Contents

Board Chair Message

President’s Message

Chamber Leadership

Corporate Partners

Calendar

2005 Chamber Origins

2024 Award Recipients

President’s Circle Feature:

Alex Cruz / Aloft Dallas Downtown

Restaurant Beatrice

LGBTQ Leadership

Institute 2025

Chamber Programs

Membership Directory

Messsage from the Board Chair

Envisioning a Brighter Future

As the Chamber’s new Board Chair, it is with great pride and excitement that I write to you as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. This milestone is a testament to the resilience and determination of our community and the collective impact we have made advocating for equality, fostering economic growth and empowering diverse professionals. From supporting small business owners to connecting large enterprises with LGBTQ+ talent, we are committed to building bridges and breaking barriers.

Since its founding in 2005, the Chamber has stood at the crossroads of business and equality, championing policies that create opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses. Over the years, we have evolved into a dynamic force, providing critical resources, connections and support for our members. As we enter our 20th year, our commitment to advocacy remains unwavering, ensuring our voices are heard within government and the broader business community.

We are proud to continue fostering a vibrant and inclusive business community through programs like the Business Exchange Network, the Pride Happy Hour and Brewing Up Business events in both Dallas and Plano. We are also excited about our expanding reach into the Fort Worth area with engaging programs such as Brewing Up Business, the Business Connections Luncheon and the Queer Professionals Network. These programs provide networking opportunities to help our members to grow professionally and build stronger businesses.

Supporting small businesses remains at the heart of our mission, along with a strong focus on workforce and professional development. New programs like the Economic Summit, Business Boot Camp, along with the LGBTQ Leadership Institute, and LGBTQ+ BERG Alliance provide tools and opportunities to help our members thrive. These initiatives empower the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders to drive change and innovation, targeting small businesses as well as our large corporate partners.

The Chamber’s 20th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and envision an even brighter future. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my predecessor, Rachel Wolf, and all our past board chairs for their leadership. I also want to thank each of you — our members, sponsors and supporters. Your unwavering dedication and belief in the Chamber’s mission to achieve equality through business have brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, we will continue to break new ground, inspire change and build a legacy that will empower future generations.

Here’s to an extraordinary 20 years — and the incredible future that lies ahead!

Scott Carnes • Board Chair

North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

[email protected]

Message from the President: 20 Years of Unity and Purpose

Welcome Members, Partners and Friends,

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, I have given a lot of thought to our past and even more towards our future. Two decades ago, this Chamber was founded on the belief that economic empowerment and equality are cornerstones of a thriving community. Today, we stand as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity and unity of LGBTQ+ businesses and our allies.

Together, we have built a network of entrepreneurs, professionals and corporate partners who share a commitment to fostering opportunity and creating welcoming environments. Over the years, we’ve seen businesses flourish, careers soar and opportunities multiply — all because we came together with a shared vision. These successes are not just ours to celebrate; they are victories for our region’s economic vitality of our community.

We often reference the Chamber’s mission to achieve equality through business, but we rarely mention our vision, "We envision a global society where equal rights, equal representation and equal opportunities are enjoyed by everyone." This guiding principle reminds us of the broader impact of our efforts and the future we strive to build together.

As we enter this milestone year, we are reminded that progress rarely comes without challenges. The upcoming 89th Texas Legislature presents a stark reminder of the work that remains. With more than 60 anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed before January 1, we know the road ahead will be difficult. However, we are resolute in our commitment to standing up for what is right — not just for our community, but for all businesses, families and individuals who thrive when respect and understanding are prioritized.

Despite these challenges, there is much to be optimistic about. Our Chamber’s growth over the past 20 years demonstrates the power of unity and purpose. We are better positioned than ever to advocate and elevate the voices of those who believe in a fair Texas. To paraphrase the president of the Nation LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Justin Nelson, “We are all red-blooded, tax paying Americans and Texans. We deserve the same rights, opportunities and protections guaranteed to everyone in the Constitution.” The Chamber will continue to amplify our collective strength and turn adversity into opportunity.

As we commemorate this milestone anniversary, let us also remind ourselves of the mission that brought us together. Let us celebrate the achievements of our members and partners, while committing to creating a future where every business and individual can succeed without fear of discrimination. Together, we can and will inspire positive change, no matter the challenges we face.

