2024 Volunteer of the Year - Greg Kay

Greg Kay (he/him)

A Conversation with our 2024 Volunteer of the Year

A huge congratulations to our 2024 Volunteer of the Year, Greg Kay. His dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact on the Chamber. We are deeply grateful for his time, talent, and the passion he brings to support our work.

We surprised Greg with the Volunteer of the Year Award at the Chamber's 9-Year Anniversary Celebration event last month, and then asked him about his dedication to the Chamber.

Is there a particular project or initiative you’ve been a part of that stands out as especially meaningful?

Since I’ve been a part of the Chamber, in early 2021, I’d say that all of the CoC’s events and activities have been vital. Perhaps the last one, the Chamber’s 9th anniversary celebration at JR’s, was especially meaningful, due to what it means for our ever-growing LGBTQ+ representation in the Greater Houston region. I’ve also really enjoyed the “First Fridays” lunches, which are a great networking tool that the Chamber has come up with, and through whom I’ve met some lifelong friends.

How has your involvement with the Chamber impacted you personally and professionally?

Little by little, I’ve been motivated to post onto social media CoC activities and events that I’ve been involved with, for visibility’s sake. The kind of feedback that I’ve received on Facebook, especially, has been noteworthy and very positive. It’s clear that people outside of our community are pleased to see how proud we are to be represented – and to represent ourselves – which is encouraging to see, in this moment when socio-political pressure is designed to silence particular groups.

The Chamber plays a vital role in supporting LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals – – how do you see its impact growing in the future? 

I think continued visibility, and frankly courage, in the face of some viable opposition will guarantee that the Chamber’s impact will expand. We have only to examine history to see that this dynamic is true, and then continue on a course we know to be effective and ultimately victorious. People of Color (PoC) groups, women, and the LGBTQ+ community in the past have pushed through what seemed at the time like insurmountable odds, but in the end, their voices were heard, loud and clear. I am therefore confident that we have, thus far, and will continue to demonstrate that kind of bravery and boldness, and the fabric of society and our culture will be the better because of it.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get more involved in volunteering? Whether with the chamber or other community organizations? 

First of all, search yourself to see where your fire and passion lie. It’s from that place that deep and genuine motivation generates, and then look for opportunities wherever you find them. In addition to the CoC, there’s a world full of exigencies out there, and so very many groups are simply aching for the willing to come their way to help. We may give of our time, our financial resources and our professional skill-set, which is good and necessary. But first and foremost, I’d say, is to open our hearts and spirits to the needs around us, and thereafter, the sky’s the limit on how much we can accomplish.

Are there any mentors, fellow volunteers or chamber leaders who have inspired or supported you along the way? 

Oh, goodness – perhaps too many to mention. It should go without saying how invaluable CoC CEO and President Tammi Wallace has been for our organization. And truer words aren’t spoken when I say that I can’t wait to hear her motivational words and exhortations at each meeting she attends. Longtime leader Jack Berger, with his unique brand of humor and stalwart presence has also been someone to whom I’ve looked up, and who I look forward to seeing whenever we gather. Fellow volunteer Maureen Maiuri never, in my estimation, misses a chance to assist, and her perennially-smiling face and can-do attitude are truly inspiring to witness.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about? 

Since I retired a decade ago from the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service/Diplomatic Corps (1990-2015), I’ve been writing a memoir. Many retired diplomats do this, and I guess I’m no exception. The one big point of pride (pun intended) is that I’ll be including my personal journey to navigating a 25-year government career with an ever-changing federal policy on the rights of LGBTQ+ employees. I’m more than halfway through this writing project, and hope to complete the first draft sometime this fall.

How can others support the work of the Chamber, and contribute to making a difference in the LGBTQ+ business community? 

Simply put, be “out there”, at work, and present the best face of our community to all who know you. We, after all, are the best and most effective advertisements for the causes for which we advocate, and serving as compelling role-models is of vital consequence. I think it’s also important to congregate at our meetings, which is heartening to see, because it allows us all to understand that there’s strength in numbers. And our numbers are impressive, if we may brag a bit with that fact.