As April kicks off, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to two fine humans who have played pivotal roles in making the Gaymber what it is today: Vera Minot and Rebecca Wicker both completed their Gaymber service in March.
There’s no one quite like Vera Minot, our dynamic outgoing Board President, who graciously extended her tenure by three months to provide invaluable leadership and stability during this transitional period. Vera’s passion, drive, and creativity have lifted the Gaymber to unprecedented heights. During her tenure as Board President, our membership grew by over 48% and our breakfast attendance doubledcompared to pre-pandemic levels! Our social media presence became a driving force for the Gaymber’s engagement with and presence in the community. Our follower count tripled and our channels became vital conduits of education and advocacy and connection. Vera will be sorely missed, but I am grateful for her stewardship and the thriving organization that she has entrusted me with.
“The 5 years I’ve spent on the board of this organization has been nothing short of transformative for my personal and professional growth, and it’s with my deepest gratitude that I bid the Gaymber adieu – for now. Finding the Gaymber felt like finding a professional home, so I’m certain I won’t be able to stay away for long. I so look forward to reconnecting with all of my friends and colleagues in a new capacity out from behind the podium.” ~ Vera Minot
“It has truly been an honor to serve as the Gaymber’s Interim Executive Director. I continue to be impressed by our community, and am ever grateful for the outpouring of support and love from you all. I am confident in the leadership of Andee Huxhold [the Gaymber’s new Executive Director], and am excited about this next chapter for the Gaymber!” ~ Rebecca Wicker
And who can forget the 2023 Gayla? Vera and Rebecca were the core organizers for that amazing night of glitter, sparkle, cirque, and connection–an evening that was also the Gaymber’s most successful fundraiser to date!
The current success of the Gaymber is thanks in large part to these two humans who contributed their time and expertise to further our mission. Please join me in extending heartfelt gratitude to Vera and Rebecca for their exceptional contributions to The Gaymber and in wishing them well in their next endeavors!
Please stay tuned for additional messages in the coming weeks as we continue to grow our organization and nurture our current membership. I look forward to introducing you to Andee Huxhold, our new Executive Director, and to giving you a bit more insight into who I am. The future of the Gaymber is bright. And Vera and Rebecca will always be two of the brilliant stars who lit our way.
With gratitude and excitement,
Lisa Bowers
President
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce (aka The Gaymber) Board
P.S. Please feel free to reach out to me and to Andee with any questions, coffee invites, or hellos! You can reach me at president@tucsonlgbtchamber.org and Andee at andee@tucsonlgbtchamber.org. And if you have any questions about your membership or need assistance, our long-time Administrator, Melanie Cooley hasn’t gone anywhere! You can still reach her at melanie@tucsonlgbtchamber.org.