In solidarity and celebration,

Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM • President & CEO

[email protected]

Chamber & Foundation Board Members

Suzanne Butler, CPA

Treasurer

Butler Accounting

Scott Carnes

Chamber Board Chair

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

LGBTQ Chamber Foundation
Chair Emeritus

Independence Title

Kevin Williams

American Airlines

Evie Wise

Wise Insurance Group

Staff

Tony Vedda, CCE, IOM

President & CEO

Lisa Howe, IOM

VP of Membership & Programs

Events Calendar

January

10 LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute

14 Business Connections Lunch Tarrant County

https://lgbtqchamber.net/250114BCLTC

15 Pride Happy Hour Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/PHHD20250115

21 BEN Oak Lawn

lgbtqchamber.net/20250121BENOL

23 BEN Cedar Springs

lgbtqchamber.net/2025023BENCS

23 BEN Plano

lgbtqchamber.net/20250123BENP

23 Grubhub Grant Reception

lgbtqchamber.net/20250123Grubhub

28 Ribbon Cutting

https://lgbtqchamber.net/20250128RC

29 Pride Happy Hour Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/PHHP20250129

30 Queer Professionals Network Fort Worth

https://lgbtqchamber.net/250130QPNFW

February

4 BEN Oak Lawn

lgbtqchamber.net/20250204BENOL

6 Brewing Up Business Dallas

https://lgbtqchamber.net/250206BUBD

11 Brewing Up Business Plano

https://lgbtqchamber.net/250211BUBP

11 Business Connections Lunch TC

https://lgbtqchamber.net/250211BCLTC

13 BEN Cedar Springs

gbtqchamber.net/20250213BENCS

13 BEN Plano

lgbtqchamber.net/20250213BENP

14 LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute

18 BEN Oak Lawn

lgbtqchamber.net/20250218BENOL

19 Brewing Up Business Fort Worth

https://lgbtqchamber.net/250219BUBFW

20 Pride Happy Hour

lgbtqchamber.net/250220PHH

Two Decades Pursuing Equality Through Business

The Chamber’s first Board Chair, Leo Cusimano, reflects on the organization’s early days

In 2004, the Stonewall Professional and Business Association came to a crossroads. It seemed to have stalled with little growth or momentum. After getting advice from community leaders Jack Evans and George Harris, Stonewall’s president, Mark Shekter, was approached about creating a new organization that would incorporate his organization’s existing members, but become new in focus. That new organization was the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce, today known as the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.

“Together, we gathered seven community leaders who are now considered the founders of the Chamber: myself, George Harris, Jack Evans, Lory Masters, Chris Luna, Mark Shetker and Kris Martin,” says Leo Cusimano, publisher of Dallas Voice.

The assembled group met around Shekter’s dining room table in his high-rise condo at the Centrum building to begin planning.

“We knew three critical things: Stonewall was not growing and had reached a plateau. Across the country, the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce was carving out a space for LGBTQ business organizations, with examples like the Houston GLBT Chamber already becoming highly successful,” Cusimano says. “To be successful, we needed a diverse and inclusive steering committee to generate feedback, gain buy-in and build community support.”

From the beginning, inclusion was the Chamber’s driving principle.

“We sought to unite not only LGBTQ businesses and entrepreneurs but also allies who shared our mission of equality and economic empowerment. The Chamber worked intentionally to engage a wide array of voices — including transgender individuals, people of color and young professionals — making sure the organization truly reflected the diversity of our LGBTQ community.”

The early days proved hopeful to those involved. Something significant was taking shape, something much larger than the individuals creating it.

“It was a turning point for our community, and I’m proud of the foundation we laid together,” he says.

Cusimano says leadership worked with Cow Tow, the executive director of the former Houston GLBT Chamber of Commerce, to develop the chamber's structure. With that guidance, they formed a steering committee comprised of as many diverse voices as possible.

“After thoughtful discussion, we selected individuals we believed were the most neutral and best equipped to lead this work: Jack, George and myself. Initially, I served as the interim board president to help organize and formalize the Chamber’s structure,” Cusimano says. “Once we officially established the Board of Directors, I was elected as the Board Chair. I served in that role for two years, from 2005 to 2006, helping to steer the Chamber through its critical early stages and setting a course for its long-term success.”

In its first year, the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber awarded them the Rising Star Award.

“From the very beginning, our team at the Chamber was deeply committed to creating an organization that was both diverse and focused on empowering businesses. I was fortunate to work alongside incredible community leaders during my tenure, each of whom played a role in shaping not only the Chamber but also my own personal growth and character,” Cusimano says.

