By Sarah Jester
Small, diverse-owned businesses make the world go around. As the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) continues to push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in procurement opportunities, we spoke to several LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with disabilities about their businesses and the importance of accessibility. Conversations around supplier diversity are incomplete without disability inclusion—and we aim to help change that alongside our partners at Disability:IN.
Read the full Q&As below to learn more about the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs that are leading in their respective fields and raising awareness about disability inclusion along the way!
Michael Pleasant (He/Him/His) | Open Security, Inc.
Q: What is your business?
A: We offer cybersecurity services and expertise to businesses looking to measure their security controls, achieve security goals and take their security to the next level. We do this by rigorously testing all areas of the business’s cybersecurity controls and answering two key questions for all clients: 1) Are you secure? 2) To what degree? These questions help achieve our mission, which is to make cybersecurity accessible.
Q: What is unique about your business?
A: We are a diverse, service-disabled, veteran-owned-and-operated cybersecurity firm based out of San Antonio, Texas, that strives to create new opportunities for those looking to break into the industry and pass along their knowledge and expertise to our clients. A diverse business creates more effective security programs and we advocate these tenants to others.
Q: How has being a Certified LGBTBE through NGLCC impacted your business? Why did you join the NGLCC?
A: We joined the NGLCC early in our history to expand our network and learn from more experienced partners across industries. We found this and more to include invaluable resources, mentors and friends. We have been connected with a variety of newly-opened doors that otherwise we would have never known about.
Q: How can folks find you online?
A: Twitter: @_Opensecurity_
Bridgette Austin (she/her/hers) | B. Austin Consulting
Q: What is your business?
A: B. Austin Consulting (BAC) is a management consulting company focused on providing workplace compliance-based training that is all-inclusive with an emphasis on eliminating bias through education. Our unique anti-harassment programs are designed to break down what exactly sexual harassment is. Our focus is on ensuring the employee has a voice and that voice is heard regarding any level of workplace discrimination or harassment. In addition to our training programs, we also offer workplace investigation services and expert testimony and consultation in cases involving military benefits.
Q: What is unique about your business?
A: As a result of my continued support to the LGBTQ+ community and ongoing work to prevent harassment while educating employers on the various levels of inclusion, I’ve been recognized as one of the 2022 Top 50 LGBTQ+ Leaders of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal. Our selfless commitment to team and community while upholding the highest standard of trust has earned B. Austin Consulting accreditation with an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. Lastly, I’ve managed to transfer my military training and experience in utilizing policies and guidelines to educate and protect fellow service members from harassment and bullying to the civilian workforce by providing anti-harassment training and support to organizations for overall accountability from the top down.
Q: How has being a Certified LGBTBE through NGLCC impacted your business? Why did you join the NGLCC?
A: The NGLCC has positively impacted my business by providing a wealth of information and additional ways to stay connected with the LGBTQ+ community. This includes board memberships, which opened even more doors and opportunities for additional business development tips, training and tools to continue to scale and provide new revenue streams due to an increase in business and client leads. NGLCC has also provided ways to give back to the LGBTQ+ community through various virtual and in-person networking events while continuously expanding the LGBTQ business community.
Q: How can folks find you online?
A: Twitter: @B_A_Consultingl; Instagram: @baustinconsulting; Facebook: B. Austin Consulting, LLC; LinkedIn: Bridgette Austin, MBV
Joshua Bindewald-Moore (he/him/his) | Moorcroft Photography
Q: What is your business?
A: I offer professional photography services.
Q: What is unique about your business?
A: I’m a disabled military veteran and LGBTQ-certified business.
Q: How has being a Certified LGBTBE through NGLCC impacted your business? Why did you join the NGLCC?
A: It’s helped me reach people in the community and more that I would not have been able to otherwise.
Q: How can folks find you online?
A: IG: @moorcroftphotog; Facebook: @moorcroftphotog
Cyndi Masters (she/her/hers) | DBS Interactive
Q: What is your business?
A: DBS Interactive is a full-service digital agency focused on solving business problems with technology solutions. From creating enterprise-level, high-performance websites, custom apps and data-driven digital marketing campaigns, we deliver results by design. Our core competencies include ADA/WCAG 2.1 digital accessibility, technical and organic SEO, UX/UI design, data visualization/infographics and digital security, including HIPAA compliance.
Q: What is unique about your business?
A: Providing digital accessibility has been a key principle of our agency since our inception in 2000. From the beginning, we remain committed to creating a fairer world and a responsible internet by ensuring that everyone can access the web, including those living with disabilities. I founded DBS Interactive after suffering a traumatic accident that left me permanently disabled. During rehabilitation, the internet became my window to the world, and I was determined to make it available to everybody, regardless of ability.
Q: How has being a Certified LGBTBE through NGLCC impacted your business? Why did you join the NGLCC?
A: We joined NGLCC to take advantage of opportunities for mentorship and to make connections with progressive global corporations. The mentorship programs have enabled us to grow professionally and help take our agency to the next level. The programs have also fostered ongoing personal relationships with outstanding individuals who continue to provide insights and advice after the end of the formal program.
Q: How can folks find you online?
A: LinkedIn: DBS Interactive; Twitter: @dbsinteractive; Facebook: @DBSInteractive
Interested in becoming a part of the NGLCC community? Visit nglcc.org to learn more!
