Staff

Andi Monroe,
Director, Operations & Programs
They/Them/Theirs

Andi Monroe is Director of Operations & Programs for the OUT Georgia Business Alliance.

Monroe devotes time to the director’s dedication to advocacy for the LGBTQ+ and allied business community, ensuring that members across the State of Georgia receive timely, meaningful correspondence. As coordinator, they spend much time working with an incredible team of Volunteer Ambassadors. They are committed to creating nuanced, thoughtful programming celebrating our intersections of LGBTQ+ communities across the state.

Since 2005, Monroe has been active in the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community, first serving with the Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity at Georgia State University. Monroe received accolades in film and video, later graduating with a film degree. They co-founded the production company Your Gay Atlanta in 2012, a brand dedicated to centering LGBTQ+ narratives in media that served local businesses for the better part of a decade and had the pleasure of working with producer/influencer Barry Brandon (The Queer Indigo). More recently, they are a screener for the Out on Film festival.

Following personal business ventures, Monroe worked for a decade in operations, marketing, and event coordination for various Georgia-owned small businesses engaging industries ranging from design to fitness to real estate to tech. Most recently, they served as onboarding manager for start-up Showcase IDX now under the edifice of eXp World Holdings, Inc.

Monroe continues to produce a rotating roster of creative projects with a focus on digital publishing, organizing for the arts wherever possible, and engaging a vibrant community that serves more like a big extended family. They are happily married since 2019, grateful to have had a longterm life partner since 2005, and proudly reside near Pine Lake, Georgia.

Andi.Monroe@outgeorgia.org
LinkedIn


Roze Carbone,
Intern, Digital Marketing & Membership Engagement
She / Her / Hers

Roze Carbone is a Digital Marketing Intern for the OUT Georgia Business Alliance.

With a background as a writing and speaking tutor, she developed a strong foundation in the art of communication. Carbone holds a Bachelor’s degree in English with a focus on creative writing, and is interested in the creative side of business. Her work as an extern at the private advertising company Incentive Solutions introduced her to the professional sphere of high-level marketing.

Born and raised in Atlanta, she is committed to fostering inclusive programming that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community across Georgia. She is on the path to pursue a Master’s degree in Digital Media, aiming to further integrate creative expression into her professional endeavors.

Carbone resides in Decatur, Georgia and is a proud alum of Agnes Scott College.
Roze@outgeorgia.org
LinkedIn


Jackie Ruiz,
Intern, Digital Marketing & Membership Engagement
She / Her / Hers

Jackie Ruiz is a Digital Marketing Intern for the OUT Georgia Business Alliance.

She is a first-generation student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Oglethorpe University. In her coursework, she often centers her research on women’s issues and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. She aspires to contribute to research that sheds light on the economic disparities faced by marginalized groups, while also working toward innovative solutions to address these inequities.
 
In school, she is the social media manager of Psyched Out, the school’s psychology club, where she has learned a lot about digital marketing and community engagement. She is also a part of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the economics international honor society.
 
During her time at Out, she aims to engage with LGBTQ+ business owners, learning from the challenges they’ve faced and gaining valuable insights from their experiences. She loves supporting local LGBTQ+ businesses and groups whenever she can and is excited to contribute to a company that does just that.

Jackie@outgeorgia.org
Linkedin


UNPICTURED:
Brandon Bryan,
Intern, Event Coordination
He / Him / His

RECENTLY COMPLETED PROGRAM:
Erica Nelson,
Intern, Operations & Systems Management
She / Her / Hers

Erica Francine Nelson is an intern with OUT Georgia Business Alliance, Georgia’s LGBTQ+IA
Chamber of Commerce, focused on the role of Operations & Systems Manager.
As a dedicated and forward-thinking leader, she is currently advancing her expertise in business
administration management at Valdosta State University. Her academic foundation was laid at Southern
Crescent Technical College, where she earned an associate degree in Business Technology, igniting her
passion for marketing and operational efficiency. Erica’s commitment to leadership and academic excellence is reflected in her active membership in the
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) and the Society for Collegiate Leadership &
Achievement (SCLA). These platforms have provided her with invaluable opportunities to engage in
leadership programs and community projects, furthering her personal and professional development.
Throughout her career, Erica has embraced roles that demand a high level of client engagement and
customer satisfaction. As a Customer Success Assistant Manager at Variety Wholesalers Inc., she
leveraged data analytics to drive supply and demand evaluations, cost structure analyses, and customer
engagement strategies. Her role as a Client Services Supervisor involved spearheading new business
opportunities and implementing sales strategies to foster growth and profitability. Erica’s experience as a
contracted Service Supplier has allowed her to offer critical analyses and operational evaluations for
prominent businesses across Metro Atlanta, including Circle K, Walmart, Sam’s Club Costco, and
Verizon. This role required a deep understanding of business culture and the implementation of strategic
tasks. Informed by the Advanced Leadership program and teachings of Ronald Menaker EdD, Erica’s leadership
philosophy centers on the importance of learning from past experiences to shape future success. She
believes in the transformative power of personal development, persuasive communication, and emotional
intelligence in building effective teams and driving community initiatives.
Erica is recognized for her exceptional time management and organizational skills, ensuring that all
responsibilities are met with precision and punctuality. Acknowledging that growth requires time, she
continuously strives to balance her drive for efficiency with the patience necessary for long-term success.
Looking ahead, Erica is eager to apply her comprehensive skill set in data management, CRM systems,
and decision-making operations to contribute meaningfully to OUT Georgia Business Alliance. Her
ability to navigate complex customer situations and resolve conflicts with logical mediation positions her
as a valuable asset to any team. Erica@outgeorgia.org
LinkedIn

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