Plexus. of which 3News WKYC is a member, describes itself as “the voice for the LGBTQ and allied business communities in Northeast Ohio”
Stephanie Haney from 3News has been elected to serve on the board of directors for Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce, located in Cleveland.
On the Plexus website, the organization describes itself as “the voice for the LGBTQ and allied business communities in Northeast Ohio.” It is one of 60 affiliates of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) in the U.S.
“As an ally, I’m honored to join the board of the Plexus chamber,” Haney said. “I believe in equality, equity and inclusion. I’m excited to do my part to forge the strongest possible connections among our many incredible, diverse communities in Northeast Ohio.”
Lead since 2019 by Executive Director Amanda Cole, Plexus’s goals are to connect, educate and advocate for, within and among Northeast Ohio’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied communities. As explained on ThinkPlexus.org:
“Plexus connects the LGBTQ and allied businesses community including professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporate, civic and nonprofit leaders.
“Plexus offers programs, events, and training to strengthen and support people in their business efforts and professional lives. We provide opportunities for individuals and companies to amplify their voices and promote their values.
“Plexus advocates on behalf of the LGBTQ and allied community by educating and creating awareness about workplace equity, diversity and inclusion and the positive impact of LGBTQ owned businesses on the economy.”
Cole heads up a dedicated team of 3 individuals, which make Plexus run on a day-to-day basis. Shauna Adkison serves as Event Coordinator, Dr. Jennifer Bosco is the Inclusion Hub Director, and Mercedes Noble-Reyes is the Membership Associate.
Haney is 1 of 6 new board members joining the chamber, effective January 1. She is joined by Dan Kennedy, Edward Stockhausen, LarKesha Burns, Nathan Wright and Stephanie Jansky.
Existing chamber board members include David Rabinsky, Nolan Andersky, Alex Cruz, Daniel Hollowell, Shanelle Johnson Zeigler, Steven Licciardi, Katie McLaughlin, Luz Pellot, Michelle Tomallo (Emeritus), and Avery Ware.
Plexus also has a separate board of directors for its Plexus Education Foundation, which is welcoming the following 3 new members: Anna Barie, Bentley deBarleben-Phillips and Otto Tyson.
“This is an exciting time for Plexus as we welcome such an incredible group of leaders to our boards,” Cole said. “Each of these individuals brings unique strengths, perspectives, and a shared commitment to fostering an environment where LGBTQ and allied businesses can thrive. Together, we will continue to advance economic opportunity and inclusivity across Northeast Ohio.”
3News WKYC is 1 of many members of Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce. Click on the links here for information about member benefits and how to apply to join.
Plexus shares office space with The Buckeye Flame newsroom, located in the Gordon Square Arcade at 6516 Detroit Avenue.
You can learn more about the organization at ThinkPlexus.org. Per the site:
“Co-founded by Eric Lutzo and Dave Ream in 2006 Plexus made its debut at the Cleveland Pride as a Chamber of Commerce to serve the LGBT and allied professional and business communities. Built from the Cleveland Professional Network, forming as a Chamber of Commerce allowed for resources and structure to support small businesses, continue growing the LGBTQ and allied professional network, advance corporate diversity and inclusion goals, and advocate for LGTBQ equality in the region.
“In December 2008 the Plexus Education Foundation was founded as a separate 501(c)3 organization with the aim to support educational programming through speakers series, Employee Resource Group development, workshops, and trainings. The mission of the Foundation is to improve the workplace environment for Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender individuals through education, research and development resulting in enrichment of the entire community.”
Haney is the digital anchor, legal analyst and VERIFY Fact Check producer and journalist at 3News. She is licensed to practice law in both Ohio and California.
