2026 Pride In Business

PRIDE IN BUSINESS CELEBRATION LUNCHEON + AFTER PARTY

Honoring a Decade of Progress. Igniting the Next Era of Impact.

Where business meets community.
Where Pride fuels economic power.
Where the next decade begins.

A Premier Pride Month Celebration at the Intersection of Business & Community

Get ready to celebrate at the Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party.

For a decade, the Chamber has built a thriving LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem — strengthening visibility, expanding economic opportunity, and championing inclusion for the LGBTQ+ and Allied community across Greater Houston.

Celebrating a Milestone Decade at Pride In Business!

In 2026, we celebrate that impact and launch the next era of economic progress at the Pride In Business Celebration + After Party — the region’s premier and only business-focused Pride Month event.

In 2026, we celebrate a transformational milestone —
✨ 10 Years of building an economy where everyone belongs.

Join us as we celebrate a decade of progress — and ignite the next era of impact.

Bigger Stage. Bolder Impact. A Milestone Year.

To honor a decade of impact, we’re taking the Pride In Business Celebration + After Party to a whole other level! Pride In Business is one of the largest LGBTQ+ business events in the nation. In 2026, we're moving the event to the iconic Grand Ballroom at the Hilton Americas-Houston, our longstanding partner and host for this signature, premier Pride Month event.

A Celebration That Keeps Growing

Pride In Business has grown year after year — bringing together the business community, elected officials, community leaders and more to celebrate the power of LGBTQ+ economic impact in the region.

In 2022, Our first in-person celebration

In 2023, Continued growth and expanded reach

In 2024, The celebration grew bigger

In 2025: We broke attendance records

And....In 2026: We’re breaking a record again with the biggest and boldest celebration planned.

- 1,000+ attendees expected
- Expanded footprint in the Grand Ballroom
- Elevated program honoring business excellence and leadership
- A high-energy After Party to cap the celebration
- And more to be announced soon!

This milestone year will be our largest, boldest, and most impactful Pride In Business ever.

Welcoming Our Special Guest: Keith Boykin

We are honored to welcome Keith Boykin as a special guest for the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration. In a fireside chat conversation, Keith will delve into his lived experience as an LGBTQ+ individual — exploring his journey, the challenges he has faced, and the moments that forged his path as a leader, advocate, and storyteller.

Keith Boykin is a national political commentator, TV and film producer, New York Times best-selling author, and a former White House aide to President Bill Clinton. His latest books are Race Against Time: The Politics of a Darkening America (2021), Quitting: Why I Left My Job to Live a Life of Freedom (2022), and Why Does Everything Have to Be About Race? (2024).

A graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, Keith has taught at American University in Washington, D.C., the Institute for Research in African-American Studies at Columbia University, and City College of New York. He is a co-founder and first board president of the National Black Justice Coalition and a Lambda Literary Award-winning author of six books.

Keith was a co-host of the BET talk show My Two Cents, starred on the Showtime reality TV series American Candidate, worked as an associate producer of the film Dirty Laundry, and has appeared on numerous television shows, including BET’s Being Mary Jane. He was also the featured male model in the 2022 Ralph Lauren "Pride" campaign.

Born in St. Louis, Keith has lived in 12 cities, visited 48 of the 50 United States, and traveled the world. He lives in Los Angeles.

Our Emcee

LEN CANNON
KHOU 11 News Anchor

We are excited to welcome Len Cannon back again this year as emcee for the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration. A trusted voice in Houston and a familiar face to our community, Len brings professionalism, warmth, and steady leadership to the stage—and we are honored to have him return to help guide this year’s celebration.

Len Cannon is the KHOU 11 News anchor at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. He came to KHOU in 2006.

Len is an award-winning journalist, having won Emmy Awards in local news, the National Association of Black Journalists First Place Award, and the prestigious Columbia University Dupont, "Silver Baton" award for his reporting as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.

He has also won various community awards, including one from the Houston Fire Department.

"Guys we are going to have to evacuate." It was those words that became a defining moment for KHOU 11 News and Len Cannon was there.

He was in the midst of anchoring round-the-clock coverage of Hurricane Harvey in August of 2017, when the station started taking on water.

