I’m delighted to connect with you in my new role as the Board President of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce, affectionately known as The Gaymber.
Joining The Gaymber has been a transformative experience for me. After years of feeling like an outsider, I found a safe haven here. This community welcomed me with open arms, providing a sense of belonging and acceptance I had long yearned for. The overwhelming love and joy I felt at last June’s Pride breakfast solidified my commitment. Though I had been a member for three years, that event marked my first in-person experience, and I knew then that I needed to contribute more.
“Joining The Gaymber has been a transformative experience for me. After years of feeling like an outsider, I found a safe haven here. This community welcomed me with open arms, providing a sense of belonging and acceptance I had long yearned for.”
Like many of you, I’m a small business owner. I specialize in development liaison services, guiding clients through the labyrinth of building permits in the Tucson area. My professional journey has seen me involved in projects ranging from cozy residential additions to towering student housing complexes near the UofA. Additionally, two years ago, I co-founded another venture, offering pre-permitted model plans for casitas and accessory dwelling units. Prior to this, I dedicated over six years as a board member and board chair of Metropolitan Pima Alliance, a nonprofit focused on education and advocacy in the development sector.
Joining the Gaymber board was a logical next step for me–personally and professionally. Now, when I joined the board last July, I didn’t anticipate taking on a leadership role so swiftly! However, the organization’s mission and the dedication of its members fueled my eagerness to step up as President.
With the recent addition of Andee Huxhold as Executive Director and the exceptional individuals comprising our current board, I am thrilled to build upon the momentum established by our former President, Vera Minot. My heart swells with the prospect of supporting our existing members, expanding our community through new chamber affiliations, and championing Queer Tucson in every possible way.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to connect for coffee, to talk about getting more involved with The Gaymber, or just to chat.
Yours in Pride,
Lisa Bowers (she/her)
Board President
Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce (aka The Gaymber)
president@tucsonlgbtchamber.org
Sonoran Development Consulting, Owner
Urban Infill Project, Managing Partner
P.S. Our Executive Director, Andee Huxhold is en route to Tucson as we speak! She and the family are all piled into an RV and making their way across the country. They’ll be fully relocated in time for our breakfast on May 16th. There are just a few spots left for that breakfast–and they’re FREE thanks to our Cobalt Sponsors Tucson Electric Power! So if you haven’t already, reserve yours today!