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SUMMARY:3rd Thursday Breakfast - Pride Edition!
DESCRIPTION:3RD THURSDAY BREAKFAST - PRIDE EDITION\nπ Thursday\, June 18\, 2026 | π 8:00 - 9:30 AM\nπ Cadillac Bar\, 1802 Shepherd Drive\nπ Sponsored by: Bering Memorial United Church of Christ\nJoin us for our 3rd Thursday Breakfast\, one of the Chamber's most popular monthly gatherings bringing together 130 150+ LGBTQ+ and Allied business owners\, professionals\, nonprofits\, and community from across Greater Houston. \n \nThis is our Pride Edition 3rd Thursday Breakfast\, celebrating Pride Month\, and it's always a large turnout. We hope you can join us!\n\n FUEL YOUR MORNING. POWER YOUR NETWORK. JOIN US.\n\nOnline registration closes at noon on Wednesday\, June 17.Secure your early bird registration by June 10!\n\nπ€ Fireside Chat: LGBTQ+ Representation in Civic Leadership\nThis month's program will feature a special fireside chat conversation highlighting the important role of LGBTQ+ representation in local government leadership and civic engagement.\nWe're honored to welcome:\nBrandon Mack (he/him) \nChair\, Harris County LGBTQIA+ CommissionClay Melder (he/him) \nChair\, Mayor's Advisory Board on LGBTQ+ AffairsBrandon Mack is a college admissions professional\, educator\, activist\, and entrepreneur committed to building unapologetic equity in education. He is the founder and owner of B.Mack Strategies\, a full-service consulting firm specializing in college admissions strategy\, equity and inclusion training\, and educational advocacy. With 17 years of experience in higher education\, Brandon previously served as Interim Director of Operations for the International Association for College Admission Counseling and as Associate Director of Admission at Rice University\, where he led admission committees\, managed transfer admissions\, and developed recruitment strategies focused on historically excluded communities.Beyond his professional work\, Brandon is a proud community activist and sociologist whose advocacy centers on race\, gender\, sexuality\, and education. He has served as a lead organizer with Black Lives Matter: Houston\, President of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus\, and Chair of the Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission. Brandon holds a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science from Rice University\, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Houston\, and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Higher Education.Clay serves as Vice President of NotβforβProfit Banking at Amegy\, where he works closely with large-scale Houston NFPs as an advisor\, and he's established strong\, missionβcentered relationships across the sector. He serves as Chair of Houston's LGBTQ Mayoral Advisory Board\, Vice Chair of the Board for United Against Human Trafficking\, Board Member and "Big" with Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston\, and member of United Way Greater Houston's Young Leader Council. From 2020 2023\, Clay chaired Amegy's LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group\, strengthening the bank's partnership with the Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce.An Eagle Scout and committed community advocate\, Clay was recognized as a 2025 Houston Business Journal "40 Under 40" honoree and 2023 HBJ "Outstanding Diversity Champion." In his personal life\, he and his partner of 11+ years\, Alberto\, foster Italian Greyhounds through IGRF Houston and enjoy exploring Houston's diverse communities with their two pup-daughters\, Addie and Demi.\nDuring this conversation\, Brandon and Clay will share insights about:\nThe role and impact of the Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission and the Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Current priorities and initiatives advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion across our region How these bodies help shape policies\, programs\, and advocacy that impact our community The importance of LGBTQ+ representation on City of Houston and Harris County boards and commissionsThis discussion will offer a unique look at how local leadership and civic engagement continue to strengthen our region and ensure LGBTQ+ voices are represented at the decision-making table.\n π― What to Expect...\nβ
