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MDGLCC
Greater Miami LGBT Chamber of Commerce
President’s Newsletter
June 2024
Members and Friends!
June is Pride Month, and I'm thrilled to celebrate this special time of year with all of you. As the President of the Greater Miami LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, I'm honored to lead an organization that uplifts and empowers our diverse businesses and professionals.
This past year has presented its fair share of challenges, but the indomitable spirit of our LGBTQ community has shone brighter than ever. We have repeatedly demonstrated our resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to creating a more just, equitable, and affirming world.
This Pride, I encourage you to embrace your authentic selves with pride. Let's unite to network, socialize, and show our Pride at the many impactful events and activities our Chamber has planned throughout the month.
United, we will continue to make strides toward equality and inclusion - not just during Pride but all year round.
In this month’s newsletter…
Celebrate Pride
There are so many events planned throughout June (and beyond)...too many lists here. The Miami New Times created a Pride Calendar, and here is the link to that list - Pride Events
This afternoon at 4 pm, join us at MDGLCC Member the Arsht Center for their annual Pride CommuniTEA featuring the incomparable Tony-winner, Alex Newell. Tickets are free, but you should register. Here is the link - Register for Tickets.
The Importance of DEI
DEI (Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion) refers to organizational frameworks that promote fair treatment and full participation for all individuals, especially those historically underrepresented or discriminated against based on identity or disability...which certainly includes the LGBTQ community. Sadly, political ideology has inserted itself into Corporate HR, requiring companies in battleground states to rethink their strategies. McKinsey & Company recently posted some recent studies supporting the continuing need (and benefit) of corporate DEI programs. Here are links to 3 of their well-positioned reports:
June Programming
Later this month, our MDGLCC Councils will host the first of several panels that we believe will help our businesses and members understand what legislative changes have gone into effect (and their implications), and those that no longer impact our lives. The first of the panels, State of Our Community – the DEI Landscape, will take place on June 26th (rescheduled from May).
Highlights to put on your calendar are:
To register for these fantastic networking opportunities - Register for MDGLCC Events
6/12 – GALLA - Greenberg Traurig & MDGLCC host this annual Mentoring Mixer
6/18 – Hospitality Council @ Loews Miami Beach (MDGLCC Members Only)
6/20 - Women's Empowerment Council Dinner - Seravene @ Hotel Greystone
6/25 - Real Estate Council Mixer - Keller Williams Miami Beach
6/26 - ERG & GALLA – State of Our Community – the DEI Landscape - Marriott Airport
6/27 - MDGLCC/YPN - PRIDE Mixer at R House Restaurant
NOTE: All programming is hosted by and held at MDGLCC Member locations (one of the many benefits of membership)
Advocacy
MDGLCC concluded a very successful first Washington D.C. Fly-in during May. During the three-day trip, we met with elected Miami-Dade/FL leadership and advocacy groups to discuss the scope and power of the LGBTQ Economy in Miami-Dade and to emphasize the importance of DEI in attracting and retaining top talent in South Florida. We have included a copy of our distribution material below in this newsletter.
NGLCC – The ROAD TO PALM SPRINGS – ALMOST SOLD OUT!!!
As one of the largest affiliate chambers of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, we complement the work advancing around LGBTBE Certification, education, and business connectivity. We have a large contingent anticipated and always have a great time. This year, we will convene in Palm Springs, CA; this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with our US Affiliate and International chambers, mix and learn from national DEI experts, and learn how to improve your business opportunity from Fortune 500 procurement professionals. We will be working on programming to assist our LGBTBEs and other stakeholders in preparing for the conference. For more about this year’s conference, visit NGLCC.
I hope to see you all at one of our many events this month and throughout the year!
Steve Adkins
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