backgrounds across the state.

The Foundation awards scholarships to students who self-identify as LGBTQ+, children of LGBTQ+ parents and LGBTQ+ allies who have made meaningful contributions to the community. These scholarships may be applied to any accredited post-secondary educational institution, including traditional colleges and universities, trade schools and certificate programs. Applications are welcome from students pursuing any degree program, from undergraduate studies to Ph.D. candidates.

Past recipients of the LGBT Chamber Foundation Scholarships have achieved remarkable success in various fields. Alumni include professionals in medicine, law and academia. Notably, our scholars have interned at prestigious institutions such as NASA's Kennedy Space Center and the United States Attorney's Office, with one scholar earning the esteemed Rhodes Scholarship.

The Scholarship Fund is just one facet of the Foundation's broader mission to develop leaders within the LGBTQ+ community. Through these efforts, the Foundation continues to foster a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth, ensuring a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community.
Who We Are/What We Do

LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation Graduates

LGBT Leadership Institute Class of 2024

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce the graduation of its fourth LGBT Leadership Institute cohort. Launched in 2019, the program enhances leadership skills, provides an historical perspective of the LGBTQ equality movement and prepares the next generation of diverse leaders for greater community engagement.

Members of the 2024 LGBT Leadership Institute graduating class include:

Elizabeth Adams, she/her; Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

Prisilla Arredondo, she/her; Resource Center

Marquesse Banks, he/him; Prism Health North Texas

Zachary Bartush, he/him; Scouting America

Mary Elaine Benton, she/her; Hope’s Door New Beginning Center

Ryan Bloss, he/him; Vistra Corp

Michael Dewberry, he/him; Pride Museum of Texas

M`ich`el Macklin, she/her; Texas Pride Impact Funds

Erica Mendez, she/her; North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce

DeMondre Montgomery, he/him; Longhorn Protective Group

Austin Price, he/him; MarshMcLennan Agency

Evie Wise, she/her; Wise Insurance Group

Sidney Yerger, she/her; Dallas Hope Charities

Class members participate in a nine-month program designed to provide valuable leadership skills development, such as strategic planning, change management and conflict resolution. They also gain an opportunity to meet and learn from experts in their fields, along with an historical view of the LGBTQ+ equality movement and community.

“I have enjoyed working with this diverse group and appreciate their commitment to the program and passion to serve the community,” stated Lisa Howe, who manages the program and serves as Vice President of Membership & Programs for the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Although there are a number of quality leadership programs in North Texas, none are designed to fill the generational information gap in the LGBTQ+ community. We use every session to prepare our graduates to be better, more informed representatives of the LGBTQ+ community, whether they identify as LGBTQ or an Ally. The graduates of the 2024 class are going to have an extremely positive impact on their organizations and in our community.”

The graduation ceremony was hosted by The City of Dallas Small Business Center. The ceremony included inspirational speeches by Michel Macklin and Ahmad Goree. After graduation, the class was treated to a lovely reception at the Aloft Dallas Downtown in the lively Wxyz bar.

The LGBT Leadership Institute provides an inclusive and nurturing environment for a diverse cohort of individuals to develop leadership skills and explore the critical issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. Participation in the LGBT Leadership Institute class is open to members of the LGBTQ+ community and Allies. Tuition for the nine-month program is $2000. Partial scholarships are available. More information is available at https://lgbtchamberfoundation.org/leadership/

For more information on the LGBT Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the LGBT Leadership Institute, please contact Lisa Howe at

214-865-7313 or email

lisa.howe@lgbtchamber.com
Who We Are/What We Do

Building a Better Future: The LGBTQ+ Workplace ERG Alliance

Launched in 2022, the LGBTQ+ Workplace ERG Alliance program creates connection, learning, and community for LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups across Chamber Corporate Partners through networking and programming across the city, region, and state of Texas.

The program was developed exclusively to facilitate engagement and learning between employee resource group (ERG) leads and others who are a part of their companies' diversity & inclusion initiatives.

LGBTQ+ ERG Alliance Program Pillars

• Connect: Create a strong network of LGBTQ+ leaders in the North Texas region

• Share: Encourage sharing best practices to increase learning opportunities for peers to support the launch, growth, and sustainability of LGBTQ+ ERG/BRG groups

• Engage: Focus on network building and engaging the network to connect with companies seeking to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion to help build and maintain a diverse business community through workforce engagement and attracting and retaining the best possible LGBTQ+ talent in the country

• Learn: Drive learning opportunities for LGBTQ+ ERG/BRG Leaders within member companies to access education, content, and trainers focused LGBTQ+ inclusion

• Community: Promote the LGBTQ+ community and create intentional connection to LGBTQ-owned businesses and community organizations.

Support for Chamber Corporate Partners

The LGBTQ+ ERG Alliance is geared to support Chamber Corporate Partners that are committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion/DEI goals through intentional collaboration. The program is eligible for seasoned companies that are engaged around LGBTQ+ inclusion as well as those companies just getting started on their LGBTQ+ inclusion journey.

The Chamber, as an organization at the intersection of business and community, is in a unique position to offer connection, expertise, and resources to help companies with their LGBTQ+ inclusion journey. The Chamber supports LGBTQ+ employee resource groups at private and public sector companies throughout the North Texas region and statewide and serves as a catalyst and convenor for LGBTQ+ ERGs to connect, share and thrive, and ultimately support LGBTQ+ employees.
Thank you

Advertisers

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