We often get the question: why do you exist? There are business chambers at the regional and national level, and corporations’ support for LGBT+ initiatives is on the rise.
It’s easy to give a by-the-numbers response. Canada is home to over 100,000 LGBT+-owned businesses. These businesses generate over $22 billion in economic activity and employ over 435,000 Canadians. In other words, LGBT+ business is big business.
However, LGBT+ 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 LGBT+.
There is a growing number of organizations looking to change these stats – one connection at a time. A community of LGBT+ 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 LGBT+ entrepreneurs to be even more successful.
So, the answer is: we exist because LGBT+ 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 LGBT businesses and foster greater diversity and inclusion across Canada’s economy.
Whether we’re connecting LGBT+ 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 LGBT+ clientele. We use our LGBT+ expertise and research to facilitate a stronger, more inclusive Canadian economy for all.
Featured Program
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
Mark Schollenberg (he/him)
Chair
Manitoba Regional Member
Since 2016, Mark Schollenberg has contributed his business knowledge and experience supporting LGBT+ entrepreneurs and professionals as CGLCC’s Board Chair and Manitoba Regional Member. As a long-time employee of RBC, he has worked to grow and empower businesses across Canada, most recently as a Regional Enablement Coach for Business Markets.
Mark Schollenberg (he/him)
Chair
Manitoba Regional Member
Bruce McDonald (he/him)
Co-Founder & Past-Chair
Silverman Consulting & Retail Services
As the Co-founder of CGLCC (2003) and Board Chair (2003-2018), Bruce McDonald continues to contribute his experience as a business consultant, LGBTBE owner, as well as his experience from many years in the hospitality, travel, and tourism industries. His support of 2SLGBTQI+ communities stretch beyond CGLCC. He was the Co-Founder of both Travel Gay Canada, an association that promoted Canada as a preferred destination for LGBT+ travellers internationally; and the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Business Education Foundation (CGLBEF), Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ business education foundation.
Bruce McDonald (he/him)
Co-Founder & Past-Chair
Silverman Consulting & Retail Services
Debra Quade (she/her)
Vice-Chair
Kellogg’s
Debra Quade brings extensive knowledge of Supplier Diversity to CGLCC’s board in her role as Secretary. Based in Battle Creek, Michigan, she currently manages the Supplier Diversity program at Kellogg’s.
Debra Quade (she/her)
Vice-Chair
Kellogg’s
Dr. Gavin Armstrong (he/him)
Treasurer
Lucky Iron Fish Enterprise
Dr. Gavin Armstrong is committed impact entrepreneur. He is currently serving as the Founder and President of Lucky Iron Fish Enterprise®, a social enterprise attempting to alleviate iron deficiency around the world using a simple health innovation. Through this role he was a Fulbright scholar at Auburn University and was awarded the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 in the Social Entrepreneur category in 2016. In 2017 he received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award and was named ‘Social Entrepreneur of the Year’ by EY Canada. In 2018 he successfully pitched his company Lucky Iron Fish Enterprise on CBC’s Dragons Den where he was able to secure a deal with two dragons. Gavin holds a PhD in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph
Dr. Gavin Armstrong (he/him)
Treasurer
Lucky Iron Fish Enterprise
Shawn Salewski (he/him)
Secretary
BDC
Shawn is a communications executive with over 20 years’ experience in both the public and private sector. He is currently the Assistant Vice President of External Communications at Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, BDC, where he leads the team responsible for its reputation, corporate communications, events and public relations activities. He strongly believes impactful, purpose-driven projects are essential in building trust and a strong brand. A champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, Shawn is also a member of BDC’s Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council and a member of the Board of Directors of Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. He also lends his time in support of GRIS-Montreal, an organization that raises awareness about the LGBTQ2+ reality in high-schools reaching 30,000 students each year. He sits on the on the Private Sector Advisory Committee of Startup Canada, an organization connecting startups with opportunities for growth. Shawn is originally from Ontario and lives in Montreal since 2012.
Shawn Salewski (he/him)
Secretary
BDC
Jessica Grey (she/her)
RBC Royal Bank
In Jessica’s current role, she works with a team of Procurement and Business Professionals, across the globe, leading the Bank’s Supplier Diversity strategy, reporting into the Strategy team in RBC Global Procurement under the Chief Administration Office umbrella. Jessica firmly believes that inclusive procurement practices strengthen local economies, forge new business opportunities and create value for communities.
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.
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.
