Hospitality

Michael Mazzocco is the Board Chair for the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce. In addition to this board, Michael was appointed by the mayor to serve as the Chair for the Human Relations Commission for the City of Phoenix. He also serves on the boards of the Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus and the Arizona Costume Institute. Michael is the owner of Michael Mazzocco Events, a bespoke events company started in 2017. He specializes in event coordination and fundraising, from private dinner parties to corporate events, galas and fundraisers. When Michael is not working on our community, he lives in Central Phoenix with his partner, Isaac and their adorable furry princesses, Vivienne & Alexandra. Being a proud gay indigenous (Delaware Nation) small business owner, a passion for positive change is what drives Michael to do better and be better every day.
 

Gabe Hagen, co-founder of Brick Road Community Corporation, is a dedicated community leader and advocate for inclusivity and diversity. He has an extensive educational background which includes bachelor's degrees in Philosophy and Political Science from Arizona State University, a Master’s in the Studies of Law from the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law, and an Executive Education Program at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Beyond his role at Brick Road Coffee, Gabe actively contributes to the community as Treasurer of the Greater Phoenix Equality Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors for Tempe Tourism, a Tempe Leadership Councilmember, and Vice-Chair of the City of Tempe Neighborhood Advisory Commission.

Melissa Green is the Founder & CEO of Grounds4Cause (Southern, Sweet & Sassy LLC). #G4C brings together Southern, Sweet & Sassy Coffee, and Rise Above Coffee to focus on our #coffeeforacause initiative.

Melissa is a Navy Veteran | Military Spouse | Latina | LGBTQ+

Beth Pedersen is the Owner of Copper Social Catering + Hospitality and a lifelong hospitality professional born and raised in Arizona’s East Valley. She earned her degree in Hospitality Management from UNLV and has built her career leading catering and event teams across Phoenix and Las Vegas.
With a background as a luxury wedding planner, Beth brings a unique understanding of events from both the client and operational perspective. Her experience spans luxury weddings, private dining, hotel catering, and full-service events, allowing her to create seamless experiences that balance exceptional cuisine, thoughtful service, and attention to detail.
Beth is passionate about building meaningful partnerships and continuing a legacy of Arizona hospitality through unforgettable culinary experiences and exceptional guest service.

Drawing on my military and entrepreneurial background, I lead Unity in Bridges and two Robeks Juice franchises, advocating for community health and wellness. Overcoming personal health hurdles, including significant weight loss and mental wellness improvement, underscores my belief in natural diets and exercise. My efforts extend to hosting health events, promoting organic gardening, and valuing mentorship to inspire others towards their potential. Committed to Arizona's well-being, I use Stoicism and personal growth lessons to foster resilience and mindfulness in our community.http://www.unityinbridges.org

Toasted Mallow creates all things marshmallow for any occasion. At the heart of my business is a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. I take pride in sourcing the best ingredients and creating treats that not only taste incredible but also bring a smile to your face. Whether you're treating yourself or looking for the perfect gift, I'm here to make your sweet dreams come true. Join me on this delicious journey, and let's create something wonderful together!
 

Yellow Spruce Roasters is a local coffee roastery company in Arizona.  Our personal origins began in the Colorado pines and firmly rests in the Arizona desert.  Our travels have taken us all over the world in both leisure and service.  Our story began with a dream and passion for coffee, the beverage that connects people throughout the world. As former law enforcement and military veterans, we realize the importance of patriotism and community.  Coffee always has been the mainstay of bringing communities together.  We believe in our core values of public service and connecting people. Yellow Spruce continues to serve local communities by connecting people through relationships... one up at a time. 

Founder of LGBTQ.ONE and creator of THEAPP.ONE, a privacy-first web app designed to help members of The Community and its allies discover welcoming businesses, organizations, events, and safe spaces nationwide.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Bill Thompson created THEAPP.ONE with a mission centered around visibility, inclusion, acceptance, and helping people “Know BEFORE You GO.” The platform connects users with businesses and organizations that actively support and welcome LGBTQ customers and allies.

Bill’s background in sales, marketing, and business development helped shape THEAPP.ONE into a modern mobile-friendly platform focused on community connection, visibility, and real-world engagement between inclusive businesses and The Community.

