About Us
We are LGBT+ professionals and allies who understand that diversity, equality and economic empowerment are vital for any healthy business community. With purpose and out of necessity, we are rewriting the narrative of the queer intersectional experience in the Upstate of South Carolina, to create a stronger, healthier community based on the shared appreciation for the diversity that defines and enhances us all.
Founded as a 501c(6) nonprofit in 2020 amid the challenges of the global pandemic, and with the help of dozens of volunteers, the Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is creating a long-absent voice of advocacy for the Upstate LGBT+ business community. We are working to harness our economic potential and give a powerful voice to people who may otherwise feel alienated or “other.” In concert with our allied business professionals who understand that in diversity there is strength, we celebrate this diversity and actively facilitate transformative growth for our members, allies, and queer folks alike.
Board of Directors
MICHAEL ALLARD
Cofounder, Secretary, and Chair of Supplier Diversity
Michael is co-owner and Champion of Opportunities at Think Up Consulting, a management consulting firm based in Greenville, South Carolina that specializes in brand strategy, events, talent activation, and change management for Fortune 500 companies. The Think Up client list includes world-class brands and organizations such as Marriott, Hilton, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, BMW, Michelin, Sunrise Senior Living, Genentech, and Clemson University. Since its founding in 2002, Think Up has earned numerous accolades, including several national Emerging Training Leaders Awards and Top Workplace in South Carolina in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Additionally, Think Up is a nationally certified LGBT Business Enterprise.
Having spent over 17 years in leadership roles within the hospitality industry prior to joining Think Up, Michael possesses strong business experience in sales & marketing, human resources, and finance. This experience has helped him grow Think Up into a thriving Upstate small business with 30+ employees located in an office overlooking Cleveland Park. Beyond Think Up, Michael is highly involved in the Greenville community, including serving as an ESL Volunteer with Greenville Literacy Association, a member of the 2016 TEDxGreenville Program Committee, and a member of The Warehouse Theatre Board of Directors.
CAROLINE CALDWELL, PhD
Cofounder and President Elect
Caroline is the founder and director of the non-profit New Mind Health and Care that provides free specialized behavioral modification services to individuals, families, and children affected by incarceration or criminal histories. She is the creator of the ReFlight Curriculum for cognitive behavioral education and change. She has over 20 years’ experience as a clinical mental health therapist and 10 years’ experience as a Federal Officer.
Caroline is also the sole proprietor of ReFlight LLC, a consulting firm specializing in providing behavioral and life coaching services for organizations to improve employee function, retention and the development of positive work culture. She is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church Ministries and specializes in bringing, love, honor and joy to same-sex, gender neutral and non-binary marital unions. As a professional public speaker, life coach and all-around doer of “Good Things,” Caroline is a fierce advocate for marginalized groups including LGBTQ+, QPOC, and returning citizens.
JESSICA GAINES
Chair of Grants and Fundraising
Originally from Tennessee, Jessica has called the Upstate home for most of her life. Jessica is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. She is energetic and career driven, which is demonstrated in her day-to-day activities. She is a proud graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. With a management background within Corporate America, Jessica has learned how to be an effective leader and team player. Jessica is now the Development Coordinator for Pride Link and is extremely proud to work on making a difference in the LGBTQ+ Community.
In her free time, Jessica loves to spend time with her wife, play with her fur babies, listen to music, and spend time with family and friends. Jessica has a bold style and optimistic outlook on life. She enjoys giving back to the community. Jessica serves on the Executive Board of The Urban League of the Upstate Young Professionals, the Leadership Team for the Upstate Queer Coalition and part of the mentorship program at Pendleton Place. Jessica is excited to take on her role as Secretary for the Upstate LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
SHAYLIN KING - LMFT
Vice President
Shaylin King is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the CFO of Berkana Collective, a mental health clinic specializing in the LGBTQ, Poly, and Kink communities of Upstate South Carolina. A proud Converse University and College of Charleston Alumni, Shaylin identifies as a bisexual woman who seeks to uplift and empower other LGBTQ community members and businesses. In her free time, Shaylin loves to travel, hike, and is forever searching for her next new hobby. Shaylin is proud to be a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.
TYLER PRESCOTT
CEO
Tyler Prescott is a dynamic professional with extensive experience in local and enterprise businesses, religion, finance, and nonprofit management. With a diverse background throughout the Upstate, including Anderson, the Village of West Greenville, Mauldin, and Greer, Tyler has a unique understanding of the region’s culture and business climate.
Notably, Tyler has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to empowering LGBTQ+ voices in the workplace. During his tenure as the LGBT+ Business Resource Group chair at TD Bank, he developed a passion for fostering authentic self-expression and inclusivity within the workplace, which ultimately led him to his current role as CEO of the Chamber.
Tyler is a seasoned professional with a talent for multitasking. In addition to his role at the Chamber, he currently serves as Director of Operations for Kiona Technologies, Executive Producer for Alchemy Comedy Theater, and an event planner for hire. He is also an accomplished improviser and stand-up comedian, often performing at venues throughout the South East.
