DALLAS, TEXAS [May 9, 2025] - The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce the graduation of its fifth LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute cohort. Launched in 2019, the program has grown steadily each year.

Members of the 2025 LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute graduating class include:

• Susan Anson-Briggs, she/her; Rainbow Realtors
• John Broady, he/him; Broady Leadership
• Danielle Burns, she/her; Vistra
• Melissa Dickson, she/her; Prism Health North Texas
• Michael A. Martinez, he/him; Resource Center
• Kayden Michael, he/him; Watson Marketing & Communications
• Ciera Oates, she/her; Dallas Hope Charities
• Sergio Perez, he/him; Comerica
• Laura Rocha, she/her; Pinky’s Valet
• Stanley Rogers, he/him; Selene Finance
• Randy Slay, he/him; Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel
• Amari Starks, they/he; National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
• Alan Villafana, he/him; Dallas College
• Trey Weir, he/him; Prism Health North Texas
• Brenna Wriston, she/her; JBJ Management

Class members participate in a nine-month program designed to provide valuable leadership skills development, such as strategic planning, change management, and conflict resolution. They also gain an opportunity to meet and learn from experts in their fields, along with a crucial historical context of the LGBTQ+ equality movement and community.

“I have enjoyed working with this diverse group and appreciate their commitment to the program and passion to serve the community,” stated Lisa Howe, who manages the program and serves as Vice President of Membership & Programs for the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. “Although there are a number of quality leadership programs in North Texas, none are designed to fill the generational information gap in the LGBTQIA+ community. We use every session to prepare our graduates to be better, more informed representatives of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether they identify as LGBTQ or an Ally. The graduates of the 2025 class are going to have an extremely positive impact on their organizations and in our community.”

The LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute provides an inclusive and nurturing environment for a diverse cohort of individuals to develop leadership skills and explore the critical issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community. The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is now accepting nominations for those interested in participating in the 2025-2026 LGBTQ Leadership Institute class. Applications are due by July 15, 2025. Participation is open to members of the LGBTQ+ community and Allies. Tuition for the nine-month program is $2000. Partial scholarships are available. More information is available at https://lgbtchamberfoundation.org/leadership/

About LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Established by the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation develops leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community. The Foundation is also home to the LGBTQ Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund.

The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a Texas nonprofit organization designated as tax exempt as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Additional information is available at https://lgbtchamberfoundation.org/