Networking with 130 150+ attendees including professionals\, business owners\, community leaders\, and changemakers \nβ
Timely insights from our featured speaker \nβ
Featured Member Showcase spotlighting standout Chamber members \nβ
Exciting door prizes to round out the morning \nβ
An energizing way to kickstart your day with the Chamber\n\n \nπ This is Where YOU Belong.\nWhether you're a long-time Chamber member or exploring for the first time\, the 3rd Thursday Breakfast is the place to plug into Houston's dynamic LGBTQ+ and Allied community. \n \nπ Guests are always welcome!\nπ Space is limited register today. \n\n ABOUT OUR SPONSOR! \nBering Church is an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation. ONA is the United Church of Christ designation for congregations that make a public covenant of welcome to all into the full life and ministry of the church. We proclaim that all people are created in the image of God and affirm that each person regardless of age\, economic status\, faith history\, ethnicity\, gender\, mental or physical ability\, marital status\, sexual orientation\, or gender identification is a beloved child of God and worthy of God's love and grace. \n \nBering Church supports the full participation of all persons in every phase of church life. Through education and informal discussion\, we strive to better understand those who are different from ourselves to bring about a more just and accepting society. \n \nπ Learn more at beringchurch.org.\n\n \nποΈ SECURE YOUR SPOT\nπ‘ These breakfasts fill up fast - don't wait to register!\nChamber Members - Early Bird: $20 | Regular: $25 | On-site: $30 \nLAMBDA NextGen Members - $25 \nGuests - Early Bird: $25 | Regular: $30 | On-site: $35π Bring plenty of business cards (not required)!\nOnline registration closes at noon on Wednesday\, June 17.Secure your early bird registration by June 10. \nβ¨ FEATURED MEMBER SHOWCASE\nWe're proud to spotlight the following Chamber members at this month's breakfast. Be sure to stop by their tables and learn more!\n \nπ Interested in hosting a Featured Member Table? Complete the Featured Member Sponsor form to reserve your space.\nπ THANK YOU TO OUR DOOR PRIZE SPONSORS THIS MONTH!\n π If you're interested in providing a door prize for a Chamber event\, please complete the Door Prize Sponsor Interest Form.\nπ’ SPONSOR A 3RD THURSDAY BREAKFAST\nπ― 2026 dates are booking up fast!\nGet your business or organization in front of 130 150+ attendees at one of the Chamber's most popular events. \n \nπ Secure your sponsorship today - it's a win for your brand\, the Chamber\, and the LGBTQ+ community.\n \nSpecial thanks to Cadillac Bar for hosting the 3rd Thursday Breakfast!\n\n\nBy registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event\, you agree to Chamber's Terms of Use & Policies.
X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:
3RD THURSDAY BREAKFAST - PRIDE EDITION
π Thursday\, June 18\, 2026 \;| \;π 8:00 - 9:30 AM
π Cadillac Bar\, 1802 Shepherd Drive
π Sponsored by: Bering Memorial United Church of Christ
Join us for our 3rd Thursday Breakfast\, one of the Chamber&rsquo\;s most popular monthly gatherings&mdash\;bringing together 130&ndash\;150+ LGBTQ+ and Allied business owners\, professionals\, nonprofits\, and community from across Greater Houston. \;
This is our Pride Edition 3rd Thursday Breakfast\, celebrating Pride Month\, and it'\;s always a large turnout. We hope you can join us!
FUEL YOUR MORNING. POWER YOUR NETWORK. JOIN US.
Online registration closes at noon on Wednesday\, June 17.
Secure your early bird registration by June 10!
π€ Fireside Chat: LGBTQ+ Representation in Civic Leadership
This month&rsquo\;s program will feature a special fireside chat conversation highlighting the important role of LGBTQ+ representation in local government leadership and civic engagement.
