We're an LGBTQ club in a district of over 250 chapters, Austin Pride Toastmasters helps people build their confidence, leadership and public speaking skills, impromptu communication and much more.
Dr. Shadeequa (Dee) Miller has a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD), Industrial & Systems Engineering, Field of Study in Human Factors & Ergonomics/ Human-Computer Interaction and Association of Computing Machinery
Distributed Minor: Research Methods.
Dr. Dee is a data-informed strategist, leader, and influencer with product management and development experience in creating product strategy, empathizing with users, identifying opportunities, curating experiences, and collaborating with cross-functional teams on various projects.
She is an expert in teaching and empowering communities on how to apply design thinking to eliminate social disparities.
She also loves working with students of all ages and engaging them in activities related to science, technology, engineering, arts & design, and mathematics (STEAM).
Mr. Schumann is a founding partner of Savrick, Schumann, Johnson, McGarr, Kaminski & Shirley, L.L.P. He has been practicing law since 1989. Mr. Schumann’s primary focus is on general litigation matters including insurance disputes and insurance coverage matters, commercial and contractual disputes, and personal injury defense. Mr. Schumann appears regularly in state and federal courts throughout Texas.
Owner and operator of Seedlings Gardening, a company she founded in 2011. A native Austinite, Reese earned a master’s degree in architecture from Texas Tech University. She now puts her skills to work designing and installing landscapes with a focus on style and sustainability. Outside of work Reese enjoys exploring the many creative and advocacy opportunities Austin has to offer and spends time with her partner Angela and their three dogs, Ziggy, Star, and Domingo.
Tahjar Roamartinez is recognized as a thought leader in global defense and cybersecurity. She served in the U.S. Army with distinction and retired as an Army Signal (Communication) Officer. With her passion, experience, and training, Tahjar achieves proven results in innovative and robust cybersecurity solutions. As an Army Officer, Tahjar designed and implemented enterprise email services, reporting tools, policies, and processes for the Department of the Army that military personnel continues to benefit from today. Tahjar is the President, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer for CEHT, LLC (joint venture) and Cyber Warfighters Group, Inc a cybersecurity consulting, customized training, and solution firm.
She currently serves as a founding member of the National Security Innovation Council Board of Directors for the State of Texas, Director for Board of Directors for Austin LGBT Chambers/Chair for Supplier Diversity Committee and serves as an Advisory Board Member for the National University System.
“Keys to life’s success is consistency, excellence, and persistence.”
Rich is currently a co-chair of the chamber’s Health and Wellness Committee. The goal of the committee is to make sure our members … and members of the Austin community … have the tools they need to be in good health emotionally and physically. He served on the board for eight years prior to returning to the board in 2021. In seven years of his previous two stints he served as the board’s secretary. Rich is a graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, He recently retired after 43 years of being a full-time meteorologist.
Rachel Rosen is a seasoned facilitator, coach, and the founder of S.P.A.R.K. She is on a mission to spark and sustain conversations about inclusion and racial equity. As a lesbian in an interracial relationship, her WHY is personal, as she wants her future children to live in a more just, equitable world.
With a Masters from Stanford, as well as extensive training in leadership and organizational development, S.P.A.R.K. experiences are grounded in theory and practice. In her years as a coach and facilitator, Rachel believes that intentional conversations hold space for us to see ourselves in each other’s stories, reminding us that we’re far more alike than we are different—when we choose to truly listen to one another. As a consultant, Rachel and her team partner with organizations to help them make progress on their equity/inclusion goals. They help their clients strategize with an equity lens, check their blindspots, and catalyze equity-centered leadership at every level of their system.
Also, as the founder of an interactive & inclusive game (www.spark4community.com), Rachel and her team also regularly hold space for communities to come together across racial, gender, generational, sexual identity, and cultural differences—engaging in conversations about creating conditions for equity work, counteracting biases, and listening with intentionality.
