HOUSTON, TX (July 6, 2026) – The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrated its annual Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Hilton Americas-Houston Grand Ballroom, bringing together more than 1,000 business, civic and community leaders for the region’s largest LGBTQ+ business event and one of Houston’s premier Pride Month celebrations. 

As a cornerstone event of the Chamber’s 10th Anniversary, the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration embraced the theme “A Decade of Impact: Stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable. Together.” The milestone event honored the resilience, progress and impact that have defined the Chamber’s first decade of advancing LGBTQ+ economic inclusion while setting the stage for an ambitious vision for the future. 

As the Chamber’s signature fundraiser, the Pride In Business Celebration drew corporate partners, entrepreneurs, elected officials, nonprofit leaders and community champions from throughout Greater Houston and beyond. Chaired by Brooks Ballard, Dr. Jacquie Baly and Francisco Sánchez, Jr., the event underscored the Chamber’s decade of remarkable growth since its 2016 founding and its enduring commitment to building an economy where everyone belongs. 

“Over the past 10 years, the Chamber has faced moments that required us to adapt, lead differently and grow through uncertainty. Those challenges shaped who we are today,” said Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. “The Pride In Business Celebration is a reflection of that journey — a celebration of resilience, progress and impact — and a powerful reminder of what’s possible as we lead into our next decade.” 

A highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of the 2026 Pride In Business Awards, recognizing LGBTQ+ and Allied businesses, leaders and organizations whose leadership and contributions are helping to create greater economic opportunity, visibility and inclusion throughout the region. 

Honorees included: 

• Impact Partner of the Year Award: CORT 
• LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year Award: Michael's Cookie Jar 
• Chamber Advocacy Award: IKE Smart City 
• Employee/Business Resource Group of the Year: UNITE@SCI 
• Allied Business of the Year: Casa Layfield 
• Community Legacy Award: Don Kelly 
• Nonprofit Member of the Year Award: the Montrose Center 
• Corporate LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year: Jas Clark, Hines 
• Chamber Champion Award: Travis Torrence 
• Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year: Devin Schrank, ExxonMobil 
• LGBTQ+ Business of the Year: Montrose Eye Care 

Special guest, Keith Boykin, took part in a meaningful fireside conversation with KHOU 11 News Anchor Len Cannon. A nationally recognized political commentator, television and film producer, New York Times bestselling author, and former White House aide, Boykin shared reflections on his journey as an LGBTQ+ leader and advocate, offering attendees powerful insights on resilience, representation, leadership and the ongoing pursuit of equality. His remarks underscored the significance of visibility and economic empowerment as the Chamber celebrates a decade of impact and looks toward the future. 

New to this year’s event was the Pride In Business Expo, which expanded opportunities for Chamber members and partners to showcase their organizations, products and services while fostering meaningful business connections and engagement. 

Following the luncheon, attendees continued the celebration at the high-energy Pride In Business After Party, which provided additional opportunities for networking, community building and celebration. Together, the luncheon, expo and after party reflected the vibrancy and momentum of the Chamber’s growing economic ecosystem. 

The record-breaking attendance and expanded programming demonstrated the Chamber’s continued evolution and impact over the past decade. As the organization looks ahead to its next chapter, the Pride In Business Celebration serves as both a reflection on how far the Chamber has come and a powerful affirmation of the work that lies ahead. 

For more information or to get involved with the Chamber, visit www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com. 

PHOTOS 

Click here. Photo credit: Soneja Creative 

NOTABLE GUESTS 

City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire; Amanda McMillian; Avery Belyeu; Kam Franklin; Stephen Miranda; Gary Wood; Brooks Ballard; Dr. Jacquie Baly; Francisco Sánchez, Jr.; Gene Wu; Joel Luks; Barry Mandel & Scott Sawyer; Carl Josehart & Sam 

Jacobson; Trevor Boffone; Clay Melder; Linda Toyota; Kel Victor; Abbie Kamin; Letitia Plummer; Mario Castillo; Lesley Briones; Alejandra Salinas 

ABOUT GREATER HOUSTON LGBTQ+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

Founded in 2016, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 10 years of advancing LGBTQ+ economic inclusion across the Greater Houston region. Through intentional partnerships, advocacy and community engagement, the Chamber connects business and community to expand opportunity, strengthen visibility and build an economy where everyone belongs. Learn more at www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com.