One of the highlights of Cusimano’s early years with the Chamber and within the community was being honored as the Grand Marshal of the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade in 2006.

“It was a moment that symbolized the power of community, the progress we were making and the connections we were building together,” he says.

With a successful 2005 launch and exciting momentum building the year after, the Chamber was on an unprecedented growth trajectory. Like any organization, it has evolved over time to be what it is today.

“While the mission has developed, our vision has remained the same. Under Tony Vedda’s leadership, the mission was refined to focus on Equality through Business, a phrase that I absolutely love because it perfectly encapsulates what we’ve always strived to achieve,” Cusimano says. “The Chamber has come a long way, but its core commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and equality remains as strong as ever.”

The Art of Southern Hospitality

Alex Cruz welcomes guests from around the world to his downtown hotel.

The road to leadership in the hotel industry was long and winding for Alex Cruz. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from the University of North Texas, but began his professional career as a choreographer for the pageantry arts, working with marching bands and drum corps across the country. Eventually, he transitioned into corporate America with Paul Mitchell School Systems. Following an economic downturn, he shifted to the hospitality industry, starting as a front desk agent at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Allen, Texas.

“It didn't take long for me to realize my passion for sales,” he says. “I worked my way up from sales coordinator at two hotels in Fort Worth to director of sales and marketing at Aloft

His journey as a gay man began much earlier.

“I first came out to myself at the age of 13 and shared this truth with my parents at 15. In the late 1990s, I lived in Miami, Florida, where there was a significant stigma around homosexuality, especially within the Latino community,” Cruz says. “When we relocated to Flower Mound, Texas, in March 2000, I chose to conceal my sexuality until I graduated from high school due to the bullying I experienced previously. College was a turning point for me. I found a supportive group of gay friends who empowered me to embrace my identity fully and live authentically.”

It’s at the crossroads of these personal and professional experiences that Cruz finds himself today.

“Interestingly enough, the Aloft brand is known for being ‘Different by Design.’ And in a way, I think it speaks very much to the queer community as we are labeled by most as being different. But that is what sets us apart and makes us unique,” he says. “I embrace that about myself and our hotel every single day. I feel incredibly fortunate to work at our hotel, where we not only have a diverse workforce but also celebrate and invite diversity with open arms.”

He finds it refreshing that his property team represents so much diversity.

“I strongly believe that it is what makes our hotel so inviting,” he says. “We welcome guests from all walks of life and invite them to be their authentic selves. We host and celebrate many groups throughout the year and as a team, we get excited about our diverse clientele and ensure they feel at home with us.”

Cruz has been with Aloft Dallas Downtown for eight years and joined the Chamber in 2019.

“The director of sales at the time, Debra Carter, knew that I was very involved in the gay community and told me to join the Chamber. I was thrilled that she recommended it. As new members, we hosted and participated in a New Member Showcase,” he says. “I was so proud that our hotel was a part of the LGBT Chamber. It made me feel more at home and proud to be a part of such an inclusive hotel.”

The advocacy work of the Chamber plays a huge role in Cruz’s continued membership and support.

“Our voices need to be heard, and the Chamber is heavily involved in fighting for LGBTQ+ rights at the local and state levels. Individuals and businesses in our community need that collaborative force to fight the oppression that we face every day,” he says. “While we live in a predominantly blue city, our state is run by conservatives that need to be opposed. The efforts of the Chamber are crucial to ensuring that our oppressors are encountered with resistance.”

Aloft Dallas Downtown is a proud member of the President's Circle, and Cruz contributes as much as possible by hosting Chamber events, providing charitable items and engaging in Chamber events.

“There is power in numbers. The more we align with each other, empower each other, support each other and embrace our diverse community, the stronger we become,” he says. “The Chamber brings us all together to do exactly those things. We are living in times where our bond is crucial. Encouraging new organizations to grow and really getting to know each other and support each other is how we progress as a community.”

To learn more about Aloft Dallas Downtown or book a room for a staycation or a visiting friend, family member or business associate, visit aloftdallasdowntown.com.

Delicious Diversity

Lesbian chef Michelle Carpenter discusses the local dining scene

In North Texas, we love to eat out. Like really love to eat out. According to a new survey by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Dallas-Fort Worth ranks third in the nation for restaurant spending. On average, we spend 31.07% of our total food budget at restaurants, which means big business for local chefs and restaurateurs. The fierce competition means success is far from guaranteed in the food and beverage industry, but our chef Michelle Carpenter continues to thrive with two concepts in the Bishop Arts District. And she loves the dining diversity in North Texas.