Jessica Grey (she/her)
RBC Royal Bank
Jane Griffith (she/her)
Griffith Group Executive Search
Jane Griffith is the Managing Partner and Founder of the Griffith Group Executive Search. A veteran search leader, Jane focuses on the recruitment of senior leaders in the not-for-profit, academic, and broader public sectors. She is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on hiring practices, with a specific focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives.
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.
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.
Jane Griffith (she/her)
Griffith Group Executive Search
Rachel Guthrie (she/her)
Export Development Canada
Joining Export Development Canada in 2021, Rachel is the VP, ESG Strategy, Outreach and Reporting.
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.
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.
Rachel Guthrie (she/her)
Export Development Canada
Rupert Hon (he/him)
TD Bank Group
As Regional Manager, LGBTQ2+ Business Development, Rupert’s primary role is to serve as a trusted liaison between TD and the LGBTQ2+ community. In addition to his deep understanding of the community itself, he relies on his ability to develop strong relationships with its members in order to fully discover their financial needs and goals. Rupert is fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with a wide range of talented colleagues from multiple lines of business, including Personal Banking, Business Banking and TD Wealth, to help provide our LGBTQ2+ clients with the best wealth advice and exceptional service they deserve. As part of this, he works hard to stay engaged with the community at large on a regular basis, by supporting and volunteering with local grass roots organizations which keep him up to date with any relevant news.
Rupert Hon (he/him)
TD Bank Group
Jaymin Luces-Mendes (they/them)
Toni Marlow Clothing
Jaymin Luces-Mendes is the Founder of Toni Marlow Clothing, an innovative, gender-inclusive underwear brand that serves queer community and beyond. Focused on positively impacting underrepresented communities, Jaymin is proud of the strategic partnerships they’ve been able to cultivate for social change. As a mentor and consultant, Jaymin is a community builder and business leader who is passionate about people and strategy and looks forward to opportunities to give and receive knowledge.
Jaymin Luces-Mendes (they/them)
Toni Marlow Clothing
Kate Madden (she/her)
Equitable Life of Canada
Kate is a Group Account Executive with Equitable Life of Canada and works with Employee Benefits Advisors and plan sponsors throughout British Columbia. She returned to her hometown of Vancouver last year after twenty years in Alberta where she built a career in Financial Services working with some of western Canada’s largest employers.. As a Transgender woman, Kate has also developed a reputation as a dynamic community builder with a focus on developing capacity and advocacy through her YouTube Channel and Podcast. As well, Kate works with board governance with the Loud Foundation and is on the national board of directors for the Canadian Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. Kate is a passionate photographer in her spare time and parent to six children who live in Nelson, B.C.
Kate Madden (she/her)
Equitable Life of Canada
Nicole is a values-driven executive leader and critical thinker. In her 17 years of B2B experience across industries, Nicole has led marketing, communications, and sales functions in publicly traded, private, and employee-owned companies. She is educated and experienced in the emerging domain of corporate purpose and ESG. Nicole is currently the head of brand and communications for Chandos Construction, Canada’s only B Corp certified technical builder. In her role at Chandos, Nicole leads the team responsible for brand, marketing, employee communications, and external communications. She also leads several social impact and
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.
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.
Nicole Monaco (she/her)
Chandos
Zach Pendley (he/him)
EY
Zach Pendley is a real estate professional with over 16 years of experience. As Partner and Senior Vice President at Ernst & Young, he has helped clients around the world make strategic real estate decisions.
Zach Pendley (he/him)
EY
Jim Rondeau (he/him)
Systematic Design
Jim Rondeau is the President of Plum Creative, an award-winning Interactive Media and Design production company. He has a background in education leadership and administration and served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Assiniboia for 17 years. He is currently based in Saanichton British Columbia.
Jim Rondeau (he/him)
Systematic Design
Staff
Darrell Schuurman (he/him)
Co-Founder and CEO
As Co-Founder and CEO of CGLCC, Darrell Schuurman has been committed to CGLCC’s mission since 2003. He is a Former Managing Partner at DNA Marketing Group and has a background in business, sales and marketing. He is the Co-Founder of Travel Gay Canada.
Darrell Schuurman (he/him)
Co-Founder and CEO
Loren Christie (he/him)
Director, Business Development & Strategy
As a hospitality and tourism expert, Loren’s career has been focused in sales & marketing for hotels and destination marketing organizations for more than 20 years. After starting his own company in September, 2020, he spent two years as Managing Director at Loren Christie Solutions, where he worked as a project manager, consultant and trainer for a number of clients, including Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. In September, 2022, he joined the Chamber on a full-time basis. Loren sits on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee for the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario.