"We were forced off the air for several hours until we moved to another studio.

Len is a graduate of Ashland University in his home state of Ohio, where he majored in radio and TV. "It was a small school that was nourishing and encouraging."

Something monumental happened to Len since moving to Houston. He became a dad.

His wife is a former news and documentary producer in New York, and is the founder of parentspost.com.

Our Event Chairs

Brooks Ballard
President
Brooks Ballard International Real Estate

Learn More About Brooks

Brooks Ballard is a seasoned real estate leader and founder of Brooks Ballard International Real Estate, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Houston’s luxury real estate market and beyond. Known for integrity, market expertise, and results-driven strategy, Brooks has represented high-profile buyers, sellers, investors, and developers in premier neighborhoods including River Oaks, Memorial, The Heights, West University, and Tanglewood.

His firm delivers a concierge-style real estate experience, specializing in luxury listings, international marketing, relocation, new construction, and high-end property management. With a strong global network and deep local insight, Brooks offers a seamless, strategic approach grounded in discretion, sophistication, and exceptional service.

Beyond his professional success, Brooks is a committed civic and philanthropic leader, actively supporting organizations and initiatives that strengthen Houston’s business community and nonprofit sector, expand opportunity, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. A longtime champion of inclusive economic growth, he believes in using business as a platform for meaningful community impact.

Why I'm Supporting Pride In Business

Dr. Jacquie Baly
Founder & CEO
BalyProjects

Learn More About Dr. Baly

The Honorable Dr. Jacquie Baly – Official Bio

Dr. Jacquie Baly is an award-winning academic, respected media voice, and trusted civic leader with a long record of strengthening communities through responsible governance, sound policy, and principled leadership. As Founder and CEO of BalyProjects—a leading public affairs and policy strategy firm—she advises corporations, nonprofits, and government entities on navigating government systems, securing public-sector partnerships, and advancing initiatives that deliver measurable results and fiscal accountability. She is also a contributing author in an upcoming business book highlighting top entrepreneurs and thought leaders.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Baly has served as a professor at the University of Houston, where she is known for her clear, engaging teaching style and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of business, civic, and community leaders. Her public service spans both local and state government, with a consistent focus on responsible growth, sound policy, and economic opportunity. As Chair of the Harris County Women’s Commission, she leads efforts that strengthen financial stability and expand economic pathways for women across the region.

Dr. Baly began her public service career as City Planner for the City of Sugar Land, where she played a pivotal role in the creation and approval of Sugar Land Town Square—a transformative 32-acre development featuring more than 1.4 million square feet of civic, office, retail, residential, and entertainment space. Her leadership helped deliver one of Texas’ most successful mixed-use projects, earning recognition from both the Houston Business Journal and the Urban Land Institute. She later served as a statewide appointee to the Brazos River Authority under Governor Rick Perry, collaborating with local officials across 19 counties—including Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Galveston—on essential water policy, infrastructure, and long-term regional planning.

Dr. Baly’s state-level service continued under Governor Greg Abbott, who appointed her to the University Research Initiative Board. In this role, she helped secure more than $120 million in research funding, ensuring Texas remains competitive, innovative, and economically strong.

A strong advocate for public health and research innovation, Dr. Baly helped drive the passage of a $3 billion federal biomarker bill and raised more than $2 million in a single year for the American Cancer Society, where she served as a board director. She currently leads a $16 million capital campaign for the YMCA and serves on the board of the Baylor Research Advocates for Student Scientists (BRASS), supporting MD/PhD students conducting groundbreaking biomedical research.

Her leadership has earned prestigious honors, including induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, Humanitarian of the Year, Ambassador for Women of Distinction, the Vince Lombardi Champion Award, Texas Children’s Community Champions Award, St. Jude’s Philanthropist of the Year, UH Alumni Association’s Rising Star and Black Alumnus of the Year, and recognition among the Most Influential Black Leaders in America. Her insights have been featured across major networks, including ABC, FOX, CBS, and NBC, as well as in leading regional business publications.