“The variety of food that is available is impressive,” Carpenter says. “While other cities may have more acclaim for nationally famous concepts, we have a wider variety of quality ethnic foods. We have Chinese/Dim-Sum, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, Mediterranean/Greek/Turkish and Indian.”

Carpenter opened her first restaurant, Zen Sushi, back in 2007 when the Bishop Arts District only spanned a couple of square blocks.

“It’s now a major tourist destination today and encompasses blocks and blocks of small independent businesses,” Carpenter says. “Fifteen years later, I opened Restaurant Beatrice half a mile away.”

The melding of cultures in this part of town is a big reason why she does business here.

“In other parts of the country or other international cities in the world, diverse cities still mean segregation. Those places are not integrated the way that North Oak Cliff is. In Dallas, we have a gayborhood, we have a K-Town, an Asia Times Square and multiple Little Mexicos, but strolling through North Oak Cliff, the neighborhood has not just tolerated, it normalizes intersectional identities,” she says. “It is a special feeling to see true diversity in my dining rooms because a fine dining Cajun or a sushi concept hasn’t historically been the space that made everyone feel welcome. QTWOC, QTPOC, BIPOC, BIWOC, LGBTQ people can find their home here. It is a unique pocket in the world.”

Carpenter’s bi-racial background (half Japanese, half Cajun) fuels her work as a chef.

“Opening Restaurant Beatrice (pronounced Bee-AT-russ) was an extension of who I am. I felt this was a part of myself and my heritage that my guests did not know or even recognize,” she says. “I spent a significant part of my life in Louisiana, and my Mammaw, Beatrice Carpenter — whom the restaurant is named after — had a very powerful impact on how I understand and appreciate food.”

Carpenter says she tries to operate her restaurant in alignment with how Mammaw ran her household: whole utilization of animals, farm-to-table-to-farm dining by using whole ingredients, composting and making nearly every last item from scratch, when possible.

“My first restaurant, Zen Sushi, pays homage to my Japanese heritage. Beatrice pays homage to the other side,” she says. “Food is always more than food. The most interesting and memorable creations are our most personal stories. On a menu, the food that has the most meaning is the food that is tied to a story about the chef. Any food dish is not a ‘thing.’ It’s a carrier of ideas, beliefs, culture, customs and traditions of a people and their homeland.”

She describes Restaurant Beatrice as fine dining without pretension.

“Our mission is ‘Bienvenue to All!’ and that is the foundation of where we operate from. Great food and warm hospitality is for everyone. When you feel good, the food tastes good. Food and hospitality are not mutually exclusive, and that feeling is reinforced because our restaurant operates out of a converted Craftsman home,” Carpenter says. “Moreover, we made these considerations in our design of the space. Our bathrooms are unisex and the signage indicates that they are for anyone. Folks who are differently abled, who need a wheelchair, for example, are invited to call us so that we can escort them into our dining room without any steps.”

She is also proud that she and co-owner Hanh Ho have achieved B Corp Certification for Restaurant Beatrice, the first restaurant in Texas to accomplish this. According to the B Corp website, “Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable and regenerative economy.”

Carpenter loves that an LGBTQ+ owned and operated concept set a precedent for the entire state.

“We are one of six restaurants in the U.S. to currently hold this certification. A lot of reform is needed in our industry,” she says. “We are setting an example of how restaurants can be run where we make considerations for our community, guests and employees.”

Restaurant Beatrice tells a story of Louisiana, and Carpenter offers recommendations for how to understand that story.

“I think the best way to experience any restaurant, including my restaurants, is to book a table of four and order a little bit of everything to really understand our scope. Our bestsellers are our staples: grilled oysters, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and praline bread pudding, but the rest of the menu changes based on the seasons, and seasonal dining is an essential part of our programming.”

She recommends trying the fresh catch, too.

“Through our Gulf Only Seafood Program, we’re able to support a small fishing family out of Galveston, and that is unique to what Beatrice stands for.”

Being visible and giving back to the local community has priority for Carpenter, too. She has been a member of the Chamber now for a little over a year.

“LGBTQ+ folks have made tremendous contributions to the world, and they have done so in the face of so much adversity, exclusionism, and oftentimes, in the face of legalized discrimination,” she says. “The Chamber is needed because it offers a safe, supportive, inclusive space where our orientation is the least interesting aspect of who we are because our talents, skills, abilities and connections to one another are what is promoted.”