If you’re looking for support holding space for conversations about inclusion, diversity, equity, intersectionality, or unconscious bias, feel free to check out these two pages and reach out with any questions you may have: https://www.rachelvrosen.com/di-consulting-services/ & http://www.rachelvrosen.com/on-your-stage/
✉️ spark@rachelvrosen.com
💻 Services: www.rachelvrosen.com
💻 Products: www.spark4community.com
Nico Ramsey is a corporate social responsibility professional and a civil rights activist from Austin, Texas. At the municipal, state and federal level, Nico works with Central Texas nonprofits that promote systemic change to break the cycle of poverty, provide access to safe and affordable healthcare and for queer and racial justice and equality.
He serves on the Board of Governors for the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, The Human Rights Campaign and the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. Nico is also affiliated through committee work with the City of Austin’s Corporate Engagement Council, United Way for Greater Austin, ZACH Theatre, Leadership Austin, Vivent Health and Todos Juntos Learning Center.
We look forward to seeing you!
Natalie is an employment and business law attorney and credentialed workplace investigator. Her team of business professionals at the Lynch Law Firm are skilled in employment law, human resources, industrial psychology, and corporate strategy. Along with Chamber board service, Natalie participates actively in animal welfare issues, the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Humane Legislative Network, and her son’s adventures. She brings strong organizational skills and extensive experience with other small and large community organizations. She believes the Chamber provides a safe and empowering arena for LGBT employees and company leaders to better themselves, network, and find resources that align with their outlook in a mutual pursuit of business opportunities. Natalie’s vision for the Chamber is stability and professionalism. She believes the Chamber needs to invest in itself in order to move to the future.
HR Considerations for Small Businesses
Business has been good and now you thinking about expanding, but what are the common pitfalls of adding additional staff to your team? In this training we focus on the following topics:
Making QuickBooks work for you
QuickBooks is a powerful accounting package, but are you using it to your fullest advantage. We will cover how to effectively setup QuickBooks to effectively manage your business, including setting up accounts, queries and reports.
How to promote your new or existing business
Join us as we discuss various methods of promoting your business. We will cover how to promote your website through the use of keywords, web advertising, and design. Additionally, we will discuss various methods of promoting your business in the market.
Lending Made Easy
This panel discussion will include lenders from multiple financial institutions to discuss the lending process for small businesses, common pitfalls, and things to consider as you apply for a small business loan.
Risk Mitigation Through Insurance
We will attempt to answer the age-old question of how much is too much and what is just enough. Mitigating your risk exposures through insurance can be tricky and complicated. This training session will be aimed at providing business owners topics to consider when engaging with insurance brokers to protect their business and assets.
Tax Considerations for New and Growing Businesses
Tax laws are constantly changing, so do you know what steps you can take to reduce your tax liability? This course will focus on changes in the tax codes that may affect your business. We will discuss typical deductions and some common pitfalls that business owners fall into when preparing for tax time. Help you CPA (and potentially reduce your fees) by being properly prepared
Covid-19 Vaccine Q&A
Vaccines are coming out and you have questions. Come meet with Dr’s from Signature Care and Physicians Premier. They will explain the options being presented and what may be best for you.
One year later-Mental Health Resources
Thank you for participating in the Austin LGBT Chamber 2020 Toy Drive!
Gifts Received to benefit Lifeworks Austin and Givens Toy Drive!
With Covid-19 we want to be careful about donation drop-offs.
Drop Off Locations & Phone Numbers:
Signature Care:
5701 W Slaughter Ln, G101 Austin, TX 78749
(512)651-5787
Signature Care:
21315 TX-130 Bldg. 4, Pflugerville, TX 78660.
(512)975-4773
Valerie is a lecturer at the Stan Richards School of Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Texas at Austin. She is a social impact strategist, writer, and consultant specializing in change-related communications–especially in the areas of environmental protection, health, public affairs, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Valerie has spent her career breaking down complex environmental issues into fun, profound campaigns that take creative risks and get results. She cofounded EnviroMedia in 1997, leading as CEO for 22 years with clients that included Vital Farms, Dell, Microsoft, Google, Intel, HP, Daimler, LafargeHolcim, AMD, Tetrapak, and many government and nonprofit organizations. She is Chair-Elect of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, President-Elect of the League of Women Voters of Austin, and a board member of Austin Habitat for Humanity. Valerie received a Bachelor of Journalism in Public Relations from UT and is teaching two “Integrated Communications Management” classes in the Stan Richards School in Fall 2020.
