DALLAS, TEXAS – September 10, 2026 The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is proud to announce the selection of its seventh LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute cohort. Since its inception in 2019, the program has graduated six classes, building a powerful network of informed and empowered leaders across the Dallas-Fort Worth business community.

The Class of 2027 represents a diverse group of individuals from small businesses, large corporations, nonprofit organizations, and civic groups throughout the DFW area. Class members:

• Vincent Alvarez (he/him), Resource Center
• Ismail Boodhwani (he/him), Prism Health North Texas
• Fernando Carreon, Jr. (he/him), Vista
• Juan Contreras (he/him), Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
• Amanda Esquivel (she/her), Room For Change
• Steffanie Grossman (she/her), Dakota Therapy & Counseling
• Rachel Hankins (she/her), Pryde Athletics
• Lisa Hermes (she/her), McKinney Chamber of Commerce
• Tegjula Hilburn (she/her), ASD – A Home For Life
• Imran Kissoon (they/them), The Welman Project
• Celeste Morgan (she/her), Hair and Now Electrolysis
• Julian Peraza (he/him), Balfour Beatty
• Kelli Rabalais (she/her), Cisco
• Joey Rebollar (he/him) Resource Center
• Andee Rodriguez (they/them), SMU
• Tyler Sebastianelli (he/him), Sutton Frost Cary
• Robert Young (he/him) The Young Creative

Over the next nine months, the class will engage in a robust curriculum designed to hone their leadership skills as well as provide a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ history. This unique approach prepares participants to be effective advocates and leaders in their professional and civic lives.

"Our institute is designed to do more than just develop leaders—it's about creating ambassadors who can champion their communities in every sector," said Lisa Howe, Vice President of Membership & Programs. "By bridging generational knowledge with a strong foundation in LGBTQ+ history, we ensure our graduates are prepared to lead with purpose and perspective, whether they identify as LGBTQ+ or as an Ally."

Tony Vedda, Chamber President and CEO, added, "As we launch our seventh cohort, the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute continues to be a cornerstone of our commitment to continuous improvement. Its emphasis on personal and professional development, paired with a focus on LGBTQ+ history, makes it an invaluable program that directly contributes to a more equitable and prosperous North Texas."

About the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Established by the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce in 2010, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation nurtures the development of leaders in the LGBTQ+ 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/ 

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For more information on the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute, please contact Lisa Howe at 214-865-7313 or email lisa.howe@lgbtchamber.com