NGLCC National Dinner honors courage in government

By BEQ Pride Staff

NGLCC: The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce honored corporations, suppliers and individuals at the 17th annual National Dinner awards gala in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme was “Fired Up”, celebrating the year’s many accomplishments and encouraging the LGBT community, allies and advocates to continue to reach higher in pursuit of equality.

Of special note was the presentation of NGLCC’s Courage in Government Award. The Courage in Government Award has been given a mere four times in NGLCC’s history, honoring those who champion the LGBT business community in the public sector.

The National Dinner served as the culmination of the fourth annual NGLCC Global LGBTI Business Week, presented by Accenture. This multi-day series of meetings, workshops and networking focused on sharing new thought leadership and existing best practices for global LGBTI economic empowerment, entrepreneurship and development.

Hundreds of LGBT business owners, corporate diversity leaders, elected officials and representatives from NGLCC Global international affiliates attended the National Dinner where honoree Debbie Gibson performed.

“2019 has been a year of tremendous growth and success in the LGBT business community. It was an honor to showcase the resilience, strength, and determination of the LGBT community at our National Dinner as we celebrate those leaders and organizations that keep the NGLCC “Fired Up,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson. “NGLCC has built a network of over 1200 certified businesses and over 250 corporate and government partners. This year’s inclusive economic policy wins have strengthened this network even more. We are excited for even more progress in 2020.”

2019 NGLCC Award Recipients

Corporation of the Year – Bristol-Myers Squibb

LGBT Supplier of the Year – Eck, Collins & Richardson, PL

Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year – Salvador M. Enríquez, Supplier Diversity Manager, Wells Fargo

Affiliate Chamber of the Year – GSBA – Washington State’s LGBTQ & Allied Chamber of Commerce

NGLCC / American Airlines Extraa Mile Award | Deborah “Debbie” Gibson

NGLCC Pinnacle Award | The Washington Blade

Courage in Government Award | The Honorable Ritchie Torres, New York City Council, accepting on behalf of: The Honorable Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles; The Honorable Lori Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago; and The Honorable Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa