OUT Georgia Business Alliance Hosts Landmark 2024 Economic Inclusion Summit, Celebrates Entrepreneurial Excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 2024 Economic Inclusion Summit, hosted by the OUT Georgia Business Alliance at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on September 17-18, gathered Georgia’s top LGBTQ+ business leaders, policymakers, and advocates. The Summit highlighted essential topics like Civic Engagement & Economic Influence in an Election Year, Resilience in Leadership, and DEI Strategies to Drive Growth & Inclusion, reflecting the importance of advancing LGBTQ+ advocacy in business and policy-making.

Key discussions featured:

  • Keynote Conversation: Building a Movement through a Critical Moment for Equality with Chanel Haley (Georgia Equality) and Bentley Hudgins (Human Rights Campaign).
  • Keynote Conversation: Seeing Yourself Included in the Economic Inclusion Solution with Dr. Elijah Nicholas and Gabrielle Claiborne.
  • Keynote: What Research on LGBTQIA+ Communities tells us about Workplaces, Healthcare, and Economic Dignity by Cassandra Cantave Burton (AARP).

Attendees participated in a series of breakout sessions covering pivotal topics, including Building Resilient Workplaces, 5 Process Improvements to Drive Your Business Success, Economic Inclusion in Today’s Business Landscape, A Panel on the State of Queer Arts, and Taking Up Space: The Roots and Implications of Sizeism. Sessions explored practical strategies for leadership, self-care, and fostering inclusive business environments.

The Summit also hosted a Speed Networking & Opportunity Exchange, as well as a Professional Headshot Station courtesy of SQS Photography, providing valuable resources and connections for LGBTQ+ professionals. Photos of the event were provided by Mark Morin.

A major highlight of the event was the Pitch Competition, held on September 18, courtesy of the City of Atlanta. Competing for a $10,000 prize, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs from across Georgia presented their innovative business ideas. The grand prize was awarded to Che Houston of Che Rene Macrons, demonstrating a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.

The event concluded with a vibrant reception at Out Front Theatre Company, where speakers, attendees, and award recipients celebrated their collective achievements and deepened connections within the LGBTQ+ business community.

OUT Georgia Business Alliance remains dedicated to fostering economic empowerment, equity, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ professionals across the state. The 2024 Economic Inclusion Summit continues to serve as a vital platform for education, networking, and advancing LGBTQ+ business opportunities.

For more information, visit OUT Georgia’s Summit page.

Contact:
Andi Monroe, they/them
Director, Operations/Programs
OUT Georgia Business Alliance
info@outgeorgia.org

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