Empowering The LGBTQ + Community Through Support, Education, and Advocacy
Join us in our mission to uplift and empower LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and innovators.
Empower
Our Foundation's Legacy
Dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through advocacy, education, and community engagement since our inception.
Our Journey: A Commitment to Empowering the LGBTQ+ Community Through Entrepreneurship
01.
Our Mission: Fostering Growth and Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurs Everywhere
Since our inception, we have dedicated ourselves to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices in business.
02.
Our Impact: Celebrating Milestones and Achievements in the Community
We are proud to have supported countless entrepreneurs on their journeys to success.
03.
Join Us: Be Part of Our Mission to Create Change
Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of many.
Your contribution matters. Support our cause by making a donation.
Our foundation has made significant strides in supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Here are some key statistics that highlight our achievements.
75%
Grants awarded to support innovative business ideas.
1200
Entrepreneurs supported through mentorship and resources.
Our Team
2025 Executive Board of Directors:
Aquiera Halsey
President
When I came out 20 years ago, I couldn’t fathom the achievements within LGBTQ+ health outcomes and our rights via policies. The Maryland Chamber was my introduction to the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) conference, the most inclusive conference I ever attended and the first time my intersecting identities were represented on an international scale. As a nationally recognized Business Resource Group leader, it is an honor to serve my community in improving economic stability.
Lauren Barchi
Vice-President
TBD
Secretary
Tom Koerber
Treasurer
Shanae Murray
Parliamentarian
As an advocate, it is critical to use my platform to inform, advocate, and educate. I am passionate about my advocacy and support for the LGBTQ community and serving on the board is another way to demonstrate my support and advocacy.
2025 Board Members-at-Large:
Betsy Cerulo
As an established business owner, it is important that the generations behind me have access to business opportunities because of the value they provide to customers. It is our time to rightfully take our place at the front of the line to prosper each other and make meaningful contributions to the strength of economic development.
Winnie Hull
Durryle Brooks
Dr. Durryle Brooks is a passionate advocate for equity, representation, and creating opportunities for all, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. I was drawn to the mission of the Maryland LGBTQ+ Foundation which is to activate, educate, and mobilize the LGBTQ+ community in accessing opportunities to generate wealth. I joined the board to contribute to advancing inclusion in business, fostering connections, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Franklin McNeil, Jr.
As evidenced by the recent election results, hard fought victories are never guaranteed to last. For me, it is important to continue to strive to make this world a better place than when I arrived. Hopefully, my participation with the foundation is one small way to make it better for LGBTQ+ owned businesses and our community as a whole.
Veronica Wright
I have always been passionate about inclusivity and equality for all individuals. The Foundation board allows me to focus on a targeted community. By supporting the LGBTQ+ community, we as a team can create lasting positive change, foster understanding and help ensure that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. It also helps to eliminate discrimination which continues to exist in our society. I believe that “each one reach one, teach one” makes us a better society for all.
Joan Cox
I have always been passionate about inclusivity and equality for all individuals. The Foundation board allows me to focus on a targeted community. By supporting the LGBTQ+ community, we as a team can create lasting positive change, foster understanding and help ensure that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. It also helps to eliminate discrimination which continues to exist in our society. I believe that “each one reach one, teach one” makes us a better society for all.
Strategic Advisor
Sam McClure
In her previous role as Senior Vice President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), McClure led affiliate relations, external affairs, public policy and advocacy, and supplier diversity teams, as well as serving on the organization’s executive leadership team.
McClure is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, commentator, panelist, and a subject matter expert on LGBTQ Economic Development and Health Equity. An award-winning strategist, she co-created the LGBT Business Builder initiative (a collaboration between the NGLCC and the US Small Business Administration) and built local collaboration models in 13 cities. This program ultimately won a “Bright Idea Award” from Harvard University. In June of 2019, McClure was named one of 48 Legacy Leaders by BEQ Magazine in recognition of our impact in Non-Profit and Community Development.
MISSION and VISION
MaryLand LGBTQ+ Foundation MISSION and VISION
MISSION
The Maryland LGBTQ+ Foundation is a non-profit entity that generates resources and works in partnership with the Maryland LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce to activate, educate, and mobilize the LGBTQ+ community to access opportunity and wealth generation.
VISSION
The Maryland LGBTQ+ Foundation believes in the economic empowerment of all LGBTQ+ people within our state.
The Maryland LGBTQ+ Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that accepts tax-deductible donations.