OutPro

Upcoming Events

OutPro

About OutPro

OutPro is a professional group within the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce that promotes a welcoming culture in the West Michigan Community for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.

OutPro offers opportunities for education and networking with an emphasis on policy impact, assisting businesses in creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals. OutPro encourages representation from all career levels and professional backgrounds, including corporations, small businesses, and public and non-profit organizations. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend OutPro events.

As a champion for a diverse and inclusive community, the Chamber is proud to provide OutPro, an LGBTQIA+ professionals group that can serve as both a resource to employers and employees, as well as an affinity group for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

 

Be an Advocate

Our OutPro Empower Toolkit provides educational resources and insights on how to make your workplace an inclusive environment. 
 
OutPro recognizes that gender and identity are part of a spectrum and can be complex. We welcome dialogue and questions. We also wish to create a safer space for the expression and growth of all nonbinary, trans, intersex, genderfluid people, and allies.
Our OutPro events are inclusive
Everyone is welcome at our OutPro events

OutPro Council

The OutPro Council exists as a voice within the Grand Rapids Chamber to encourage and promote a welcoming and equitable business community in West Michigan. The Council meets monthly and helps with planning and promoting OutPro events throughout the year. With capacity for 15 members, the Council is open to LGBTQIA+ professionals and allies.

Interested in joining? Please reach out to Sommer Jabbar at sjabbar@grandrapids.org

Jeff Sorensen | He/Him | Lake Michigan Credit Union | 2024 Council Chair

Wayne Bersano | He/Him | Huntington Bank | 2024 Council Vice Chair

Charlee Vargas | She/Her | Fifth Third Bank

Chris Balletto | She/Her | Corewell Health

Corey Volmering | He/Him | Bosch Killman VanderWal, PC

Courtney Failer | She/Her | Steelcase, Inc. 

Dawn Levian | She/Her | Break Room Therapy

Kailyn Hamm | She/Her | HR Collaborative

Kelly Yagiela | She/They | Kennari Consulting

Megan Persons | She/Her | Grand Rapids Public Schools

Natalie Drew | She/Her | Grand Rapids Public Library

Nick VanderLaan | He/Him | WGVU Public Media

Questions or Comments?

Please reach out to:

Dr. Sommer Jabbar-Pearson

Director of Inclusion & Belonging