Pride In Business Celebration & Awards
The largest Pride In Business Celebration in the Chamber's history!
Over 750+ attendees join the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce Pride In Business Celebration & Awards Luncheon on Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Hilton Americas-Houston. Attendees kicked off the first week of Pride Month 2024 by joining the Chamber for this fabulous annual event!
We can't wait to celebrate with you in 2025! Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2025 Pride In Business Celebration & Awards Luncheon, which will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 at the Hilton Americas-Houston. To inquire about sponsorship or learn more about the event, please complete the sponsorship form here.
The Pride In Business Celebration & Awards luncheon recognizes the contributions made by Chamber members, Impact Partners and other key stakeholders in building a more diverse and inclusive business community in Houston and the region. The awards spotlight deserving companies and individuals and showcase the amazing work they are doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.
OUR SPECIAL GUESTS
DAVID BEGNAUD
(he/him)
Lead National Correspondent
CBS MORNINGS
David Begnaud, Lead National Correspondent for CBS Mornings, was our Special Guest at Pride In Business. David has become an iconic figure in the journalism world, aptly dubbed “America’s Storyteller.” For nearly a decade, he has traveled the country to cover disaster and tragedy with empathy, compassion, and integrity. David was hailed for his reporting on Hurricane Maria's aftermath in Puerto Rico, which won him the George Polk award for public service, as well as international praise for his dedication to telling the stories of those suffering and underserved. His expansive use of social media drove home his commitment to exposing injustice wherever he found it. Today, David continues to speak truth through his feature stories, stories that uplift us and remind us of our shared humanity.
MAYOR JOHN WHITMIRE
(he/him)
City of Houston
We were honored that Houston Mayor John Whitmire also joined us for our signature event. Mayor Whitmire was sworn into office as Houston's 63rd Mayor on January 2, 2024. He is the former Dean of the Texas Senate, where he served for 40 years and as a State Representative for 10 years. He is a decades-long champion of the LGBTQ+ community. His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights earned him the Harvey Milk Award in 1993 for his efforts against the decriminalization of the Sodomy Law. Throughout his career, Mayor Whitmire has fought tirelessly for representation of disenfranchised and marginalized communities across Houston.
When called on by the people of Houston to run for mayor, Mayor Whitmire eagerly accepted the challenge because he believes in answering the call wherever it leads. With a wealth of experience working alongside nine mayors and seven governors, he possesses invaluable knowledge in public safety, infrastructure, and effective problem-solving. His extraordinary life experiences, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record in getting things done make him a true public servant committed to the well-being of all Houstonians.
OUR EMCEE
CHERYL MERCEDES
(she/her)
Anchor, Investigative Reporter
Cheryl Mercedes, anchor and investigative reporter for KHOU-11, returned as Pride In Business emcee. She is a champion for the Chamber and a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. We were honored to have her back with us again this year.
Cheryl is an Emmy and Murrow Award-winning investigative reporter and anchor at KHOU 11 News. She came to the Lone Star State from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she spent 12 years as an anchor and investigative reporter at WAFB-TV. Cheryl has covered several major breaking news stories that have made national headlines including Hurricane Katrina, the deadly ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement officers and the murder trials of Louisiana serial killer Derrick Todd Lee. Her six-month investigation into unsafe and unsanitary conditions at a government-run apartment complex earned her an Emmy Award. The newscast she co-anchored also won an Emmy for its coverage of devastating tornadoes. Cheryl has picked up several Associated Press awards including “Reporter of the Year.”
OUR SPECIAL EXHIBIT
Show Your Pride made an appearance at the Pride In Business celebration this year. Event attendees were able to immerse themselves in a specially curated exhibit of photographs captured as part of the 2024 Show Your Pride campaign. We extend a special thank you to exhibit sponsor Cosmo Cool Concepts for helping us bring this project to life.
OUR AFTER PARTY
Following the luncheon we kept the celebration going at the After Party which took place at the R24 Lounge located on the rooftop of the Hilton Americas - Houston. Pride In Business attendees made their way to the 24th floor to enjoy signature cocktails and sweeping panoramic views of the Houston skyline. Thank you to our generous After Party sponsors Engel & Völkers | Brooks Ballard, A Better Path Therapy and Houston's New Faces of Pride for helping us continue the celebration!
OUR EVENT CHAIRS
SUSANNE BRADY-LUSK
(she/her)
Vice President and General Manager
Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
LAVONE JONES
(she/her)
Vice President, Human Resources
Comcast
STEPHEN MIRANDA
(he/him)
Senior Vice President, Private Client Advisor
Bank of America
HEAR FROM OUR EVENT CHAIRS
Three outstanding individuals served as our inaugural Event Chairs for the 2024 Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon & Awards. Susanne Brady-Lusk, from Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Lavone Jones, from Comcast and Stephen Miranda, from Bank of America, all boast remarkable professional accomplishments, and by graciously accepting their roles as event chairs, continue to demonstrate their commitment to championing both economic inclusion and the LGBTQ+ community. Hear why they stepped up to support the Pride In Business Celebration as Event Chairs and the event's impact in the community. We are grateful for their support!
OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to our generous sponsors for the 2024 Pride In Business Celebration & Awards.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
VIP RECEPTION PRESENTING SPONSOR
DIAMOND SPONSOR
EMERALD SPONSOR
RUBY SPONSORS
SAPPHIRE SPONSORS
TOPAZ SPONSORS
PEARL SPONSORS
A Better Path Therapy
Ajana Therapy & Clinical Services
Aussie Pet Mobile
Ball Beverage Packaging
Bocci Engineering & Construction
Certarus
City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity
Coldwell Banker TGRE
Engel & Volkers (Brooks Ballard)
Foley & Lardner LLP
Horizon Advisory Group
Silver Eagle Distributors
AFTER PARTY - PRESENTING SPONSOR
AFTER PARTY - RAINBOW SPONSORS
A Better Path Therapy
Houston's New Faces of Pride
AWARD SPONSOR
MEDIA PARTNER
MEDIA SPONSORS
THE AWARDS
Recognizing Excellence & Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s Pride In Business Awards recognize member companies and business leaders committed to fostering an inclusive community that promotes economic inclusion. Nominees who demonstrate high-quality standards in their field, promote an inclusive work environment, and proudly support the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to apply. Honorees were announced at the Pride in Business Celebration & Awards Luncheon on June 7, 2024.
Thank you to Chamber Member and Awards Sponsor, PromoPrint Group, for underwriting the beautiful Pride In Business Awards.