Chamber Connection
February 2024
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This past month, we observed Black History Month by proudly spotlighting Black-owned LGBTQ+ businesses in our Member Monday series and across our various social media platforms.
Fostering racial and ethnic diversity remains a steadfast commitment in every facet of our organization. It is a commitment that extends to maintaining a diverse staff, actively recruiting a diverse board, curating programs that embrace members from all walks of our community, and investing resources to attract diverse LGBTQ+ business owners to join our membership.
While recognizing there is still much work ahead, we remain resolute in our dedication to lead with this commitment at the forefront of our endeavors. We are steadfast in prioritizing diversity and inclusion as key objectives, continuously striving to create an environment that reflects the richness and variety of our community.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey as we work towards a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for all.
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Proudly,
Grace R. Moreno
Executive Director
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FINANCIAL FIRESIDE CHAT
Thank you to everyone who attended our Financial Fireside Chat earlier this month! Event sponsor UMassFive College Federal Credit Union and our incredible panelists — Terrell Joyner, Charter Oak Financial, Larrat Williams, Edward Jones, Taylor Robbins, UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, and Ben Palkowski, Old Colony Law — delivered a thought-provoking evening that delved into the intricacies of personal and professional financial growth.
The event was broadcasted using Holyoke Media's state-of-the-art equipment; watch the recording here.
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LGBTQ+ LEADERS RECOGNIZED
Throughout the month of February, MassLive, New England's leading media and marketing company, showcased leaders from the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing their work towards making a difference in the world. Among the individuals featured were some our Chamber's own — Thaís De Marco, Deputy Director, Mason Dunn, Director of Education and Research, and members Christa Rose and Kris Berg from Rose & Berg, Mischa Roy from Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary, Stacy Lord and Laura Marotta from Creative Hub Worcester, Kayla Abney from Majestic Saloon, Tanya Neslusan from MassEquality, Chastity Bowick from Chastity's Consulting and Talent Group, Taurean Bethea from Springfield Pride Parade, Wes Ritchie and Ture Turnbull from Tree House Craft Cannabis, and Gretchen Van Ness from LGBTQ Senior Housing.
Congratulations to all of these leaders! We're proud to have you as part of our Chamber!
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
CAMBRIDGE SAVINGS BANK
Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB) is a strong, dynamic organization that embraces the varied experiences, viewpoints, and identities of their colleagues and customers. CSB has an unwavering commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce that serves their community with compassion and a sense of justice, helping them to achieve greater financial well-being within their unique journeys.
"When CSB celebrates diversity and considers the unique perspectives and backgrounds of all, we create spaces where our views are expanded, limits are pushed, and change is created. That's why we consider diversity, equity, and inclusion to be a key focus for our organization and a way that we give our colleagues a space to thrive."
CSB programs that contribute to this culture include a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (DE&I) and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
CSB Pride Employee Network
Pride at CSB celebrates the heritage of resilience in the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies actively make CSB a more inclusive and supportive workplace, amplify diverse voices, and advocate for equality. In support of the LGBTQ+ community, CSB Pride has established strong ties with business and community groups like the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce, PFLAG, and HELP by AMG. CSB believes that actively participating in these organizations demonstrates support and allyship beyond financial contributions.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
PIXWORX STUDIO
A Safe Place For Authentic Stories
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Pixworx is a Boston-based production studio focused on preserving legacy. Pixworx facilitates the exploration of your authentic vision to promote identity and creates works of art that transform the power of your voice into a visual story that reflects the importance of you.
Founder & CEO Jaypix Belmer has worked with individuals and organizations for over 10 years to capture and celebrate undiscovered and unconsidered individuals and communities. With a safe space for development, clients experience a unique service process and cultivate an appreciation of moments and memories forever.
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At Pixworx, visual communication and documentation reflect the importance of the environments they work with, driving social, cultural, and economic advancement for the future.
Visit pixworxstudio.com for more information and to browse the gallery of beautifully compelling portraits. Reach out to Jaypix Belmer at contact@pixworxstudio.com or (201) 579-0528.
