To Thine Own Self Be True: Honoring Rick Bryant, 2025 Volunteer of the Year
To Thine Own Self Be True:
Honoring Rick Bryant, 2025 Volunteer of the Year
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Rick Bryant as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year—an honor that celebrates not only the hours he has given, but the heart, purpose, and conviction he brings to every space he enters. While he initially engaged with the Chamber as a professional member, he quickly offered his time and talent as one of our valued volunteers.
Rick represents the very best of our Chamber’s volunteer community. A lifelong educator, advocate, and champion for justice and equity, his journey of service spans decades and continents—from education leadership and peace-building efforts to civil rights advocacy and community engagement. His commitment to giving back is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: to give as one has been given.
As a proud gay man and a deeply engaged member of our community, Rick chose to step forward during a time when LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and equity matter more than ever. Through his involvement with the Chamber—particularly as part of our Elite Volunteer Force (EVF)—Rick has shown up with humility, determination, and unwavering care, reminding us that no act of service is ever insignificant.
We are deeply grateful to Rick for his leadership, his advocacy, and his belief in the Chamber’s mission to build an LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem rooted in opportunity, empowerment, and belonging. His story is a powerful reminder that progress is made not only through bold moments, but through consistent, values-driven action—together.
About Rick…
We’d love to hear about your journey. Tell us about yourself.
I was born and raised in eastern North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill. I received a master’s degree from The American University in Washington, DC and an ABD in Curriculum Leadership from North Illinois University in Dekalb, IL.
My career was devoted to education, in which I served in a variety of roles from preschool to university. My favorite work was serving as the head of college and career counseling at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.
I participated in the 44th Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs (Toward A War-free World) in August 1994 in Crete, Greece, as well as the Conferences and met the then-president, Professor Sir Joseph Rotblat, who won the 1995 Nobel Peace Prize.
This work spanned 15 ½ years. During this period, I served on the Board and as the President of the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics, Science and Technology (currently known as the National Consortium for Secondary STEM Schools).
I have been retired from work as an educator for 10 years. I have traveled extensively both nationally and internationally, including five continents and 40ish countries.
How would you describe yourself in three words—and why those words?
Determined.
Caring.
Advocate.
I believe the choice of these words will be evident in my reflections shared below.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am very interested in the arts and have, over my lifetime, performed in high school bands (served as drum major), honors and university symphony orchestras (played the tuba), studied and performed as a vocalist in a variety of ways (opera, musical theatre, choral societies, and soloist).
I am devoted to peace and justice issues and was selected to be among 108 Americans and Canadians chosen to participate in a Journey of Reconciliation to support the Community of the Peace People in Northern Ireland. Marched with 10,000 (including Joan Baez) at the River Boyne in Drogheda, Ireland, to advocate for peaceful solutions to The Troubles in Northern Ireland and Ireland. Met and befriended Betty Williams, 1976 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Coordinated several events across the U.S. for her.
Having grown up in the segregated South, I became active in Civil Rights efforts. I also marched for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and to advocate against the use of capital punishment. I was trained and served as a volunteer counselor in minimum security prisons in North Carolina.
Connecting with the Chamber…
How did you first get involved with the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce?
I have always been a believer in giving back to society for the benefit of others. I have sought out engagement with organizations aligned with my values and those that give back to society, particularly focused on justice and equity issues and efforts. I’m also very interested in arts organizations and presently volunteer with the Houston Symphony Orchestra and its Student Concerts. Also, I have done some volunteer work for the Houston Pride Band and have served on a number of international, national, and local boards.
As a proud gay man, I have been interested in peace, justice and equity efforts associated with LGBTQ+ issues. In our day and times, and the oppression that is being wielded against gay people, I have chosen to become engaged with an organization focusing on empowerment, inclusion and equity of gay people.
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is an organization that is walking the talk. Its efforts and actions are making a tremendous difference in our community and beyond. Coincidentally, some years ago, I served on the Board of Directors of the Aurora (IL) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and was recognized by the Aurora Chapter of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) as Educator of the Year.
