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

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Blog, Featured

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

Written By Andi Monroe

Written by: Alex Johnson, Communications Director at OUT Georgia Business Alliance
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