When he’s not working to improve the Upstate’s business climate for LGBT+ businesses, professionals, and allies, Tyler enjoys spending time with his partner, Mitch, and their lively pets, Poe and Anya. He is an avid fan of Survivor, and can often be found watching the show in his free time.
EBONI SIMS
Chair of Trans and Nonbinary Outreach
Eboni is a well-established and influential member of the Trans POC community in the Upstate, as well as a veteran entertainer. Professionally known as Eboni Sinklair, and affectionately known in her community as “Mama Eb”, Eboni has competed in and won several major pageants including Miss Pride International, Miss Black Continental and Miss National Queen of Queens.
Her deep understanding of existing racial barriers in the Upstate led her to start focusing on breaking those barriers back in the early 1990s. At the time, Greenville had two gay bars, the “black” New Attitude Club and the “white” Castle – and it was widely understood that if you were welcome at one, you were not welcome at the other. While Eboni was the show director and bar manager at New Attitude, she competed for the “Miss Castle” title at the Castle. In 2005, due to her sustained outreach efforts and natural talent, she became the first Trans Person of Color to manage and show direct at the historically white Castle.
Recognizing the enormous need for assistance and education in the Trans POC community, Eboni began to volunteer at AIDUPSTATE and under the leadership of Maurice Adair, received DHEC and CDC certifications to become a facilitator. She also, singularly and with no community or other financial support, founded “The Ladies Room” – a support group for Transwomen of Color to speak freely and safely about their daily struggles, survival and other topics they simply could not discuss anywhere else. The group that started with 3 women now has up to 18 packed in Eboni’s kitchen, making home cooked meals while talking about all and everything in the safety of real community.
Throughout her journey, Eboni has developed relationships with many Allies outside of the POC Trans community in an ongoing effort to obtain knowledge to bring back home and share. She also still puts on shows to provide a way for people to earn money, knowing firsthand the difficulty of securing a job and making decent income as a Transwoman POC.
Eboni’s mission is to continue to fight her fight, and to continue to have uncomfortable conversations, until real and lasting change occurs.
NATHAN BROWN
Cofounder and President
Nathan has a passion for transforming businesses. He has more than fifteen years of experience in analytics, business strategy, international partnerships and technology entrepreneurship. He is the founder of Kiona Technologies, a global data science company operating in North America and Europe. Previously, he led award-winning technology teams at DuPont and BlueCross BlueShield, taking enterprise systems from concept to implementation.
As a serial entrepreneur, Nathan builds companies with the guiding principles of inclusiveness and excellence. As a bisexual human who often feels like an outsider, he seeks to give voice and strength to folks who may otherwise feel alone.
SARAH COCHRAN
Cofounder and Small Business Liaison
Sarah owns and operates Bar Margaret in the Village of West Greenville, bringing a vibrant cocktail bar and great food to the neighborhood. Thirteen days after she and her business partner opened Bar Margaret in March of 2020, COVID-19 shut down the world. Over the next year, she used her resilience and spirit to adjust the entire concept to keep the doors open, her patrons filled with great food and happy drinks, and to help the community by donating 500 meals to the Connect For Good GVL pandemic food relief effort hosted by Euphoria Greenville.
Born and raised in Greenville, Sarah attended the Bob Jones University educational system from kindergarten through college, earning a Graphic Design and Photography degree and learning how to navigate a world that foundationally challenged who she is. This journey, and the struggle of discovering and loving her true self, despite overwhelming pressure to the contrary, molded Sarah into the kind of business woman who can survive and succeed amid unprecedented challenges.
When not running the restaurant, crafting cocktails, or managing the unmanageable, Sarah can be found spending time with her ten-year-old son and her Great Dane, Margaret.
BHARAT GANESAN
Chair of Corporate Engagement
After living on three continents before the age of seven, Bharat called Greenville home starting in 1994. Bharat attended Clemson University and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. He worked in the manufacturing and distribution industry for several years with Lowe’s Companies and Michelin. During that time, he realized he had a passion for marketing and got his full-time MBA at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in 2015. After working with UPS in Atlanta for 1.5 years, his hometown was calling him back so he and his family moved back to Greenville in 2017. Bharat currently works in Global Product Marketing in Milliken’s Chemical division.
While at UPS, Bharat served on the company’s Pride ERG which fueled this passion for this cause. He also helped to charter Milliken’s Pride Associate Network in January 2020, serving as the Milliken Public Policies committee chair. He is proud of being an active ally and is looking forward to becoming more involved in the Chamber’s efforts for the Upstate community.
In his free time, Bharat enjoys spending time with his wife, two kids, and one four-legged kid. He can usually be found playing golf, checking out new restaurants and breweries/bourbon bars around town, or watching his Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Falcons continue their return to dominance on the football field.
ELVIA PACHECO
Chair of Hispanic Outreach
Elvia is a naturalized US Citizen who moved to the US with her parents before her first birthday. Elvia is extremely proud to have been born in Mexico and raised in the US, she grew up with love and respect for both countries. In her free time, Elvia enjoys dancing, listening to music, and traveling. Interacting with people from different backgrounds and cultures is also a passion of hers, especially with those who have amazing life experiences to share!
