Celebrating Women in Pride: A Unique Event Hosted by WBEC-West and LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce

• Ronnie Gor

As a proud woman-owned business, joining the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC-West) was a natural step for me. It provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs, fostering growth and collaboration. Recently, I had the honor of hosting an event at my home, designed and built by my firm, to celebrate Women in Pride. This event was held in collaboration with the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and Diversity Professionals.

Event Highlights and Activities

The event was far from ordinary. The flyer promised a memorable experience:

“This is not your typical Pride Month networking hour; it promises an unforgettable experience through intimate story sharing, a ‘Sip and Paint’ session to discover what inspires your moxie, small group exercises, and even roleplay as Elena Joy, star of the Apple TV documentary ‘CONVERSION,’ teaches us skills to increase team connection and psychological safety. Join us for an impactful experience centering the LGBTQ+ community and Allies, where we’ll emphasize the importance of transformative leadership, fostering deeper connections, and discover how WBEC-West certification can help you achieve these goals.”

And indeed, it delivered. Our fabulous hostess, Jaymee Lomax, filled the event with joy, vibrant decorations, and a delightful spread of food. Her warm personality set the tone for a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

A Collaborative Effort

The success of this event was a collective effort. Key contributors included Jaymee, Angelique and her two daughters, Elena, Brittney, Lance, Ange and her nephew, Marquita, and Melissa. Together, we welcomed approximately 30 guests who came to explore vulnerabilities and empathy in both workplace and social settings.

Engaging Activities and Inspirational Stories

The event featured several activities designed to build self-awareness and team connection. Through exercises in self-discovery and team-building, participants opened their minds to listen to Elena Joy’s insights on navigating work culture as a leader. Her moving story about overcoming personal struggles resonated deeply with everyone, fostering a sense of kindness and self-compassion.

After a sumptuous lunch that nourished both body and soul, Angelique led a creative art activity. This simple yet profound exercise allowed participants to express their emotions freely, facilitating meaningful conversations and spreading joy.

Sharing and Acceptance

The atmosphere of acceptance was further enriched by panel discussions. Jaymee, Brittney, Lance, Ange, and Marquita shared their personal journeys of self-acceptance and navigating vulnerable conversations. Their stories emphasized the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and kindness in our interactions.

A Memorable Experience

The event concluded with a sense of community and mutual understanding. It was heartwarming to see the WBEC-West community engage without inhibitions, learning and growing together. Here’s to celebrating our unique identities and fostering acceptance for all!

Join us in this journey of learning, growing, and embracing everyone for who they are.