The Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual THRIVE Gala & Awards Ceremony on April 23 at The Pine in Charlotte, bringing together LGBTQ+ and allied business leaders, professionals and community members for an evening focused on visibility, recognition and economic empowerment.
The THRIVE Gala highlights LGBTQ+ owned businesses and professionals across the region, with a focus on intersectionality. The event supports the Chamber’s work to increase access to capital, strengthen business capacity and operations, and support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
This year’s gala introduced a reimagined format under the theme “Live and Let Thrive,” featuring a Monte Carlo-inspired setting. Organizers removed the traditional annual meeting, allowing more time for awards, networking and fundraising. Approximately 85 percent of ticket revenue goes directly toward funding the Chamber’s initiatives.
“The gala was an incredible reminder of what’s possible when our community shows up with purpose and pride.,” said Richard Stevens, Jr., Board Chair of the Chamber. “The energy in the room felt bold, forward-thinking, and deeply connected – which is exactly the direction we’re heading. As we look to the future, I’m excited to continue building a Chamber that not only advocates for its members, but innovates, thus creating more opportunities, amplifying diverse voices and making a lasting impact for the next generation of leaders.”
The evening included a cocktail hour with a red-carpet step-and-repeat, followed by an awards presentation and live entertainment. Comedian LA Redd served as emcee, with performances by Maggie Lowe, Sanpriest and Erica Chanel. Music throughout the evening was provided by DJ Quelle.
The Chamber presented awards recognizing leadership and impact across sectors. In addition to annual corporate recognitions, the Chamber honored CLT Geek, led by Daniel Pentecost, as LGBT+ Business of the Year. Starlight on 22nd, owned by Ruth Lyons, received Allied Business of the Year. Kyndra Luce of QT Summer Camp was honored as LGBT+ Professional of the Year, and Raquel Tillman of Tillman Insurance Advisors received the Jen Carbuto Ally Professional of the Year award. Travis Barnes of The Mimosa Way received Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year and Charlotte Black Pride was honored as Non-Profit of the Year.
Additional awards included the Heart of the Chamber Volunteer Award presented to Ellisa Hetz, the Donaldson Wells King Community Impact Award presented to Lee Robertson, and the Teresa L. Davis Legacy Award presented to Mel Morris and Kevin Cooper of Bar Argon and Sidelines. Crem Frazier of Q Fitness and Wellness received the Catalyst Award, and Frances Dawson, co-founder of Umbrella, Inc., was recognized as the OUTstanding Visionary Honoree.
The Chamber also recognized StandOUT Visibility Award recipients across its network regions, including O’Henry’s, McLawland Farms, Security Done Easy, Live Oak Appraisals, Bar Polari, Open Minds Therapy and North Star LGBTQ Community Center.
As the largest LGBTQ+ business and professional advocacy organization in the Charlotte region, the Carolinas LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce provides business development training, networking opportunities and advocacy to support LGBTQ+ and allied businesses across the Carolinas.