HOUSTON, TX (May 10, 2023) – The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce will host its signature event, Pride In Business, on June 23, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. The Chamber is proud to announce Francisco Sánchez, Jr (he/him), as the Special Guest for this signature Pride Month event. Associate Administrator Sánchez, Jr, will share his personal story and LGBTQ+ journey.

About Francisco Sánchez, Jr.

Francisco Sánchez, Jr. was appointed in January 2022 by President Joseph R. Biden to serve as Associate Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where he oversees the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience and is helping lead the nation’s economic recovery from COVID and natural disasters. Francisco previously served as the Deputy Homeland Security and Emergency Management Coordinator for the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management where he was the organization’s lead for strategic development, planning, public affairs, and community preparedness initiatives. Read Francisco's full bio here.

“On the 70th anniversary of the Lavender Scare that marked a shameful chapter in our nation’s history, we have made progress but the fight for equality continues. It wasn’t until after and the result of the Stonewall riots that we saw LGBTQ+ businesses begin to come out of the shadows, often only bars and bookstores," said Francisco Sánchez, Jr., Associate Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  “Today, LGBTQ+ businesses are part of Main Street and contribute more than $1.7 trillion to the U.S. economy. Economic opportunity and equality go hand in hand and while we celebrate LGBTQ+ businesses and allies during Pride Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration remains committed to creating economic opportunity and prosperity every day."

"Each year at the Pride in Business Celebration, we have brought in leading LGBTQ+ professionals and leaders from private industry and government to share their stories. These conversations have been both powerful and impactful” said Tammi Wallace, Chamber Co-Founder, President & CEO. “We are looking forward to another engaging conversation with Associate Administrator Sánchez Jr., as he shares his story and LGBTQ+ journey. It is incredibly important that we share the stories of inspirational leaders like Associate Administrator Sánchez Jr., their path and the role of LGBTQ+ leadership. We are honored to have Associate Administrator Sánchez Jr. join us to celebrate Pride and the LGBTQ+ business community."

Associate Administrator Sánchez Jr will join Cheryl Mercedes, Reporter & Anchor, KHOU 11, on stage for a "fireside chat" to talk about his career, including his path to government, his background and his LGBTQ+ journey.  

This event takes place annually during Pride Month and is a unique occasion to celebrate LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses in the Greater Houston area with a focus on LGBTQ+ economic inclusion. The Pride In Business Celebration is the only event in Houston focused on the LGBTQ+ business community during Pride Month.  

To learn more about the Pride In Business Celebration at http://houstonprideinbusiness.lgbt/.

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About the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) business community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships and advance policies that foster economic inclusion and equality. Visit www.houstonlgbtchamber.com to learn more about the Chamber.