At RICE, we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful vehicles for freedom, especially when it centers authenticity, equity, and community. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Quintin Bostic, Director of Partnerships & Development, is deeply committed to the work of inclusive economic empowerment. Through his work, RICE has seen firsthand how powerful it is when the LGBTQ+ community is not only supported but celebrated.
On that note, we recognize that our LGBTQ+ Stakeholders are reshaping Atlanta’s business ecosystem with vision and grit. They’re creating jobs, uplifting neighborhoods, and proving that visibility in leadership matters—not just during Pride Month, but all year long. We’re celebrating what’s possible when inclusion isn’t a footnote, but a foundation.
Founders Who Are Building Boldly
RICE’s Stakeholders are always charting bold paths forward. Take Octavia Samuels, for instance, founder of Status PlāSpace, a company rooted in experience design, community-building, and social impact. Or Joshua Hite, whose Plant Zaddy Club reminds us that wellness, healing, and joy can take root even in the most unexpected places.
There’s Tyomi Morgan, leading The Glamazon Brands, whose global impact in sexual health education continues to open doors for people to live more fully in their bodies. Faith Shamley of Reach Worldwide is cultivating the next generation of nonprofit leaders with clarity and conviction.
Lashé Boudreaux created That’s Besties to redefine self-care through friendship and creativity. And Jillian Anderson, through HERide, is reimagining what safe, inclusive transportation looks like—making history as the first Black-owned rideshare partner at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
These RICE Stakeholders are helping drive Atlanta’s economic growth, strengthen local communities, and pave the way for the next generation of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
What Progress Looks Like
Progress looks like collaboration. It looks like trusted partners who see the value of community-first innovation and who aren’t afraid to stand in solidarity with our Stakeholders. This is why we’re so excited about an evening that reflects all of this and more.
We’re gathering on Thursday, June 12, at Vesper Atlanta—a proud LGBTQ+-owned venue—for Pride and Progress, a professional networking event that’s designed to do more than just connect business cards. It’s about visibility. It’s about intention. It’s about building the kind of relationships that lead to real economic opportunity.
This event is made possible with the support of our partners at King & Spalding LLP, who have consistently stood with us in the work of building inclusive systems. We’re honored to have the evening hosted by the incredible Rashad Walker of CNN, whose voice and presence speak to the very power of representation we’re here to celebrate. And during cocktail hour, thanks to our generous friends at Brown–Forman, a global leader in spirits and a long-standing champion of inclusion, we’ll raise a glass to the future we’re all building together.
You’re Not Just Invited—You’re Needed
Pride and Progress: A Professional Networking Event
Thursday, June 12 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Vesper Atlanta | 924 Garrett Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/RICEPrideandProgress
Whether you identify as LGBTQ+, consider yourself an ally, or simply believe in the power of equity-driven entrepreneurship, this evening is for you. You’ll have the chance to connect directly with LGBTQ+-owned small businesses within the RICE network, explore collaborations, and strengthen ties across Atlanta’s innovation and impact ecosystem.
At RICE, we celebrate culture by investing in it. This Pride Month, let’s move beyond celebration into connection. Let’s honor the journeys of our LGBTQ+ Stakeholders and make space for even more to come. Let’s show up, speak up, and stand beside the entrepreneurs who are redefining what progress looks like.
We’ll see you at Vesper.
