FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTA, Ga., December 17, 2021 –– OUT Georgia Business Alliance is proud to announce the award winners of the nonprofit chamber’s 2021 Community Honors spotlight awards, presented by AARP Georgia. The annual awards event was broadcast live from Out Front Theatre Company and highlighted Georgia’s LGBTQ+ and ally businesses, nonprofits, and leaders who are charting significant impact across the state.
Significant moments included celebrating the impressive lineup of award finalists, recognizing OUT Georgia’s eight category winners for 2021, announcing the first corporate investments to the OUT Georgia Impact Fund, and acknowledging the organization’s volunteers, staff, partners, and members of the Board of Directors.
“This was a truly special night for everyone here at OUT Georgia, and we thank AARP Georgia, our event sponsors, Dunlop Productions, Out Front Theatre Company, Nichole Palmietto, and our co-hosts Kia Comedy Barnes and Dr. Elijah Nicholas for bringing the 2021 Community Honors to life,” said Chris Lugo, Executive Director of the OUT Georgia Business Alliance.
“Congratulations to all our award winners and finalists we recognized during the live show, and thank you to Cox Enterprises and Regions Bank for each making $10,000 contributions to the OUT Georgia Impact Fund, powered by United Way of Greater Atlanta,” added Lugo.
“When we get to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening across the Peach State, we’re helping grow a wake of inspiration that will undoubtedly influence our state’s next LGBTQ+ and allied leaders to make a difference for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Business Leader of the Year
This award is given to the LGBTQ+ business leader in our community who has made an outstanding and sustained contribution to their organization, as well as to the OUT Georgia Business Alliance and the LGBTQ+ business community.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 Business Leader of the Year is Latasha Griffin of UPS!
Community Leader of the Year
This award recognizes a Community Leader who demonstrates a commitment to serving and advancing the LGBTQ+ community by having created or contributed significantly to the success of one or more local nonprofit organizations or community efforts.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 Community Leader of the Year is Feroza Syed with Trans Housing Coalition!
Next Gen Leader of the Year
This award is given to a young LGBTQ+ leader, professional, or entrepreneur who has demonstrated exceptional performance and an innovative drive that has benefited their organization and the LGBTQ+ community.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 Next Gen Leader of the Year is Taylor Alxndr of Southern Fried Queer Pride!
Nonprofit of the Year
This award is given to a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly in order to positively impact the health, happiness, and general welfare of those in the LGBTQ+ community.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 Nonprofit of the Year is the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation!
Corporate Ally of the Year
The Corporate Ally of the Year award is given to the Corporate Partner or Member that has shown exemplary support to the LGBTQ+ business community and to OUT Georgia Business Alliance. As a corporation, this organization has taken a leadership role in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace; demonstrated a high level of corporate social responsibility in their community, and has championed the advancement of their LGBTQ+ and minority employees.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 Corporate Ally of the Year is Regions Bank!
Small Business of the Year
This award is given to the LGBTQ-owned small business in the community that has shown exemplary support to the LGBTQ+ business community and to the OUT Georgia Business Alliance.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 Small Business of the Year is Authentique Agency!
New Business of the Year
This award is presented to the LGBTQ-owned small business that is less than two years old and already building a track record of excellence, innovation, and impact.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 New Business of the Year is Kinsey Wellness & Communications!
Member of the Year
This award is presented to the LGBTQ+ or allied business owner that has shown innovation in their business practices resulting in the advancement of their organization. In addition, this award recipient will also have advanced the mission, goals, and purpose of OUT Georgia Business Alliance, resulting in a positive impact for the LGBTQ+ business community.
OUT Georgia’s 2021 Member of the Year is Dr. Annise Mabry of the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation!
Event Sponsors
OUT Georgia thanks AARP Georgia for serving as Presenting Sponsor of this year’s 2021 Community Honors. Without AARP Georgia’s support, we would not be together tonight celebrating each other during the holiday season.
Several incredible organizations also helped make this event possible, including Georgia Power, Regions Bank, Glass House Guide, Time to Dine, Unlimited Spectrum Counseling & Wellness, Dunlop Productions, Hierarchy, and Out Front Theatre Company!
Impact Fund
Thank you to Cox Enterprises and Regions Bank for each making $10,000 contributions to the OUT Georgia Impact Fund, powered by United Way of Greater Atlanta!
This marks the first large corporate investments in the fund that will be distributed in 2022 in the form of nonprofit grants to organizations with a focus on serving LGBTQ+ youth, families, small businesses, and our Transgender, Gender Expansive, and BIPOC communities!
Learn more about the OUT Georgia Impact Fund here.
Co-Hosts
OUT Georgia thanks our 2021 Community Honors co-host, Kia “Comedy” Barnes and Dr. Elijah Nicholas!
Board of Directors
OUT Georgia Business Alliance is proud to announce new members and leadership of the nonprofit chamber’s Board of Directors for 2022.
About OUT Georgia Business Alliance
OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly serves as Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce.
Since 1994, OUT Georgia Business Alliance (formerly the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) has served the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community by advocating for the most inclusive and equitable business environment; providing support and resources to fuel economic growth; and driving meaningful community connections and impact across the State of Georgia.
OUT Georgia Business Alliance is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., and is a proud affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact us at OUTGeorgia.org or info@OUTGeorgia.org.