Loren Christie (he/him)
Director, Business Development & Strategy
Paige Harlock (she/her)
Director, Stakeholder Engagement
With over 5 years in the non-profit sector, Paige brings experience in fundraising and partnership management and a passion for advancing causes that focus on equity and sustainability. She has a BA from Queens and professional experience in communications, tech, and client relationship management.
Paige Harlock (she/her)
Director, Stakeholder Engagement
A.J. Stewart (he/him)
Manager, Business Development (Supplier Diversity)
A.J. joins the CGLCC with over 15 years of service, hospitality, and entertainment leadership experience. Coming to the team with extensive sales and outreach experience, he is also an avid world traveler. A.J. has seen over 50 countries and 5 continents during his time working with Royal Caribbean in entertainment. He has participated in and helped to organize several floating pride celebrations.
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.
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.
A.J. Stewart (he/him)
Manager, Business Development (Supplier Diversity)
Amber Phalen (she/her)
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Amber is a senior communications, marketing, and business development professional with over two decades of experience working in Canada and internationally. She talks “Tech” and is a woman of many words. And graphics – she does those too.
Amber Phalen (she/her)
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Cass Elliott (he/him)
Manager, Global Program
Connor McKiggan (they/them, he/him)
Manager, Business Development (Tourism)
Named an ‘Inclusion warrior’ by the Saskatoon Star Phoenix while pursuing a double degree in Sustainability and International Development, Connor is a leader in breaking down gender binaries through their passion for 2SLGBTQA+ community engagement.
Connor is excited to translate his experience into concrete policies, education, and support for workplaces that are ready to create stronger, safer spaces for 2SLGBTQA+ customers and employees.
Connor is excited to translate his experience into concrete policies, education, and support for workplaces that are ready to create stronger, safer spaces for 2SLGBTQA+ customers and employees.
Connor McKiggan (they/them, he/him)
Manager, Business Development (Tourism)
Leah McCormack (she/her)
Manager, Administration
Leah is the Manager of Administration for CGLCC. With more than 20 years of experience, Leah has a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come from all aspects of the tourism and non-profit industry. A seasoned administration, marketing, and communications professional with experience in both private and public sectors, she thrives in fast-paced environments.
Leah McCormack (she/her)
Manager, Administration
Pru Girme (she/her)
Manager, Programs & Special Projects – Youth & Supplier Diversity
Pru is a Queer South Asian Business professional and an artist based in Toronto. She holds a MA in Painting and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, with a focus on intersectionality. Her work is inspired by the relationship between her identity, community and equity. Her vision as a creative professional is to work toward bringing together dispersed communities through meaningful engagement and persuasive dialogue.
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.
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.
Pru Girme (she/her)
Manager, Programs & Special Projects – Youth & Supplier Diversity
Spencer Toth (he/him)
Manager, Tourism & Accreditation Programs
Spencer has a strong passion and extensive experience in local and international economic development and engagement, project and tourism management, marketing, and more. His interests include tourism development & marketing, rural economic development, LGBTQ2+ travel, sustainability, technology, and government policy & governance.
Spencer Toth (he/him)
Manager, Tourism & Accreditation Programs
Peter Hradisky (he/him)
Associate, Tourism & Accreditation Programs – Atlantic Canada
The travel and tourism industry has been shaping Peter’s professional life for almost a decade. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Peter has become an ambassador for tourism in the Atlantic region through his exceptional knowledge and experience in visitor services.
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.
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.
Peter Hradisky (he/him)
Associate, Tourism & Accreditation Programs – Atlantic Canada
Sydney Thurn, CPA, CA (she/her)
Financial Controller
Sydney is a graduate from the University of Western Ontario’s Richard Ivey School of Business, and earned her CPA, CA designation while working with Deloitte in Toronto. Sydney has spent 10+ years supporting charities and non-profits both in Canada and abroad. It was Sydney’s humanitarian work in South India and Honduras that sparked her personal mission of utilizing her professional skills to improve the lives of as many people as possible throughout her career.
(External Contractor, from CHARITYacCOUNTS!)
(External Contractor, from CHARITYacCOUNTS!)
Sydney Thurn, CPA, CA (she/her)
Financial Controller
Andrea recently retired from Canada Post after a 37-year career, and has completed Sheridan College’s Small Business Bookkeeping Certificate Program.
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!)
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!)
Andrea Gnoyke (she/her)
Bookkeeper
Our Corporate Partners
Our Corporate Partners get access to our growing network of certified LGBT+ 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 LGBT+ 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.
Platinum Partners
Supplier Diversity Partners
LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce Affiliates across Canada
International Affiliate LGBT Chambers
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)
Supporting LGBT+ Business Organizations
Partner Organizations
Community Partners
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.