2025 Pride In Business Awards Honorees
Each year, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce proudly recognizes individuals, businesses, and organizations that are leading the way in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion, economic opportunity, and community impact.
As part of the 2025 Pride In Business Celebration—held during Pride Month and commemorating the 10-Year Anniversary of Marriage Equality—we are honored to spotlight this year's Pride In Business Award recipients who exemplify outstanding contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and the Chamber.
These Honorees represent the very best of our region—leaders, companies and organizations who are building a stronger, more inclusive economy for all.
We are proud to celebrate and share the stories of our 2025 Pride In Business Honorees.
Explore the Honorees below and join us in congratulating them for their incredible work and lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
The Impact Partner of the Year Award honors a company that has shown exceptional dedication as an Impact Partner of the Chamber. The partner champions workplace inclusion, equity, and economic empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s honoree, Houston Dynamo & Houston Dash, have gone above and beyond—supporting LGBTQ+ small businesses, engaging with Chamber members and leadership, hosting Pride Night, raising the Pride Flag to launch Pride month and proudly collaborating on and showcasing the Show Your Pride campaign.
As the first professional sports teams to step up as a Chamber Impact Partner, the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community has been unwavering.
The LGBTBE® Certified Business of the Year Award honors an LGBTBE® Certified Member Business that sets the bar—who has a proven record of success, strong use of the certification for visibility, and a shining example for others in our Chamber.
This year’s Honoree is not only a champion for their own business—they are a champion for the Chamber and our mission of economic inclusion. Soneja Creative has been a dedicated partner and has given back to the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ community in countless ways.
The company was nominated by a fellow Chamber Member, who said it best:
"The mere visibility of LGBTQ community members—especially through the ‘Show Your Pride’ campaign—demonstrates we are everywhere, and a force in business and society. Chandrayee’s gift for capturing people at their best is unmatched. She’s one of the most engaged members I know."
The Chamber Advocacy Award goes to an organization that is a powerful voice for both the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ community and all small businesses in our region. Through their work and impact, they help advance visibility, opportunity, and economic prosperity for our community. Â
Chamber Partner B2G Victory has been an outstanding advocate—championing the Chamber, our mission, and our members. From delivering impactful workshops to advising member businesses and supporting the success of diverse-owned enterprises, B2G Victory is a valued partner and steadfast supporter of LGBTQ+ and Allied-owned businesses and the Chamber.
The Employee/Business Resource Group of the Year goes to a Chamber Impact Partner Business Resource Group that champions inclusion—creating a workplace culture of acceptance and aligning with the Chamber’s mission of economic inclusion.
EQUAL, United Airlines’ LGBTQ+ BRG—Business Resource Group is recognized this year. The group is a powerful example of impact—from advocating for LGBTQ+ employees internally to engaging with the Chamber on programs like the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance and our Holiday Food & Supply Drive. They are a true model for what a BRG can achieve.
The Allied Business of the Year honors an Allied-owned business committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion—through action, engagement, and visible support of our community and the Chamber.
Eureka Heights Brew Co. has been an incredible partner and supporter—from co-hosting Chamber events like the Pride Kickoff and Rainbow Market, to donating proceeds from their Buckle Bunny beer to LGBTQ+ causes. They truly go above and beyond as a proud ally.
The Community Legacy Award recognizes an individual with a long-standing commitment to the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, service, education, or community impact.
We are proud to recognize Jani Lopez for her dedication to the LGBTQ+ community over the years. She has made a lasting difference—from showing up for LGBTQ+ organizations with her time, talent, and treasure, to all the work she has done quietly behind the scenes.
Jani truly embodies what true community leadership looks like.
The Nonprofit Member of the Year Award goes to a nonprofit that leads with action—demonstrating a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, and a proven history of impact, advocacy, and support for the Chamber’s mission.
First Christian Church Katy is a powerful example of leadership and allyship—from the Transparent Closet initiative to launching Katy Pride, they continue to create space, build bridges, and lift up the LGBTQ+ community in Katy and Fort Bend County.
We’re proud to recognize FCC Katy’s outstanding work with this award.
The Corporate LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year recognizes an individual who has made a meaningful impact championing LGBTQ+ inclusion—professionally and personally—for employees, customers, and the community inside their company.
This year we recognize Alex Papastrat, Senior Logistics Leader, with Chamber Impact Partner, Dow. Â
Alex was nominated by one of his colleagues, who said:
"Alex is an example to follow—always present, listening, and ensuring equality at work is the standard."
Thank you, Alex, for your dedication to LGBTQ+ inclusion at Dow and your support of the Chamber.Â
The Chamber Champion Award honors an individual who is a dedicated advocate for both the Chamber and the LGBTQ+ community, advancing economic prosperity and opportunities through their impactful work. This award is selected by Chamber leadership and not open for nominations.
We are proud to recognize Estella Gonzalez, Executive Director of Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO), with this award.
She has been a tireless champion for LGBTQ+ and diverse-owned businesses and a strong supporter of the Chamber’s mission. Estella has dedicated a large part of her career to helping small businesses succeed.
The Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year recognizes a professional in supplier diversity or procurement who has been a passionate advocate for diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion, creating opportunities for diverse suppliers.
This year we honor Rod Jahromi, Corporate Procurement, Category Family Manager, ExxonMobil, with this award.
Rod has been a steadfast champion for LGBTQ+ and diverse suppliers, encouraging colleague engagement, promoting the Chamber, and mentoring LGBTQ+ owned businesses to succeed. Through his role he has been a strong advocate for the Chamber. Â
This LGBTQ+ Business of the Year award honors an LGBTQ+-owned business with a proven track record of success and longtime engagement with the Chamber. Â
Brooks Ballard International Real Estate is recognized this year. The firm is deeply committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community and causes, fostering connections among members, and promoting inclusion through their work.