2025 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Awards
Presented at the 2025 LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Summit - October 29, 2025
The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is thrilled present four of our annual awards, particularly for our LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance program. We want to highlight best-in-class organizations and individuals that are moving the bar on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the region. Last year we launched these awards and have added a new award this year.
B/ERG Executive Sponsor Impact Award
Awarded to an individual in executive leadership who sponsors their company’s LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) and leads with determination and inspiration to make a big impact toward LGBTQ+ inclusion within their company and beyond. This person is an exemplary role model for other Executive Sponsors and inclusion leaders.
Lavone K. Jones, Vice President of Human Resources, Comcast Houston
Executive Sponsor, OUT@Comcast Houston
The Chamber is proud to recognize Lavone K. Jones (she/her), Executive Sponsor of OUT@Comcast Houston. Lavone has been a long-time champion and supporter of our Chamber and in her role as Vice President of Human Resources and Customer Experience, she helps support Comcast team members across the region, no matter who they are or how they identify. In particular, the leaders of OUT@Comcast sing Lavone’s praises and say she embodies the true spirit of “you don’t have to be to belong.”
Rising Star B/ERG Award
Awarded to a LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) in their first one to five years that is making strides for LGBTQ+ inclusion at their company through their commitment, dedication and positive outcomes. Their work and impact has advanced a culture of LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance within their company and beyond.
Hines Pride Network
The Chamber is proud to recognize Impact Partner, Hines Pride Network. Hines, the Global Real Estate Investment Managers, not the ketchup (as they often joke) is an international company that only recently formed a Pride ERG back in November 2022. In 3 short years, their programming has grown and participation in their events is also growing both in Houston and globally.
B/ERG Outstanding Leadership Award
Awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership within their company’s LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG). This individual is a strong role model for other leaders in the B/ERG space. They also meaningfully engage with the Chamber, through the partnership, and are a strong champion for the work and mission of the organization both inside and outside of their company.
Marcus Wade, Chair, HP Houston Pride BRG
The Chamber is proud to recognize Marcus Wade, Chair, HP Houston's Pride BRG for his leadership of HP’s local Houston chapter. As many organizations in the area can attest, HP is an example of true partners who show up as much as they can. They’ve donated product and service hours, they’ve invited Chamber small business members to be vendors at their headquarters, they are intentional about using the Chamber directory to find vendors for their needs, and over the last few years have supported the Chamber’s Show Your Pride campaign. Through it all, Marcus has been a steady hand and a strong Champion for the Chamber partnership.
B/ERG Service Impact Award
Awarded to an LGBTQ+ Business or Employee Resource Group (B/ERG) that has demonstrated meaningful impact through community service. This B/ERG has used their time, talents, and/or treasure to support the missions of organizations in our local community toward extraordinary outcomes.
Sysco Spectrum U.S. LGBTQ+ and Allies CRG
The Chamber is proud to recognize Sysco Spectrum U.S. LGBTQ+ and Allies CRG for their Service Impact in the greater Houston region. When the Chamber was preparing to host a Day of Service to clean-up Buffalo Bayou, Sysco stepped up and offered everything from trash bags to gloves to Gatorade to help cover us for that day and a little extra to leave behind for the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Also, Sysco has stepped up in recent years to help the Chamber with our Holiday Food and Supply Drive, donating much needed food, paper goods, and even spices to help cover the needs of beneficiaries like Tony’s Place.