Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber to hold second Economic Summit, 'Reboot'

Utah’s LGBTQ+ chamber of commcerce will hold its second annual Economic Summit online, October 22.

Former Utah State Sen. Steve Urquhart will be the master of ceremonies. Urquhart is credited for getting LGBT protections passed in the state, and worked diligently to replace Utah’s hate crime legislation.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall will address the event as host city guest speaker.

Serial entrepreneur, anthropologist, author, and humanitarian Veronica Kirin will be the keynote speaker. Kirin was designated a Class of 2020 BEQ Pride LGBTQ+ Leader Under 40 by Business Equality Magazine this year.

“Veronica has worked hard since coming out to fearlessly self-identify in her business and personal life, despite living in a conservative region of the country— she actively supports other entrepreneurs in doing the same. Having founded seven businesses over the past decade and actively forging ahead with her dreams because she believes her dreams and aspirations matter she helps her clients achieve financial independence and safety — one of the best things in her view about entrepreneurship,” wrote Business Equality Magazine.

“As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs have an additional consideration and thus a need for preparation — they must decide to be out or not in business, and in either case, build this consideration into their business plan,” the magazine continued. “With the current political and social climate in this country placing diverse communities under fire, entrepreneurship provides a level of independence and freedom, which in turn can create security.”

Kirin is focused on empowering the LGBTQ+ community to fully realize their entrepreneurial dreams through her coaching business, workshops and speaking engagements.

In recognition of the anniversary of the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in 2019, she wrote a powerful editorial to raise awareness about the disproportionate amount of bias that is inflicted upon trans people in the United States. She highlights how entrepreneurship can hold the key to financial security and a safe working environment that we all deserve—particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Kirin is now an entrepreneur coach and a corporate trainer for LGBTQ+ issues.

Presentations by Celtic Bank, Equality Utah, the Womens Business Center, and the Utah LGBTQ+ Chamber will also take place, as well as a special performance by musical artist TinkFu.

Those wanting to socialize in person afterward are welcome at an after-social at Twist Bar.

More information and tickets can be found at the group’s web site at utahlgbtqchamber.org.