Born in the Caribbean and raised in Texas, Dr. Baly credits her drive, faith, and strong work ethic to her cultural upbringing and immigrant experience. She lives in Houston with her husband, James Craig, a corporate executive. She is the proud mother of two accomplished sons—Raphael, a senior marketing specialist with an MBA from Boston College, and Alexandre, a published medical researcher and student at Harvard Medical School. She and her husband remain deeply committed to service, leadership, and strengthening the communities they call home.

With purposeful leadership and unwavering resilience, Dr. Baly is building a legacy that elevates those around her.

Contact & Social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jacquie-baly-2b11501/
Media or speaking inquiries: jacquie@balyprojects.com

Why I'm Supporting Pride In Business

Francisco Sánchez, Jr.
Senior Advisor for Economic Development
Hagerty Consulting

Learn More About Francisco

Francisco Sánchez Jr.
Senior Advisor for Economic Development
Hagerty Consulting

Francisco Sánchez, Jr. is a nationally recognized leader in homeland security, emergency management, crisis leadership and economic development. Most recently, Francisco served in the Biden Administration as Associate Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. He was the first presidential appointee and non-banker to hold this position, as well as the highest-ranking LGBTQ presidential appointee from south of the Mason-Dixon line. At SBA, he was part of the team that led the largest small business boom during any presidential administration, with more than 23 million new small business applications.

At the SBA, Francisco led the greatest transformation of the agency’s disaster operations in the agency’s 73- year history. Under his leadership, the SBA responded to more than 1,500 disaster declarations and delivered nearly $15 billion in disaster recovery support. He also steered the agency through its post-COVID transition and directed federal recovery efforts for some of the nation’s most significant disasters, including Hurricanes Ian, Fiona, and Helene; the 2023 Maui Wildfires; the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse; and the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires.

Previously, Francisco helped lead homeland security and disaster efforts in Harris County, Texas. He has served on command staff for four of the nation’s 10 most costly natural disasters and played a key role in special security events like Super Bowls and multiple World Series.

A sought-after voice in crisis leadership, business and resilience, Francisco is frequently invited to speak at national and international forums. He also serves as an Advisory Board Member and Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs.

A proud Texas native, Francisco holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s in public administration from Sam Houston State University. In 2015, he received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his distinguished contributions to public service.

Degrees

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science and Radio and Television Communication, University of Houston

Master of Public Administration - Sam Houston State University

Executive Leaders Program Graduate - Center for Homeland Defense and Security, Naval Postgraduate School

Why I'm Supporting Pride In Business

Join Us!

Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party

Friday, June 12, 2026
Luncheon Program: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
After Party: 1:30 PM - until?
Hilton Americas-Houston | Grand Ballroom
1,000+ Attendees

Thank You to Our 2026 Pride In Business Presenting Sponsor!

We are proud to welcome Casa Maestri as the 2026 Pride In Business Celebration Presenting Sponsor, featuring their vibrant Agave Boom brand. Casa Maestri is also one of the newest Leadership Circle Members.

Founded in the heart of Tequila, Jalisco, Casa Maestri is a woman-owned distillery founded by visionary Celia Maestri and built on generations dedicated to the art of tequila. Every bottle reflects a story of hard work, refined expertise, and a deep respect for Mexican heritage — crafted for those who seek authenticity and celebrated in more than 20 countries worldwide.

Featured Pride In Business Experience

Agave Boom Activation

Through their Agave Boom activation at the Pride In Business Celebration, Casa Maestri will bring a dynamic and festive experience to the event.

Guests will leave with samples of the bold and vibrant spirit of Agave Boom, a premium ready-to-drink agave cocktail crafted in Mexico using pure volcanic water. Gluten-free and Kosher-certified, Agave Boom blends heritage with innovation while delivering a smooth, refreshing taste perfect for celebrating this milestone event.

This activation will add a celebratory touch to both the Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon and After Party as we honor a Decade of Impact for the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

About Casa Maestri

Casa Maestri is a globally recognized and award-winning tequila distillery known for combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. The distillery is the trusted partner for private label, importers, and global distributors and one of the most awarded distilleries in Mexico.

With distribution in more than 20 countries, Casa Maestri continues to elevate the world of premium agave spirits while honoring the heritage and artistry of tequila production. Learn more about Casa Maestri at casamaestri.com.

Be part of a milestone decade of impact.

