queen
city
connects
Charlotte's premier LGBTQ+ & Ally networking 501(c)3 organization.
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Our network has over 40 participating firms and organizations from across industries, and we've connected more than 1,500+ LGBTQ+ & Ally individuals through our events.
ABOUT US
Queen City Connects (QCC) serves the Charlotte, NC area's LGBTQ+ & Ally community by connecting professionals across industries and organizations.
The first Mixer was established in August of 2014, which focused on 5 competing banks along with 2 non-banking companies’ LGBT ERGs. After the successful completion of that Mixer, we wanted to continue to create a platform for connecting people from different companies and across industries to come together and celebrate what they and their companies stand for, equality for LGBTQ+ people.
In 2016, QCC added a committee of 10 people who have a passion for LGBTQ+ equality and want to help people make meaningful connections with others. There are over 30 companies from various industries, people from different backgrounds, and several non-profit organizations that do fantastic work helping the LGBTQ+ Charlotte community. As we look ahead, QCC plans to grow in size, add more companies to our events, and improve these events based on your feedback; however, one thing will never change, our commitment to serve Charlotte’s LGBTQ+ & Ally community by connecting business professionals across industries and organizations.
In 2017, QCC crossed its next milestone by connecting 1,000+ LGBTQ+ & Allies across professions , industries, and organizations.
Networking
From regular Mixers to community outreach events and career development, QCC's networking opportunities bring together all aspects of the LGBTQ+ & Ally community to strengthen our representation within organizations.
Membership
Driving increased participation and awareness across
industries results in more widespread progress and more unity across the LGBTQ+ community. QCC strives to reach the most individual members and organizations as possible in the Charlotte area.
LEADER Series
Launched in 2019, QCC will host high profile LGBTQ+ and ally leaders to speak about their work to promote inclusive environments called LEADER (Learn, Educate, Advance, Develop, Enrich, Reach). Through these events, we hope to inspire, inform and elevate our members and ERGs.
One word Queen City Connects values and understands
is unity. We are continually transforming the way we operate in order to help bring members of the public together for a common goal.
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Queen City Connects' leadership team is comprised of volunteers from across industries.
Don Wilson
President
Nicholas Sanford
Treasurer
Wayne Russell
Programs & Operations
Victoria Green
Vice President
Ryan Laprade
Programs & Operations
Mike Blackwelder
Administrator
Jason Trost
Membership & Marketing
Joe Mayo
Technology
According to a 2018 survey, 100% of attendees said they would recommend QCC's events to colleagues and friends.
Shared Story
QCC helped me find community in Charlotte and therefore decided to stay in the Queen City rather than move away. Thank you QCC for giving me the platform to connect with others!
Shared Story
I've been seeking a new job for some months without luck. I went to one of QCC's mixers where they did a great icebreaker. That icebreaker gave me a chance to network with others and met my new boss there. Thanks QCC for creating a relaxed professional environment!
Shared Story
My company was looking for an LGBT non-profit to get involved with; however, I didn't know much about the organizations in Charlotte. I went to a [QCC] Mixer and connected with different community leaders and non-profit board members. Because of the Mixer, we found new non-profits to support and get involved with. Great job QCC getting our community partners involved!