YOU ARE THE SUPERHERO YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR …
I help both individuals and teams activate their personal power and unleash the superhero within them empowering them to create a better self and a better world. My approach creates a safe, inclusive space for individuals, leaders and teams to navigate the hard things, connect to a higher self, reimagine without limitations, weave inspiration and a sense of purpose into performance and ignite collective power for unimaginable impact.

I draw on my unique perspective and lived experience as a queer woman and executive leader with over two decades of experience transforming lives and organizations. I've been named by Fast Company as one of the top 50 LGBTQ women and nonbinary innovators in business and tech.

Through Disrupt the Landing LLC, I provide speaking programs, coaching and mentoring, and advisory services for both individuals and organizations.

Acrylic Abstract Artist of Arizona, Heather Livingston 
I moved to the beautiful state of Arizona in 2017 and began my full time journey in abstract art. 

I create a wide variety of handmade crafts.

In 2018 I started teaching acrylic paint pouring techniques and hosting Paint & Sip Parties at my home studio as well as traveling to other venues where I give instruction and a demonstration of the specific technique Students will be learning. People of all ages have created beautiful paintings.  

I enjoy doing commission work too.  I have completed over 20 different jobs over the years. 
 
 

Wok This Way is a food truck with a cause. We are 100% plant based Asian inspired wok style cooking. Wok This Way is Arizona's first green food truck. We empower special need workers with employment. We are currently 95 % Down Syndrome employed. Our mission is to teach sustainability practices, deliver nutritious food all in sustainable consumption and production to combat climate change. We are making changes today to benefit tomorrow.

Our vision is to be the leader for other food trucks as well as brick and mortar restaurants to develop a sustainable model of practices. Restaurants can be zero waste with support and collaboration. Through education and inclusion, employees and owners will create a sustainable working environment. This will create job retention and dedication to your sustainability efforts both at work and home. All while serving delicious and healthy food.
 

Growing up in kitchens and cooking since she could perch on the counter to stir, Sam comes from a family of artists who encouraged her to forge her own unique path. Chef Sam has celiac disease and specializes in restricted dietary items such as Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Vegan. 

Hi! I'm Jason, a Phoenix-based real estate agent specializing in helping Seller, Buyers and Investors find their dream properties in Maricopa County. With 5 years of experience and a keen eye for market trends, I bring a luxurious yet approachable touch to real estate. My brand, JasonThriveHausCo, is bold, witty, and unapologetically results-driven. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, I provide expert guidance with transparency and a bit of sass—because real estate should be as exciting as your next big move. Let's make it happen! :)

Hi All. My name is Rai, like the bread. My pronouns are he/they. I'm queer, and I own Eagle and Owl- Shoes for the Peoples. I do hand made custom moccasin style shoes and boots. If you've been to a renaissance faire, you'll recognize the style. When I'm not home, I'm out at SCA events and renaissance faires about 12 times a year taking orders. I'm small and VERY busy. I am a year turnaround, and I generally have 70ish boots on order at any given time. I make about 100 boots/year. It may not seem like a lot, but every boot is hand made, to order. I've never made 2 boots exactly the same. I do 99% of the work myself. Each boot can take between 12-15 hours, and with proper care they can literally last a lifetime. 

I am located in downtown Tempe where I do all of the production. Feel free to come by my shop anytime and I'll give you a tour and show you what I do.

Ant Garza is the Owner and Operator of Fuel Y’all Coffee, a Phoenix-based mobile coffee trailer dedicated to fueling community through quality coffee and meaningful connection. With a strong background in leadership, operations, and experience in behavioral health, Ant brings a people-first mindset to every interaction—focused on creating spaces where individuals feel welcomed, valued, and connected. He has built his business from the ground up, managing everything from event logistics and menu development to marketing and financial planning. Passionate about community engagement and service, Ant is committed to creating memorable experiences and building lasting relationships, making Fuel Y’all Coffee a trusted and growing presence across the Valley.

The Human Ceramics Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a space for self-expression, emotional support, and community connection for marginalized populations through ceramic art practices. Our mission is to foster healing, community, and self-expression among individuals from marginalized communities through art practices and community-based support.

Drops of Color Project aims to provide a space for support, self-expression, and community connection through free peer support groups for young adults who identify as LGBTQ+. The primary goal of these groups is to create a space where participants can offer mutual support while engaging in clay-based art activities to facilitate emotional expression and grounding.

The Human Ceramics Foundation was founded by Erick Martinez Gregory, a social worker and figurative sculptor fascinated by the human figure and the complexity of emotions.