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Meet Our 2023 Pride Press Event Speakers

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Ken Schmitt

CEO & Founder of
Turning Point Executive Search

Ken Schmitt is the CEO and Founder of TurningPoint Executive search, podcast host and author of "The Practical Optimist". Living in Carlsbad, CA, Schmitt started his recruiting career in 1998, and launched TurningPoint in 2007, placing mid and senior level professionals in sales, marketing, operations, HR and C-Suite leadership positions. Schmitt and his firm co-Sponsored the 2023 Pride Grant and has served as a guest speaker and panelist for multiple organizations and academic institutions.

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Tina Cannon

President & CEO of
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Dynamic, out-of-the-box leader tackling challenges. Ms. Cannon, President & CEO of Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, previously VP of Govt. Relations at Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. Experienced entrepreneur in Austin startup scene. Former Senior Policy Analyst for City of Austin. Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Texas State Univ. and guest blogger for CBSNews.com. Featured presenter at tech events. Holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas State Univ.

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Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth

Chicago City Council
48th Ward Alderwoman

Leni is a progressive Democrat and experienced community activist. She aims to provide affordable housing, equitable healthcare, community safety, and a clean environment for all Chicagoans. With over 20 years of residency and small-business ownership in the 48th ward, Leni is deeply committed to this community. As alderwoman, she will champion the distinctiveness of Chicago neighborhoods, as they define the ward's uniqueness. Leni's election as the first queer woman of color and the first Filipina on Chicago City Council marks a historic milestone.

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Annalisa Perea

Council Vice President for the
City of Fresno, District One

Annalisa Perea, is a successful businesswoman and Urban Planner, focusing on local environmental, economic, and community development in Fresno, California. Her work includes expanding park space, improving circulation flow, decreasing crime, and increasing affordable housing. Annalisa values constituent input, leads with boldness, and was elected as a Trustee for State Center Community College Board in 2018. Born and raised in Fresno, she advocates for safer neighborhoods, transparency, LGBTQ+ rights, and working families. She remains dedicated to the betterment of District One and the community city-wide.

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Roger Belmontes

Vice President - Community Manager
at Chase

Local ambassador for Chase, responsible for building and nurturing relationships with community leaders, nonprofit partners and small businesses. Community manager in DFW with over 12 years of leadership experience in the financial industry. Passionate about providing financial education and improving the financial lives of individuals and business owners in his community.

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Daniel R. Hernandez

Founder and Principal Attorney of NextLevel
Past Grant Recipient

Daniel R. Hernandez, a social entrepreneur and attorney, provides affordable access to justice for families. At 27, he founded a law firm, offering competent legal services at fixed costs. Specializing in divorce and child custody, Daniel supports transitioning families as legal counsel for mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children as their Guardian Ad Litem. Beyond his firm, he serves as President Emeritus at Between Friends, combating domestic violence, and holds prominent roles in bar associations. Appointed as a Commissioner on the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, Daniel has received numerous prestigious accolades, including being a five-time Rising Star. With humility and compassion, his infectious smile brightens others' lives. In his free time, he enjoys roller-blading along Chicago's lakefront or catching up with friends.

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