OUT Georgia Business Alliance is proud to recognize the exceptional leaders, businesses, and organizations advancing Georgia’s LGBTQ+ and allied community. Each year, the Community Honors Celebration brings together members, partners, and supporters for an evening dedicated to acknowledging those who embody leadership, service, advocacy, and impact statewide.
The 2025 Community Honors Celebration was held on Friday, December 5 at Brookhaven City Centre. Guests enjoyed a happy hour with hors d’oeuvres and a signature cocktail, followed by a seated dinner catered by Proof of the Pudding, sweet bites from Apples Gone Wild, an open beer and wine bar, and an evening of entertainment hosted by Mona Lott and Ron Roberts. The celebration concluded with an after-party featuring DJ-curated beats.
Below are the full lists of nominees and the winners for 2025.
2025 COMMUNITY HONORS AWARD CATEGORIES & HONOREES
Business Leader of the Year
Award Description:
This award is given to an LGBTQ+ business leader who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to their organization, to OUT Georgia Business Alliance, and to the broader LGBTQ+ business community.
Winner:
Mitchell Bowling
Nominees:
Bryan Keenan
Chip Ivie
David Bodway-Werneth
Earl Fields
Liz Bachmann
Miko Evans
Mitchell Bowling
Community Leader of the Year
Award Description:
This award recognizes a community leader who demonstrates a commitment to serving and advancing the LGBTQ+ community by significantly contributing to the success of one or more nonprofit organizations or community-driven efforts.
Winner:
Steven Igarashi
Nominees:
Dr. Christy Perez
David Aurillo
Percy Brown
Melanea Alvarez
Steven Igarashi
Next Gen Leader of the Year
Award Description:
This award honors a young LGBTQ+ leader, professional, or entrepreneur who has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership benefiting both their organization and the LGBTQ+ community.
Winner:
Liz Bachmann
Nominees:
Aubri Escalera, AEN
Bryan Keenan
Dr. Christy Perez
Liz Bachmann
Malik Brown
Nonprofit of the Year
Award Description:
This award is given to a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to positively impact the health, happiness, and general welfare of the LGBTQ+ community.
Winner:
Lost N Found Youth Center
Nominees:
AHF
AID Atlanta
Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
Dreaming Justice Project
Equality Fest
Georgia Aquarium
Georgia LGBTQ History Project
Voices of Note (Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus & Atlanta Women’s Chorus)
I Am Human Foundation
Lambda Legal
Lost N Found Youth Center
NOMO Organization
Nuci’s Spaces
PoderUnides: Trans+
Scraplanta
The Emory Hope Clinic
United Way
Corporate Ally of the Year
Award Description:
This award recognizes the corporate partner or member that has demonstrated exemplary support for OUT Georgia and the LGBTQ+ business community. Nominees show leadership in DEI, corporate social responsibility, and support for LGBTQ+ employees, including active engagement in employee resource groups.
Winner:
Chase Bank
Nominees:
Chase Bank
Google
Small Business of the Year
Award Description:
This award is given to the LGBTQ-owned small business that has shown exemplary support for the LGBTQ+ business community and OUT Georgia Business Alliance.
Winner:
Wildflower Social Media
Nominees:
A Grape View Tours
Allprovide
Apples Gone Wild
Big Frog Printing
Dynamic Therapy
Georgia Voice
House of Heralds PR
Meak Productions
Rockin’ Road Trip
The Bougie Grazer
The Cook’s Warehouse
Val’s Pals
Wildflower Social Media
New Business of the Year
Award Description:
This award recognizes an LGBTQ-owned or allied small business less than two years old that is already demonstrating excellence, innovation, and meaningful community impact.
Winner:
Tonke Tea
Nominees:
A. Santiago Consulting, Inc.
Somerset Medical
Tonke Tea
Presidential Award
Award Description:
Selected directly by the Board President, this award honors an individual whose dedication, leadership, and service have significantly strengthened OUT Georgia and contributed to the advancement of Georgia’s LGBTQ+ business community.
Honoree:
⭐ Mitchell Bowling
Celebrating the Impact of Our Community
These honorees represent the strength, resilience, and leadership of LGBTQ+ Georgians and allies. Their work uplifts businesses, supports nonprofits, expands economic opportunity, and builds a more inclusive state for all.
OUT Georgia extends heartfelt congratulations to every nominee and winner. Thank you for the work you do — and for helping shape a stronger future for LGBTQ+ communities across Georgia.
