The North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce today announced that Monica Paul and Rick Adams will serve as honorary co-chairs of the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration, the Chamber’s annual event honoring the businesses, leaders, and organizations driving economic growth and opportunity across the region. The celebration will take place September 29, 2026, at Astoria Event Venue.

Monica Paul serves as Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission and President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee. In her role with the Dallas Sports Commission, she leads bid strategies and marketing programs that strengthen Dallas’ ability to attract Olympic, professional, collegiate, and amateur sports competitions and events. Her efforts proved instrumental in Dallas being named a Host City for FIFA World Cup 26 and securing nine matches during the tournament, more than any other market in 2026. Her recognitions include the DCEO Non-profit and Corporate Citizenship Award for Leadership Excellence in 2023 and DCEO’s Dallas 500 from 2022 through 2026.

An LGBTBE^® certified business owner, past Pride In Business honoree, and active Chamber volunteer, Rick Adams has owned and operated The UPS Store at Lemmon Avenue and the Tollway since 2011. Under his leadership, it has become one of the top performing stores in the regional market. His route to franchise ownership took him through hotel sales, fitness, and entrepreneurship, giving him a wide-ranging perspective that few business owners share. Known for his magnetic personality and genuine investment in others, Adams is a natural mentor who freely shares hard-won lessons with fellow business owners and never hesitates to lend a hand to someone in need.

“We are honored to have two respected leaders like Monica Paul and Rick Adams help lead this year’s celebration,” said Scott Carnes, Board Chair of the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. “Their leadership reflects the spirit of the Pride In Business Celebration — recognizing the people and organizations who are building a stronger, more vibrant North Texas economy.”