Certified LGBTBE®
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COLORFUL RESILIENCE
Mental Health For All
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Colorful Resilience is a Queer-Afro-Latina owned group practice providing outpatient mental health services -primarily, but not exclusively- to BIPOC, LGBTQ+, First Generation and/or immigrant folks in Western MA (in-person) and virtually (statewide in Massachusetts). Offering both virtual and in-person therapy sessions, Colorful Resilience’s fully licensed clinicians are proud representatives of the communities they serve, fearless allies, or both. | |
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Founder Mayrena Guerrero is a powerhouse, and has been featured in the news, media, and is sought after for speaking engagements. It is no surprise that Colorful Resilience recently celebrated TWO years of providing culturally competent mental health for ALL!
For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit colorfulresilience.com
Certified LGBTBE®
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CHASTITY'S CONSULTING & TALENT GROUP
Educating & Uplifting Our Communities
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The purpose of Chastity’s Consulting & Talent Group (CCTG) is two-fold; to invest in the future, success, and leadership of Transgender and Gender Expansive Communities, with an emphasis on Transgender Women of Color, while also educating and transforming businesses and organizations to weave the community into the fabric of society.
CCTG empowers Transgender individuals, with an emphasis on Transgender Women of Color, to learn the skills and tools necessary to move into stability while advocating for and with the Transgender Community in a variety of settings.
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Founder and CEO Chastity Bowick is an award-winning activist, civil rights leader, and transgender health advocate. Under Chastity’s leadership CCTG has worked with dozens of nonprofits, political groups, universities, and corporate companies throughout Massachusetts.
For more information, visit chastitysctg.com or email bookings@chastitysctg.com.
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BERKHUB APP
Berkshire Area Premier Visitors Guide
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With over 11K downloads thus far, BerkHub App, Inc. is building a comprehensive guide to Berkshire County’s established and emerging local businesses. The app also offers viewers a full spectrum of current events and entertainment, a complete interactive map of landmarks, and a full listing of all hikes EXCLUSIVE to Berkshire County.
Utilizing optimal regional visibility from the specialized "micro market," BerkHub App targets Berkshire County visitors, second homeowners, college recruitment offices, and locals with an easily maneuverable design.
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Search via Town Name
If you have some familiarity with Berkshire County, simply click on a town and all relevant businesses, hikes, landmarks, and events will pop up.
Search via Business Name
If you are unfamiliar with the area, search by type of business OR name of the business.
Multiple Businesses Discount
If you own more than one business in Berkshire County, you can list all for the price of one.
For more information about the app or to learn how to advertise your business, visit berkhubapp.com.
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RAW BEAUTY BRAND
100% Raw Natural Care Products
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When Crystal Headley, founder of Raw Beauty Brand, LLC, discovered that her child had extremely sensitive skin and allergic reactions, she set out to find a skincare solution that was simple and effective. Much to her surprise, Crystal learned that many ingredients in popular products were actually toxic to our overall health! She also found it difficult to find brands made of raw ingredients that were wholesome and affordable. This is how Raw Beauty Brand was created! | |
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Raw Beauty Brand creates handmade, small batch skincare products — soaps, oils, butters, and more! — that are free from toxins and chemicals.
For more information and to shop the entire Raw Beauty Brand range, visit rawbeautybrand.com.
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Fraud Prevention Workshop
March 6 • 5:30–8 PM EST
Cambridge Savings Bank
| In honor of International Fraud Prevention Month, Cambridge Savings Bank (CSB) is hosting an evening of connection, discussion, and networking. Dan Szabo, renowned expert in the field of cybersecurity and fraud prevention, will deliver a presentation, offering unique perspectives and invaluable experiences to empower us in the ongoing battle against fraud. | | | |
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Lead Effectively without Self-Sabotage
March 13 • 3–5 PM EST
Western MA Office or Virtual
| Join Jessi Kirley and Julie Haagenson, of JKirley Collective, in a workshop for those who believe that workplace wellness is integral to success. As leaders, our ability to manage how we show up when we are under stress has a significant impact not only on our personal well being, but on the well-being and performance of our teams. | | |
Share an event with the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce network! Email info@malgbtcc.org with the details. | | | | | |
