About The "Network"

Welcome to the Proud Professionals Network. We hope that you'll consider joining our association of LGBTQ/ally professionals across America.

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The Vision 

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One of our founders, Lemar White, relaunched the Gayglers Employee Resource Group (ERG) in Washington, DC in 2017. Gayglers are LGBTQ/ally individuals that are Google employees. The chapter, however, was very small and lacked significant engagement and presence. In planning the chapter's launch party, Lemar realized that there were many other small ERGs in the DMV area (and perhaps nationally) looking to be more engaged. 

The Proud Professionals Network was born of the idea that the members of these small ERGs, and employees of companies without an organized LGBTQ/ally group, could benefit from a larger coalition with the mission of supporting each other and making a greater community impact, than the smaller groups would. 

The organization would also serve as a forum for LGBTQ/ally professionals to build and augment their professional networks, while also fostering the development of future LGBTQ/ally leaders. 

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We also know that there are many organizations out there focusing on LGBTQ populations. Our difference? We are a new generation of LGBTQ/ally professionals. This has nothing to do with age; rather we're responding to a new, changing environment of LGBTQ issues in the US which requires a new understanding, new responses and new strategies, hence, "a new generation of LGBTQ/ally professionals."

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Our Mission

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The Proud Professionals Network is an association of LGBTQ/ally professionals. The mission of the organization is to provide professional development, along with business and social networking opportunities for members, while also focusing on community engagement, activism and philanthropy.

PPN, a (501(c)(3) non-profit organization, seeks to provide a forum for continual professional development, exclusive social activities, youth mentoring and philanthropy to current and future LGBTQ/ally leaders. PPN welcomes members from any industry or profession. Our organization transcends age, gender, race and class to unify and strengthen the LGBTQ/ally community. 

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               Our main objectives include: 

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               - Seminars and workshops to develop current and future leaders, both professionally and personally

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               - Mentoring and support of LGBTQ youth

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               - Promotion of LGBTQ entrepreneurs

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               - Opportunities for individuals to build a network of social and professional connections

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               - A connected, support community for LGBTQ/ally professionals nationwide

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               - Focus on programming for minorities and underserved populations

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From Lemar and our other founding members, Andrea Singleton and Shantrell Huffman, and the rest of our Board, we hope that you'll join the Proud Professionals Network ... we want you "in the Network!"