Ally Financial Inc. and Neon by GLAAD recently brought back their national "Changemakers" video series for a second season, spotlighting the work of four Black LGBTQ entrepreneurs.
The four-episode series is sponsored by Ally (NYSE: ALLY) and produced by GLAAD's Neon, a digital content brand that aims to boost the visibility of individuals who are Black and LGBTQ. GLAAD, shorthand for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, is nonprofit organization that promotes LGBTQ acceptance.
Ally continued its partnership with GLAAD to discover eligible small-business owners that are reshaping their communities. The bank awards $10,000 to each "Changemaker" selected.
Ally felt it was an easy decision to continue the series for another year, said Reggie Willis, chief diversity officer at the bank. Willis is based in Charlotte.
"For us, it was a natural fit, as far as who we are as an organization, to be able to provide this stage for more small businesses through series two," he told CBJ. "The story was about us being able to take our platform and lend it to these small businesses to be able to amplify their voices."
Ally and GLAAD premiered the series in 2022, with those featured including a Charlotte-based entrepreneur. The second season, which is available to watch on YouTube and social media platforms, focuses on business owners in New Orleans, New Jersey and Chicago, including WNBA star Layshia Clarendon. Braxton Fleming, founder and CEO at Stealth Bros & Co., Mariah Moore, executive director at House of Tulip, and Dani Lalonders, head developer at ValiDate, are also in the spotlight.
What defines someone a 'Changemaker'?
For Willis, defining a changemaker is simple. It is a person who sees a need and is determined to fulfill it, no matter the potential adversities, he said.
"The individuals didn't necessary have all the means when they first started, didn't necessary have all the answers when they first started, but they continued on anyway," Willis said. "And many of them — because of that lived experience — it was a catalyst for them to continue to try to fill that void. So, that's a changemaker."
Continuing the series was necessary to highlight not only successful, LGBTQ business owners, but also to shine light on their tenacity during the pandemic's aftermath, he added.
"They persevered through a difficult time for our country, and an even more difficult time for those people who were marginalized," he said. "By doing this, we were able to not only provide them with the access but some resources to help further their message and to help continue the conversation."
Nearly one-third of LGBTQ small-business owners said they lost 50% of their business as a result of the pandemic, according to findings from a 2021 LGBTQ Small Business Owner Financial Health Survey. However, the data also revealed about 80% of those entrepreneurs were expected to make a full recovery in 2022.
Ally aims to continue the "Changemakers" series long-term, ultimately raising awareness among those who may not be a part of the LGBTQ community nor have lived through their experiences, Willis said.
"We aim to continue to be a resource by being able to share the stories, give them a platform and give them some financial resources," he added. "But, I think more importantly, it's how do we continue to live our name? How do we continue to be an ally? And that shows up in many different forms."