Adam has been an active member of the LGBT Chamber since 2016 as both a Board Member and Ambassador. He is also an active singing member and committee member in the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus. Professionally, he is the owner of Texas Independent Insurance & Risk Management where he serves as a Risk Manager and Advisor of Insurance Services. He specializes in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and prides himself in working with honesty, integrity, loyalty, and respect. His passion is to help the Chamber grow in membership and grow in support, both inside and outside of the LGBTQIA+ Community. He is honored to represent his community as a leader in the Chamber and looks forward to working hard toward the ever-so-important goal of growing the success of LGBTQIA+ businesses in Austin. Adam also serves on the Board of the Austin Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association as the Vice-President of Sponsorship and is the Treasurer for the Board of Directors of his neighborhood’s owner association. In his free time, Adam loves good food, good conversation, good movies, and playing board games with his friends and family. You might catch him playing a round of golf every now and again – he’ll be the one looking for his ball in the hazards!
With over 18 years of consulting experience, Josh has provided consulting services to clients in a variety of industries, including financial services, manufacturing, energy, transportation, technology, construction, and engineering. Joshua serves on the firm’s National Committee for Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), which focuses on scaling the application ERM projects to meet the needs of middle-market clients. In addition, he serves as the regional leader of the firm’s financial institutions practice, focused on driving value through internal audit and loan review.
From hackathons to IPOs to global product launches, I have spent the last 18 years building award-winning marketing programs and teams at technology companies, including Silicon Labs, Jive Software, and National Instruments. I’m obsessed with creating innovative campaigns that measurably impact the 4Rs: reputation, reach, relationships, and revenue.
I have been published in several outlets, including the Harvard Business Review and Wall Street Journal, and a speaker more than 60 events such as Adobe Summit, SXSW, The Federal Reserve, Forrester, and Gartner. I’ve also been included on the following lists: Social Media Club Top 100, Kapost’s 32 of the Texas Marketers to Follow, Traackr’s Top 25 Marketers in Software and Top 25 Content Marketers, and Austin’s SMC Women Kicking Ass.
I’m extremely passionate about communications, equity and education. I’ve contributed to the community as a White House LGBTQ Tech & Innovation Fellow under President Obama, the board vice president of the Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy, a STEM non-profit Changing Expectations board member, and a Leadership Austin essentials participant.
I’m a proud graduate of The University of Texas, wife to a wonderful partner, and mom to a goofy labradoodle. My superpower is finding the perfect .gif for any situation.
A serial entrepreneur, Becky has spent her career building great businesses, teams and company cultures. In her most recent venture, The Arreaga Agency – Farmers Insurance, Becky along with her sister and business partner Liz, are bringing a fresh, new perspective to insurance. Along with their team of seasoned insurance pros, The Arreaga Agency is dedicated to educating and empowering clients to see insurance as a powerful tool designed to build and protect their best life. In short, to worry less and do more as a result of a comprehensive insurance strategy – Home | Auto | Commercial | Life | Retirement.
Previously, Becky served as agency founder/partner of experiential marketing agency Mercury Mambo. Mercury Mambo specialized in developing targeted shopper and experiential campaigns designed to drive sales at the point “Where Commerce & Culture Collide!”. Clients included some of the top brands on the planet such as Anheuser-Busch, 7-11, Moet Hennessy, Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc., JM Smucker brands, People en Español Festival, REI, and the Outdoor Industry Association to name a few. Becky currently serves on the National Board of Directors of the College of Mass Communications at Texas Tech University. Becky is an award-winning graphic designer, having won 3rd place in her third-grade fire prevention poster contest.
