Today we’d like to introduce you to Tammi Wallace.
Hi Tammi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Memphis, TN, and raised right outside of the city in a suburb located across the state line in Mississippi. I moved to Houston in 1986 to go to bible school. While bible school was not the right fit for me, it was the catalyst to get me to Houston, where I have lived ever since.
My career background spans business, education, nonprofit, and political/policy/advocacy. I have over two decades of involvement in the LGBTQ+ community in various leadership, volunteer, and career roles. Through my work in the community, I have always seen gaps/needs in terms of equity and inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community, which is what led me to co-found the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce in 2016. ‘
My work at the Chamber is full circle with background in various industries, experience that has been invaluable in my role as the President & CEO and help me lead an organization that has grown to almost 500 members.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road! First, I grew up in a single-parent household. My mom struggled to make ends meet and it was very difficult at times for my sister and me. It was also very hard to see my mom dealing with so many challenges, but because of her perseverance, I learned a lot about how you figure things out.
In my teenage years, I knew that I was different. Although, I couldn’t completely understand why. Around 18 or 19, I started began to start thinking about the aspect that I might be a lesbian. Having grown up with a deeply religious background, I had so much internal conflict about being a lesbian. I didn’t come out until I was 25. Fortunately, in my early 20s, I sought counseling to help me work through accepting my sexual orientation. At that time, I was so fortunate to connect with a therapist who was LGBTQ+ friendly and had my best interests at heart as a client. I cannot imagine what my story would be like if it had not been for her.
It’s been a challenge going from hiding my sexual orientation to being out in my mid-30s. And, in that process, being more and more visible as a person and leader who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout my 30s and 40s, it was truly a time of discovering who I am and learning to love myself, and in my late 40s, I finally came to accept myself and that I am good enough.
It’s been a journey with many struggles along the way, but I am grateful for this path because its brought me to where I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce?
The Greater Houston LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce accelerates economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + (LGBTQ+) community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and advanced policies that foster economic inclusion and equality. Our focus areas include:
Business Development & Growth
Education & Networking
Collaboration & Partnerships
Leadership Development
Legislative/Advocacy
The overarching work of the Chamber focuses on inclusion and economic empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. The Chamber works to achieve equality and equity through business.
We started the Chamber because we did not have a “seat at the table” or a voice when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation and business. The Chamber is at the intersection of business and the LGBTQ+ community, and the only LGBTQ+ organization focused on business in the region.
Our membership, almost 500 members strong, includes small businesses, large companies and organizations, young professionals, nonprofits, and individuals. We host close to 100 events and programs annually. Some examples include the Chamber’s signature Pride Month event, Pride In Business Celebration, as well as the LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance program, Small Business Summit, LGBTQ+ History Month event, Holiday Food & Supply Drive, and LGBTBE® Certification, to name a few examples.
The Chamber is recognized across the city as the voice for the LGBTQ+ business community. We are advocating every day for economic inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or you are an LGBTQ+ ally, you are welcome at the Chamber. You can learn more about the Chamber at http://www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com/.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonlgbtchamber/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoustonLGBTChamber
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/greaterhoustonlgbtchamber
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HoustonLGBTCoC
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwLi_DaqgFv9q5thQHd33Mg