What inspired you to start volunteering with the Chamber?
With the growing oppression against LGBTQ+ people and attempts to squelch DEI efforts across the country, I felt compelled to step forward and do what I can to support the work of the Chamber. I am very impressed with the work of Tammi Wallace and the staff of the Chamber and want to do what I can to support their efforts. The growing presence of the Chamber and its members is a visible sign of the critical importance of skilled and talented LGBTQ+ individuals and groups for the further growth and development of our community and communities across our nation. I do hope to do more in supporting the Chamber’s initiatives.
What does the Chamber’s mission mean to you personally?
The positive focus on opportunities for networking and partnerships to foster greater economic inclusion and equality is what drew me to the Chamber’s work. While LGBTQ+ people and businesses are continuing to face adversities and efforts to exclude them, the Chamber is constantly focused on empowerment and advocacy. The efforts are not only noticed but celebrated.
Why Do You Give Back?
What motivates you to give your time and energy as a volunteer?
To give as I have been given.
Why do you believe volunteering—especially with the LGBTQ+ community is so important right now?
Our visibility and positive influences in mainstream systems will help to change peoples’ minds and, hopefully, continue to change the course of history. While some might think it trite, I do believe that it does take a village to institute and actualize change.
What keeps you coming back and saying “yes” when the Chamber needs support?
The efforts of each one of us can make a difference. No task is insignificant.
Volunteer Impact
Is there a moment, event, or experience as a Chamber volunteer that stands out to you the most?
The experience that stands out to me is my volunteer involvement with the Chamber’s Pride in Business Awards Luncheon and hearing the remarks by Jim Obergefell, the American civil rights activist who was the lead plaintiff in the 2015 United States Supreme Court case Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage.
Jim fought relentlessly for the legalization of gay unions. At this time, his husband had died. Yet, he persisted with these efforts, and, ultimately, winning the case, he honored his husband and celebrated the right for all of us to be legally married. It was the right thing to do.
How has volunteering with the Chamber impacted you—personally or professionally?
While I am retired, I joined the Chamber as an individual. It gives me great joy to see the growing network of LGBTQ+ individuals, organizations, and allies who come together on a regular basis to show unity in our efforts to realize diversity, equity and inclusion in our businesses and other organizations within our communities. This is celebration. This is empowerment.
What do you think makes the Chamber’s “Elite Volunteer Force (EVF)” so special?
This group of volunteers is wholeheartedly devoted to the Chamber’s mission of fostering greater economic inclusion and equality. Each opportunity for volunteering is a celebration of progress toward realizing this goal. The passion of each volunteer is evident. It is an honor to be a part of this group.
Recognition & Reflection
What does being named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year mean to you?
I am both honored and humbled by this recognition. I am proud to be an active and engaged member of the Chamber and its allies.
Who or what has inspired you along your journey of service and leadership?
In my annual from my senior year of high school, my English teacher for all four years, Mrs. Margaret Ruffin, wrote “To thine own self be true.” The full quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet is “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man [person].
In being true to myself, I have sought and I continue to seek to be of service for the benefit of others. The work of the Chamber is not only worthwhile, it’s part of the fabric of justice within our society. I am volunteering because I wish to be a part of these efforts for the realization of justice and equity for LGBTQ+ people.
Looking Ahead…
What are you most excited about as the Chamber continues to grow, especially heading into our 10-year anniversary?
I am excited about the progress made and the positive trajectory that Tammi Wallace and her team have set for realizing the Chamber’s Vision and Mission. The Chamber is one of the most visible and influential LGBTQ+ Chambers in the U.S. It’s a beacon of hope for many. Each gathering, each event is a stepping stone for progress. I am excited to be a part of these efforts.
What advice would you give to someone considering joining the Chamber?
Come and be a member of the team. You will not be disappointed!
Learn more about how you can get involved in the Chamber.
