We often get the question: why do you exist? There are business chambers at the regional and national level, and corporations’ support for 2SLGBTQI+ initiatives is on the rise.
It’s easy to give a by-the-numbers response. Canada is home to over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+-owned businesses. These businesses generate over $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 435,000 Canadians. In other words, 2SLGBTQI+ business is big business.
However, 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs still face barriers. Nearly half have hidden who they were in business dealings to avoid losing opportunities, and more than a third have lost opportunities due to being 2SLGBTQI+.
There is a growing number of organizations looking to change these stats – one connection at a time. A community of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, government liaisons and even diverse procurement practices are helping tip the scales. CGLCC is a coalition of all of these positive forces advocating for change to make a more inclusive Canadian economy possible.
We do this by bringing people together, and highlighting the right resources for 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs to be even more successful.
So, the answer is: we exist because 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs already have a huge impact on the Canadian economy, with barriers. Let’s see what kind of thriving and inclusive Canada is possible when we remove them.
Our Programs
Each of our programs is designed to elevate 2SLGBTQI+ businesses and foster greater diversity and inclusion across Canada’s economy.
Whether we’re connecting 2SLGBTQI+ businesses to a global network or a corporation with a vested interest in diverse procurement, we’re here to facilitate connections that can build a more inclusive Canada.
We also serve businesses looking to form more inclusive cultures or programming, offering inclusivity training and market-preparedness training for serving 2SLGBTQI+ clientele. We use our community-based expertise and research to facilitate a stronger, more inclusive Canadian economy for all.
Supplier Diversity
Supplier diversity is more than a mandate – it’s an economic and social revolution. We fill tables with progressive organizations looking to engage in supplier diversity with our certified LGBT+ businesses. This gives Canadian LGBT+ businesses unprecedented access to connections, partnerships and new business opportunities, while corporations benefit from diversifying their suppliers and service providers.
Board of Directors
Flo spent over 10 years in the financial services industry as Vice President, Institutional Equity Sales developing strategic global institutional client relationships for Midland Walwyn Capital, and Merrill Lynch in Toronto, New York City, and London, England. She holds a BA in Commerce and Economics from Trinity College, University of Toronto, and completed the Women in Business Initiative at the Rotman School of Management, U of T in 2015. In addition to recently joining the Board of the CGLCC, Flo is founding Board member of Access to Success, a Fellowship Program that provides scholarships to MBA students with disabilities at four of Canada’s leading MBA schools, and ATS Labs, Canada’s only accelerator for accessibility technology startups.
She is known for her strong relationship building skills and strong record in engaging teams, which sets her up for success in her current role. She is bold and is known to tap into the full RBC network to identify the best opportunities for diverse suppliers.
Jessica is energized by connecting with suppliers and spends her time on finding ways to advance the equality of opportunity for Women, BIPOC, LGBT+, people with disabilities, service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses by promoting an inclusive supply chain and levelling the playing field for disadvantaged suppliers.
In her spare time Jessica carries that love for sports and you can often find her playing baseball, soccer or basketball with various GTA women’s leagues.
Jane holds a Bachelor of Arts in Legal History from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts in Legal History from the University of Toronto. She is an active volunteer and has supported many organizations including 30% Club Canada, Informed Opinions, Congress 2017 with AFP Toronto, as the Founder of The Council of Women Executives, and has been appointed to the Canadian Lesbian and Gay Chamber of Commerce in 2022. Jane is also the Founder of the Canadian Chapter of the LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Association.
Rachel brings over a decade of experience in ESG strategy and reporting in the Canadian financial industry. As the Head of TD’s ESG Reporting and Impact Measurement team, she navigated TD’s strategy through materiality assessments, the adoption of GRI standards, SASB and TCFD reporting. TD’s reporting won national acclaim, winning “Best ESG Reporting” in Canada from IR Magazine for three years in a row.
Originally from the U.K., Rachel completed her undergrad at St. Andrews University in Scotland and returned to school mid-career for a Certificate in Corporate Responsibility from St. Michael’s College in Toronto. In her spare time, Rachel volunteers with Ski Patrol Canada.
purpose initiatives for the company. Nicole is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and serves the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) as a Committee Chair. Nicole’s a breadth and depth of experience allows her to approach problems from different angles and identify opportunities for organizations to differentiate and grow. She is originally from Toronto but has called Edmonton home since 2013 where she lives with her partner and dog.
Staff
As an executive leader, they have spent nearly two decades working with the public service sector and large corporations to create policy, lead innovation and build progressive, future-ready organizations. They’re known for championing sustainable and scalable practices through the lens of inclusion, justice, and environmental responsibility.
Sarah’s advocacy for building bridges between people, place, and understanding means they can most often be found in community—supporting non-profits, hosting gatherings and fundraisers, and leading inclusive outdoor adventures.
With a professional background rooted in politics, Anthony developed his expertise working alongside a Member of Parliament, focusing on supporting small businesses and non-profits with diverse needs. Additionally, he dedicates his time to volunteering with a women’s shelter foundation, offering support and advocacy for those in need.
Outside the office, Anthony’s love for his adorable Mini Australian Shepherd, Sirius, brings joy and balance to his life. He’s an avid explorer of the local coffee scene, always on the hunt for the perfect brew, and harbors a passion for travel, seeking out new experiences and cultures wherever he goes.
Outside of the office, she is most likely catching flights and/or waves. She also enjoys painting, writing, and tattooing.
They hold a PhD on the efficacy of equity practices and antiracist initiatives in higher education and the barriers to inclusion for members of equity-deserving groups.
Outside of work, you can find Tyler on the soccer pitch or at the pool playing water polo with the Toronto Triggerfish. He also enjoys volunteering for local charities, fiddling around on his guitar, or curling up with a nice book and mug of coffee or tea.