We&rsquo\;re honored to welcome:
 |  |
Brandon Mack (he/him)
Chair\, Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission | Clay Melder (he/him)
Chair\, Mayor&rsquo\;s Advisory Board on LGBTQ+ Affairs |
Brandon Mack is a college admissions professional\, educator\, activist\, and entrepreneur committed to building unapologetic equity in education. He is the founder and owner of B.Mack Strategies\, a full-service consulting firm specializing in college admissions strategy\, equity and inclusion training\, and educational advocacy. With 17 years of experience in higher education\, Brandon previously served as Interim Director of Operations for the International Association for College Admission Counseling and as Associate Director of Admission at Rice University\, where he led admission committees\, managed transfer admissions\, and developed recruitment strategies focused on historically excluded communities. Beyond his professional work\, Brandon is a proud community activist and sociologist whose advocacy centers on race\, gender\, sexuality\, and education. He has served as a lead organizer with Black Lives Matter: Houston\, President of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus\, and Chair of the Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission. Brandon holds a B.A. in Sociology and Political Science from Rice University\, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Houston\, and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Higher Education. | Clay serves as Vice President of NotβforβProfit Banking at Amegy\, where he works closely with large-scale Houston NFPs as an advisor\, and he&rsquo\;s established strong\, missionβcentered relationships across the sector. He serves as Chair of Houston&rsquo\;s LGBTQ Mayoral Advisory Board\, Vice Chair of the Board for United Against Human Trafficking\, Board Member and &ldquo\;Big&rdquo\; with Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Houston\, and member of United Way Greater Houston&rsquo\;s Young Leader Council. From 2020&ndash\;2023\, Clay chaired Amegy&rsquo\;s LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group\, strengthening the bank&rsquo\;s partnership with the Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. An Eagle Scout and committed community advocate\, Clay was recognized as a 2025 Houston Business Journal &ldquo\;40 Under 40&rdquo\; honoree and 2023 HBJ &ldquo\;Outstanding Diversity Champion.&rdquo\; In his personal life\, he and his partner of 11+ years\, Alberto\, foster Italian Greyhounds through IGRF Houston and enjoy exploring Houston&rsquo\;s diverse communities with their two pup-daughters\, Addie and Demi. |
During this conversation\, Brandon and Clay will share insights about:
- The role and impact of the Harris County LGBTQIA+ Commission and the Mayor&rsquo\;s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board
- \;Current priorities and initiatives advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion across our region
- \;How these bodies help shape policies\, programs\, and advocacy that impact our community
- \;The importance of LGBTQ+ representation on City of Houston and Harris County boards and commissions
This discussion will offer a unique look at how local leadership and civic engagement continue to strengthen our region and ensure LGBTQ+ voices are represented at the decision-making table.
\;
π― What to Expect...
β
Networking with 130&ndash\;150+ attendees&mdash\;including professionals\, business owners\, community leaders\, and changemakers
β
Timely insights from our featured speaker
β
Featured Member Showcase&mdash\;spotlighting standout Chamber members
β
Exciting door prizes to round out the morning
β
An energizing way to kickstart your day with the Chamber
π This is Where YOU Belong.
Whether you&rsquo\;re a long-time Chamber member or exploring for the first time\, the 3rd Thursday Breakfast is the place to plug into Houston&rsquo\;s dynamic LGBTQ+ and Allied community.
π Guests are always welcome!
\;ABOUT OUR SPONSOR! 
Bering Church is an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation. ONA is the United Church of Christ designation for congregations that make a public covenant of welcome to all into the full life and ministry of the church. We proclaim that all people are created in the image of God and affirm that each person &mdash\; regardless of age\, economic status\, faith history\, ethnicity\, gender\, mental or physical ability\, marital status\, sexual orientation\, or gender identification &mdash\; is a beloved child of God and worthy of God&rsquo\;s love and grace.
Bering Church supports the full participation of all persons in every phase of church life. Through education and informal discussion\, we strive to better understand those who are different from ourselves to bring about a more just and accepting society.
ποΈ SECURE YOUR SPOT
π‘ These breakfasts fill up fast - don'\;t wait to register!
Chamber Members - Early Bird: $20 | Regular: $25 | On-site: $30
LAMBDA NextGen Members - $25
Guests - Early Bird: $25 | Regular: $30 | On-site: $35
π Bring plenty of business cards (not required)!
Online registration closes at noon on Wednesday\, June 17.
Secure your early bird registration by June 10.
\; \; \; \;
\;
β¨ FEATURED MEMBER SHOWCASE
We'\;re proud to spotlight the following Chamber members at this month'\;s breakfast. Be sure to stop by their tables and learn more!
π Interested in hosting a Featured Member Table? Complete the Featured Member Sponsor \;form \;to reserve your space.
π THANK YOU TO OUR DOOR PRIZE SPONSORS THIS MONTH!
\; \;
π If you'\;re interested in providing a door prize for a Chamber event\, please complete the \;Door Prize Sponsor Interest Form.
π’ SPONSOR A 3RD THURSDAY BREAKFAST
π― 2026 dates are booking up fast!
Get your business or organization in front of 130&ndash\;150+ attendees at one of the Chamber&rsquo\;s most popular events.
π Secure your sponsorship today - it&rsquo\;s a win for your brand\, the Chamber\, and the LGBTQ+ community.
\; \; \; \; 
Special thanks to Cadillac Bar for hosting the 3rd Thursday Breakfast!
By registering and/or attending a Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce program or event\, you agree to \;Chamber'\;s Terms of Use &\; Policies.