Align your organization with inclusive economic growth and gain visibility with 1,000+ business and community leaders.

Individual sponsors are warmly welcomed and encouraged to be part of this milestone celebration.

Cover Image 2026 Pride In Business Sponsor Packet Final 2.6.26

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SPONSORSHIP FORM

Download the Pride In Business sponsor deck to learn more about sponsor benefits.

Complete the Pride In Business sponsor form to reserve your sponsorship today.

Host Committee

Pride In Business Celebration Host Committee

As we celebrate 10 Years of Impact, our Pride In Business Celebration Luncheon + After Party is guided by an extraordinary Host Committee of business leaders, community champions, and advocates who believe in our work and mission at the Chamber and building an economy where everyone belongs.

The Host Committee plays a vital role in helping us:

Amplify visibility for the event across Greater Houston
Invite and engage corporate, civic, and community leaders
Champion sponsorship and table participation
Elevate the impact of this once-in-a-decade milestone celebration

Their leadership reflects what Pride In Business represents — visible support, meaningful investment, and a commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ economic opportunity. We are grateful for their support in this milestone year.

✨ Meet the 2026 Host Committee

Susanne Brady-Lusk
President
Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages

Sara Brook
Founder/CEO
Dessert Gallery Bakery & Cafe

Roderick Brown
District Health & Safety OPS Manager, Pride Alliance BRG Houston Leadership, UPS Congressional Awareness
UPS

Jenny Selber Gustafson
CEO
Like Minds Communications

Mitchell Avila Katine
Partner
Katine Nechman McLaurin LLP

Dr. Paul Lovero, OD
Montrose Eye Care

Jill Maxwell Straker
Area Director of Sales & Marketing
Hyatt Place/Hyatt House Medical Center

Clay Melder
VP | Relationship Manager Corp. Healthcare & Non-Profit Banking
Amegy Bank

Conchita Reyes
Business Developer
East End Business Advisors

Maggie Segrich
Founder & Disruptor in Charge
Sesh Coworking

Travis Torrence
US Head of Legal
Shell USA, Inc.

Linda Toyota
Business Development Advisor
Houston Style Magazine

Juliana M. Wathen, DMCP
President
Cosmo Cool Concepts, Inc.

The Legendary After Party...

Pride In Business is not Pride In Business without the After Party —and this year, we’re raising the bar even higher.

When the ballroom doors reopen, the energy shifts — and the celebration continues. Expect dynamic activations, music, curated experiences, elevated networking, and the kind of connections that only happen when business and community come together.

This is not a quick in-and-out event. It’s a Pride In Business experience—and we promise, you’re going to want to take the day off.

After Party sponsorships are available. Learn more.

New for 2026! Pride In Business Expo

This year, we’re expanding the experience.

The Pride In Business Expo will open before the luncheon and reopen immediately following the program — creating space for connection and showcasing LGBTQ+-inclusive and supportive businesses and organizations.

The Expo will showcase:

Chamber members
Sponsors & Impact Partners
Small businesses and entrepreneurs
Corporate and community activations

Exhibitor tables are available through select sponsorship levels, with a limited number of tables available for direct purchase. Review the Pride In Business Expo Exhibitor Packet for more details.

Expo Exhibitor Packet

Reserve Expo Table

The deadline to reserve an Expo Table is May 12, 2026.

It’s not just a luncheon — it’s an unforgettable day of connection and community. Be part of the inaugural Pride In Business Expo!

Pride In Business Awards

Honoring Leadership, Excellence & Impact.

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2026 Pride In Business Awards, part of our 10-Year Anniversary celebration honoring a decade of building an economy where everyone belongs.

These awards recognize outstanding member businesses, leaders, and advocates who are creating opportunity, championing inclusion, and strengthening the LGBTQ+ economic ecosystem across Greater Houston.

At a time when LGBTQ+ visibility, inclusion, and belonging continue to matter deeply, the Pride In Business Awards shine a spotlight on those who don’t just show support — they lead with purpose, resilience, and impact.

Learn More

The Next Decade Starts Here

This milestone celebration belongs to every business, every leader, every ally who helped build the first decade — and those ready to shape the next.

Join us for the celebration of the year.
Join us to mark a Decade of Impact.