When recommending the Chamber to others, she offers three reasons to join.

“First of all, Tony’s M3 (Monday Morning Memos) are bonus entertainment. Second, everyone at the Chamber has been very responsive and engaged when we needed help,” she says. “Third, the Chamber is not a competitive environment. The folks we have met are motivated to help one another. It’s worthwhile to meet other people who are genuine about helping you.”

To experience Carpenter’s story and culinary talent first-hand, reserve a table soon at Zen Sushi (zensushidallas.com) and Restaurant Beatrice (restaurantbeatrice.com)

LGBTQ Chamber Foundation Announces FIFTH leadership class

DALLAS, TEXAS, The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce its fifth LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute cohort. Launched in 2019, the program has graduated four classes.

Members of the 2024-2025 LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute class include:

Susan Anson-Briggs, she/her

Wise Insurance Group

John Broady, he/him

Broady Leadership

Danielle Burns, she/her

Vistra

Melissa Dickson, she/her

Prism Health North Texas

Kayden Michael, he/him

Watson Marketing & Communications

Laura Rocha, she/her

Pinky's Valet

Ciera Oates, she/her

Dallas Hope Charities

Sergio Perez, he/him

Comerica

Randy Slay, he/him

Visit Dallas

Amari Starks, he/they

non-profit professional

Alan Villafana, he/him

Dallas College

Trey Weir, he/him

Prism Health North Texas

Brenna Wriston, she/her

JBJ Management

Class members will participate in a nine-month program designed to provide valuable leadership skills and knowledge, along with an historical view of the LGBTQ+ equality movement and community.

"While there are various leadership programs in North Texas, we've noticed a unique need within the LGBTQ+ community. Our institute aims to bridge this generational knowledge gap while providing graduates with a solid foundation for future leadership roles," explained Lisa Howe, who manages the program and serves as Vice President of Membership & Programs for the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. “We like to think of our institute as a great preface to other programs where our graduates can be better, more informed representatives of the LGBTQ+ community, whether they identify as LGBTQ+ or an Ally.”

The Class of 2025 is made up of a diverse group of LGBTQ+ people and Allies who represent small businesses, large corporations, nonprofit organizations, and civic engagement from the greater Dallas Fort Worth area. "The LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute is a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement," according to Tony Vedda, Chamber President and CEO. "Through focused sessions, a strong emphasis on personal and professional development, and the intentional inclusion of LGBTQ+ history, this program has become a vital part of the Chamber Foundation’s offerings.”

About the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Established by the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation develops leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. The Foundation is also home to the LGBTQ Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund.

The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a Texas nonprofit organization designated as tax exempt as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Additional information is available at LGBTQChamberFoundation.org

For more information on the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute, please contact Lisa Howe at 214-865-7313 or email [email protected]

Professional & Workforce Development Programs

BREWING UP BUSINESS

Kickstart your morning while Brewing Up Business. Develop new business relationships by “working the room,” giving your 30-second commercial or elevator speech, sharing your business card, and learning more about how we can support each other’s businesses. Each month, a spotlight member will give a 10-minute presentation to do a deeper dive into their business and services.

Brewing Up Business is held once each month in Dallas, Fort Worth and Plano.

PRIDE HAPPY HOUR

Possibly the longest running networking event in North Texas! At Pride Happy Hour, attendees enjoy a fun, relaxed, and safe environment where LGBTQ and ally professionals can network, grow their business, and build community. Chamber Ambassadors and staff facilitate business connections to assist guests to start new business relationships.

NEW MEMBER SHOWCASE

Each quarter the Chamber hosts the New Member Showcase to introduce our newest members to the community. In a trade show type setting, new members are encouraged to display examples of their goods and services.

VIRTUAL LUNCH & LEARN

Throughout the year, the Chamber, along with our partners at the Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, produce virtual Lunch & Learn webinars gear to the needs of employee resource groups. While focused on the needs of LGBTQ+ employee groups, all company groups are invited to join.

Past topics have included Allyship in the Workplace, Tools for Increased ERG Engagement, and Understanding LGBTBE® Certification.

QUEER PROFESSIONALS NETWORK

QPN Fort Worth connects the LGBTQ+ business community of Fort Worth, supports the growth of small businesses, and assists individuals in reaching their career goals. Plans are being made to expand this program to McKinney, TX in 2025.