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🚨 RESCHEDULED DATE! COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS LUNCHEON - WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AUSTIN? REDISTRICTING, DEMOCRACY & WHAT'S AT STAKE

August 27, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (CDT)

Description

***NEW DATE!***

REDISTRICTING, DEMOCRACY & WHAT'S AT STAKE
From legislation to redistricting, now's the time to get informed.
Be part of this crucial conversation!

📅 Wednesday, August 27, 2025
🕙 11:30 AM - Registration and Networking
🕙 12:00 - 1:30 PM - Program
📍 Hilton Garden Inn / Home2Suites Medical Center | 6840 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77030

 

Join us for a timely Community Conversations Luncheon as we break down what’s happening in Austin with redistricting—why it matters, the implications, and how these decisions will shape representation and communities for the next decade.

Note: The Chamber has been closely monitoring the status of the Special Session and the availability of our legislator panelists. With lawmakers required in Austin, our panelists may shift—but the conversation remains just as timely and critical.  We have expert panelists ready to go.  Thank you for your understanding due to these circumstances.  This event date is rescheduled from July due to the special session.

The Focus: Panel Discussion

This expert panel will take a deep dive into the Special Session’s redistricting battle—what’s happened so far, why it matters, and the far-reaching implications for our communities, our businesses, and our state.

You’ll hear perspectives on:
  • The dynamics unfolding in Austin during this Special Session
  • What redistricting means for representation and democracy in Texas
  • How these changes ripple through Houston, Harris County, and beyond
Beyond the maps, we will also highlight how people can—and must—stay engaged beyond the special session and redistricting fight, to ensure inclusive voices continue to shape Texas’ future.


Why Attend?

📌 Redistricting shapes power for the next decade—it impacts every policy conversation and every election to come.
 📌 This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from leading political voices and experts as they break down one of the most consequential issues facing Texas right now.
 📌 Be part of the conversation, ask questions, and learn how you can engage in advocacy that goes beyond this Special Session.

Don’t miss this critical conversation. The decisions being made in Austin today will affect our community for years to come. Make plans now to join us for this timely and engaging luncheon.

Make your plans to join us for the Community Conversations Luncheon. This quarterly event brings together key stakeholders, influencers, and leaders to discuss timely and impactful topics shaping our community.

Reserve your seat now!  

Registration closes at 2 pm on Tuesday, August 26th.




FEATURED PANELISTS

We are thrilled to welcome these distinguished voices for this important discussion. 

Tom Abrahams
Houston Reporter & Weekend Anchor
ABC13



Tom Abrahams joined ABC13 Eyewitness News in October 1999. He is the evening weekend news anchor and is the host of This Week in Texas, ABC13's political program.

His award-winning reports include three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, a National Headliner, and an Emmy. In his spare time, he is an author and has penned more than 40 novels. He is married with two children and is a proud graduate of the University of Florida. Learn more about Tom.		Faith Bugenhagen
Trending News Reporter
Chron.com




Faith Bugenhagen covers government and politics at Chron, based in Houston writing about all things news, particularly, about the city, state and county.  Previously, she covered the Greater Houston area covering similar subjects for the Houston Press.  She has written extensively about suburban education, city, county and statewide government and politics.



Sharon Jones
Director of Civic Business Engagement & Texas Lead and Senior Advisor
Texas Business Leader Alliance


Sharon Jones is the Director of Civic Business Engagement & Texas Lead and Senior Advisor to the Texas Business Leader Alliance. She works at the intersection of business and policy, mobilizing the business community in Houston, across Texas, and nationally. With extensive public and private sector experience—including leading public policy strategies at the ACLU of Texas and serving as Chief Equity Officer at Children at Risk—Sharon has deep ties to the Texas business community. She is also an entrepreneur, educator, and community advocate, serving on nonprofit boards and advancing equity, voter rights, and empowerment for women and girls.  Learn more about Sharon. 


MODERATOR



Nancy Sims (she/her)
Owner
Nancy Sims LLC


We are pleased to welcome Nancy Sims as our moderator for this important panel discussion.

Nancy Sims is a respected political analyst, strategist, and educator with decades of experience in communications, government relations, and civic engagement. Owner of Nancy Sims, LLC, she advises clients across industries on reputation management and public affairs. A longtime ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Nancy has supported advocacy since the 1980s, from leading Houston’s public policy response on AIDS to serving on the Montrose Center board. She is a regular commentator on KUHF’s Political Roundtable and has taught Political Science at the University of Houston for over 20 years. Learn more about Nancy.



EVENT COLLABORATION PARTNER


In partnership with the Texas Business Leader Alliance (TBLA), this luncheon brings together business and community voices to engage in meaningful dialogue about state policy and its ripple effects.  

🤝 We are proud to collaborate with the Texas Business Leader Alliance in bringing this vital discussion to the community.





WHY ATTEND?

This quarterly luncheon series fosters open conversation around the most pressing civic issues. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with changemakers, get informed, and leave empowered.


THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!

This event is made possible by the generous support of our Community Conversations Luncheon Sponsors.


VISIONARY SPONSORS

Learn more about bp www.bp.com

Learn more about the Texas Business Leader Alliance


CONNECTION SPONSOR



BECOME A SPONSOR

Support community education and civic engagement. Your sponsorship helps bring these vital conversations to the forefront—while spotlighting your business or organization. Secure your sponsorship today.




Sponsoring the Community Conversations Luncheon is a great way to showcase your business or organization while supporting an important community conversation. 

Your sponsorship support helps the Chamber bring these meaningful and informative conversations to the community. Secure your sponsorship today.


       


HOST

Thank you to Chamber Impact Partner Hilton Garden Inn / Home2Suites Medical Center for hosting the event.


📢 Reserve Your Seat or Sponsorship Today!

Don’t miss this compelling discussion on redistricting. Secure your spot and be part of this important conversation!

Registration closes at 2 pm on Tuesday, August 26th.



Questions? Contact us at info@houstonlgbtchamber.com or 832-510-3002.


By registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event, you agree to Chamber's Terms of Use & Policies.

Time


11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Registration and networking

12:00 - 1:30 PM: Program

Pricing

Members: $45 in advance; $50 at the door

General Admission: $50 in advance; $55 at the door

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Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
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