As a former volunteer for a non-profit organization, Jasmine has a strong interest in advocating for the rights of minority groups. Jasmine’s pursuit of her passion for helping members of the community has brought her to CGLCC, where she hopes to assist our team in building an inclusive business landscape in Canada.
Jasmine lives in Southern Ontario with her family, where she was born and raised. When she is out of the office, Jasmine enjoys thrifting, travelling, and playing with her dog, Tommy!
Idaras interests include planning outfits and spaces, and connecting with friends and community. She is a huge fan of paint nights, clothing swaps and trips to the mountains.
Pru manages some of the core programs at CGLCC, including Supplier Diversity and OUT for Business. Previous to CGLCC, she worked at Pride at Work Canada, as the Business Development Coordinator and held positions at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the Toronto International Film Festival.
With growing demands for diversity, equity and inclusion in the tourism sector, Peter is enthusiastic to assist organizations that want to create a welcoming environment for their employees and visitors and grow their business.
While in his final year of the Tourism and Hospitality degree program at MSVU, he is also passionate to support the delivery of the Rainbow Registered program, identifying areas for improvement based on client feedback and creating solutions for a better overall customer experience.
As a former content strategist, editorial project manager, and communication and marketing lead, Julie-Léonora is also dedicated to advocating for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. She is actively working towards fostering greater inclusion and awareness. In pursuit of this mission, Julie-Léonora is currently undergoing training on feminist issues and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Splitting her time between Toronto and Northern Ontario whenever possible, Austen enjoys spending time outdoors, going on family adventures, vegetarian cooking, and exploring new arts & crafts like knitting and 3D printing.
Adam serves as the Special Projects Manager at CGLCC, channeling his skills and dedication into meaningful initiatives for the community.
Eli holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from the University of Texas at Dallas. They live in Tiohtiá:ke (commonly known as Montréal) in an apartment full of kids, pets, books, endless dirty dishes, and love.
A seasoned media professional with over 10 years of experience in content production and visual storytelling, Reggie is dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices, aiming to highlight the importance of representation and cultivate inclusive spaces.
In her free time, Reggie finds solace in the simple joys of life, whether she’s hanging out with her beloved dog Milo, indulging her creativity, going on walks, or travelling.
Outside of work, you will find Chris on the tennis court or doing laps as part of his fervent involvement in 2SLGBTQI+ sports!
Connor is excited to translate his experience into concrete policies, education, and support for workplaces that are ready to create stronger, safer spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ customers and employees.
Leila’s journey into this niche is inspired by her past role as a summer intern with CGLCC, which further kindled her passion for storytelling, social advocacy, and inclusivity. She firmly believes that acknowledging and understanding the intersectionality of human experience is of utmost importance when using the power of narrative to advocate for social change, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Vanessa’s motivation for joining CGLCC stems from her commitment to amplifying the voices and improving the experiences of historically marginalized communities. With a foundation in Political Science and European Studies, her academic pursuits often centered on researching the experiences of Black/Afro minority groups. She identifies as a Black/African woman with an unseen disability.
In her leisure time, Vanessa finds joy in traveling, spending time with her favorite kitty Mango, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Highly trained in Nonviolent communication and a big empath, Léa’s main focus is to ensure all partners and members feel seen and valued.
In her spare time, Léa enjoys anything that brings joy to her soul, from paddle boarding, road trips or even interior design and going to Drag performances.
Janelle is passionate about the arts, communities, and cultural wellbeing. In her spare time you’ll find her attending galleries and performances, knitting, reading, or searching Toronto for the perfect flat white.
A.J. is focused squarely on adding value and providing opportunities to our current members, as well as expanding our network of certified suppliers, with a primary goal of diversifying corporate supply chains on a national level, and removing access barriers for LGBT+ businesses.
Her journey has taken her to various parts of the world, including Sao Paulo, Lisbon and Vancouver, reflecting her love for travel and connecting with different cultures.
In her free time, Merve enjoys going for runs, cooking turkish meals and relishes board game nights at home with her partner and her cat. Her passion for intersectional identities and her zest for life shine through in her various roles and experiences.
In his spare time you can find Stanley either painting and sketching, ballroom and swing dancing, or being active outside as he’s into many different sports throughout the year.
(External Contractor, from CHARITYacCOUNTS!)
Andrea enjoys being able to use her skills to support charities/non-profits that are who are making a positive impact on issues close to her heart.
(External Contractor, from CHARITYacCOUNTS!)
Our Corporate Partners
Our Corporate Partners get access to our growing network of certified LGBTQ+ businesses who are experts in their fields. By attending events with speaking and networking opportunities, Corporate Partners have a direct line to the competitive suppliers who can diversify their procurement practices.
Stay on the leading edge of supplier diversity by gaining market knowledge on working with the LGBTQ+ community and supplier diversity training and tools. If you’re new to supplier diversity, we can also help you kickstart your program and begin measuring its impact on your organization – and your organization’s impact on the economy. Join the leading number of organizations revolutionizing the way they do business to maximize social and economic change.
USA – National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Central & Eastern Europe – East Meets West
Colombia – Cámara de Comerciantes LGBT de Colombia (CCLGBTco)
Costa Rica – Cámara de Comercio Diversa Costa Rica (CCDCR)
Dominican Republic – Cámara de Comercio LGBT de la República Dominicana (CCLGBTRD)
Mexico – Federación Mexicana de Empresarios LGBT (FME-LGBT)
Scandinavia – Scandinavian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (SGLCC)
Councils & Working Groups
The voices of our members and partners matter. CGLCC’s work is informed by advisory councils and working groups to ensure we are meeting our network’s needs. This input from various stakeholders helps us shape and improve the programs we offer and the activities we engage in.