A dynamic, out-of-the-box leader who tackles one challenge after another. Ms. Cannon is currently the Executive Director of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce after recently serving as the Vice President of Government Relations with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. Cannon also served as a Senior Policy Analyst for the City of Austin. Prior to her work in politics, Ms. Cannon has been a seasoned entrepreneur having spent many years in the Austin startup space. Ms. Cannon served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Texas State University and has been a guest blogger for CBSNews.com. She has been a featured presenter at various technology events. Cannon graduated from Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Kyle wants to gain a better understanding of the local issues facing the community and be more active in the LGBT community. He has served the Chamber through board service, happy hours and the Large Company ERG Committee. Kyle brings expertise with large company ERG programs and can leverage his connections on the Chamber’s behalf. He believes LGBT businesses help promote equality and acceptance in the city. Kyle’s vision for the Chamber is to help smaller businesses make the right connections to grow. He also wants to encourage more participation with and from LGBT youth to help grow a better tomorrow.
Jason wants to further the impact and reach of the Chamber within Austin metro. He believes that assembling of some of Austin’s well-connected, hardworking, diverse, and well-suited visionary talents can carry the city and the Chamber to new heights. With the backing of his media connections, Jason can help shine an even brighter light on the Chamber. Jason served the Chamber by representing KVUE at the 2018 Proud! Gala. He brings experience with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake Fundraiser in 2016-2017. His operating philosophy is “to whom much is given, much is required” and he tries to live by that every day. He believes LGBT businesses are important to the local economy to provide added, critical, relative, and business savvy support to the LGBT community. Jason’s vision for the Chamber is to help eliminate any sort of negative stigma of LGBT or non-profit organizations or what people negatively think about communication chamber organizations.
Retired Attorney/State Executive turned Transgender advocate/activist. After a 31 year career in Law, Risk Management, Insurance and Executive Management with the State of Texas, Ms. Bow now devotes her time to working for social justice and fostering understanding and acceptance of the Transgender Community.
Chase is a Vice President at MassMutual Southwest, a financial services firm. Having worked extensively with chambers of commerce in the past, Chase was responsible for the creation of our chamber’s Ambassador program. He recently served on the Board of Directors for the Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival. Chase enjoys racing sailboats on Lake Travis where he is an active member of the Austin Yacht Club, volunteering at the Austin Galano Club, and is an avid astrophotographer with the Austin Astronomical Society. He is an alumnus of Tarleton State University and Leadership Austin. His family has lived in Texas since 1835.
Hunter Coleman is a Wealth Management Advisor at Raymond James Financial. Based in Austin, Texas, Hunter operates as a dedicated financial concierge, bringing a deep level of
experience and knowledge to LGBTQ individuals, families, and the specialized physicians he serves. Hunter is designated as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist to assist high net worth clients with portfolios of significant wealth. Hunter is a financial advisor who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can help clients establish and pursue their unique financial objectives through personalized investment strategies that align with their values. As a fiduciary, Hunter believes in forging lasting relationships built on understanding, trust, advanced ethics, and a heightened level of privacy. Hunter is a former college football player and a graduate of Columbia University in the City of New York. He studied psychology, political science, and classical literature. Hunter serves as a member of the Board of Directors and as a Committee Chairmen for the Austin LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. He is the President of the Columbia University Alumni Association of Austin. Additionally, Hunter serves on the Finance Committee and the Development Committee of AIDS Services of Austin. Hunter was born in Louisiana and has family living throughout the great state of Texas, in New York, and California. He and his partner live in Austin with their rescue dog, Argos.
Experienced Business Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and printing industry. Skilled in networking, leadership, lead generation, marketing, and email marketing. A strong business development professional.
Serving in the Austin homeless community, addiction and mental health industries are her passion outside of the LGBT Chamber.
Originally from the Hill Country of Mason, Texas, Gunner Gardner is well familiar with the areas surrounding Central and West, Texas. After graduating from Granger High School, Gardner took to Alpine, Texas to play Division 3 Collegiate Tennis for Sul Ross State University. While there, he served as the President of The Rotaract Club Alpine, a division of Rotary International. Through Rotaract, Gardner organized several charitable fundraising efforts to support organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and those affected by tragedies like the Flint Michigan Water Crisis, The Nepal Earthquakes and more. In May of 2017, Gardner graduated Cum Laude and received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with honors in History and Political Science. He was most recently named the 2016-17 Community Service Athlete of the Year by the American Southwest Conference and the NCAA.
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