KANETRA QUEEN
Treasurer
A Tar Heel native and proud army brat, “Queen” has called the Upstate of South Carolina home for nearly two decades. After graduating from Clemson University with degrees in Communications Studies and Human Resource Development, Queen served eight seasons as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations and color analyst for WCCP-FM and Clemson Tiger Sports Properties. Appreciating the vitality that can only be experienced in higher education, Queen continues her career as an accountant/fiscal analyst in the university’s finance division.
Kanetra finds passion engaging in meaningful interactions exploring the world as her classroom. She enjoys spending time with her wife Krystal, as they attempt to “conquer the globe” through their shared love for travel, music, reading, cooking while experiencing other cultures. She hopes to seize this opportunity to be a part of real change and advancement in the Upstate so that current and future generations take the reins and thrive.
SAMANTHA WALLACE
Cofounder and Board Member
Sam is the Market Executive for Upstate, South Carolina, comprising Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson and Clemson markets, for Bank of America Local Markets Organization.
As Market Executive, she leads community impact work through relationships with community partners, local marketing, sponsorships, media and philanthropic giving while serving in a leadership role to connect and align Bank of America line of business leaders to deliver fully for clients, employees and community at the local level.
Over the course of her 25 years as a communications and change leader, she has worked in both management consulting firms with Fortune 500 clients as well as entrepreneurial environments. Dedicated to the Upstate community, Sam co-founded Edible Upcountry magazine and M. Judson bookstore.
Originally from Missouri, Sam and her family have called the Upstate home since 1998. She has served on numerous local, statewide and regional boards including Greenville Technical College advisory boards, LiveWell Greenville, Hub City Farmers Market and the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association. Dedicated to DEIB efforts, she is a Furman Riley Diversity Leader and was a founding organizer and the inaugural board chair of Emerge SC. She currently serves as a founder and the first ally board member of the newly formed Upstate LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce. She graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with a BS in Communications and holds dual degree MBAs from the University of Texas at Austin and ITESM in Monterrey, Mexico.
Advisory Board Members
Ron Doney
Think Up Consulting CEO
Ron is the founder, CEO, and Creator of Wow for Think Up Consulting, a management consulting firm based in Greenville, South Carolina. Think Up clients include esteemed organizations such as Marriott International, BMW Manufacturing, Sunrise Senior Living, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Genentech, Fluor, Michelin, and Clemson University.
Ron holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management and enjoyed a 14-year career with Marriott International prior to starting Think Up. He has led major change initiatives that have realigned global brand cultures and customer service strategies, transformed company learning philosophies and practices, and propelled hundreds of thousands of employees forward.
With nearly 30 years of experience in consulting, learning and business operations, Ron is an expert at bringing brands to life by connecting people to brand strategy and culture.
Dorothy Dowe
At-Large Representative
Dorothy was elected as an at-large representative on Greenville City Council in November, 2019. She is committed to ensuring Greenville is a place where citizens are actively engaged in the decisions that affect them, improving access to affordable housing and transportation, and managing growth to maximize Greenville’s potential while maintaining a strong commitment to community and quality of life.
Dorothy is originally from New York City, and holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Duke University, a Master of Business Administration from the USC Darla Moore School of Business, and a Professional Engineering licensure in the state of Alabama. Dorothy began her career in industrial manufacturing as a project engineer with International Paper Company and later led in design engineering and project management with CRS Sirrine and Jacobs Engineering Group. After transitioning her career, she founded two small businesses in academic consulting, and now serves as Director of her firm, Strategic Vectors Academic Planning and Consulting.
Dorothy and her husband, Steve, are 32-year residents of Greenville. They have two grown children, Bailey and Parker. Dorothy is an accomplished runner and enjoys travel, and spending time with her family and friends.
George Davis III
Director of Community Engagement
George Davis III is the Director of Community Engagement for the Peace Center. His work is centered in amplifying voices, stories and inspiring through the arts. He endeavors to be the catalyst for a more inclusive Peace Center by increasing accessibility of programming to marginalized populations and forming strategic partnerships with Upstate organizations and community leaders.
New to Greenville, George hails from Grand Rapids, MI where he served on several boards, committees and was recognized for his philanthropy and advocacy by Grand Rapids Young Professionals with the Community Advocate Award. George has a diverse professional background including youth residential treatment, higher-ed and public media, most recently as Marketing and Community Relations Coordinator at WGVU Public Media NPR/PBS.
George holds a B.A. in Journalism and Musical Theatre from Oakland University, and a Master of Science in Communications from Grand Valley State University.
Alongside his spouse, Elicia, George is co-owner of Truth&Gold a lifestyle brand where parenthood meets social activism. The online store consists of a range of products to empower BIPOC identity, assist families with courageous conversations and encourage people along their journey toward creating a more just and equitable world.
When not chasing around and playing with his sons Rocco(6) and Rexton(3), George enjoys roller-skating, binge-watching NPR Tiny Desk webisodes, traveling, posing as a foodie and of course catching a great concert.
Anne Feldhacker
Chamber Cofounder
Growing up in the Upstate from the age of three was an adaptive adventure for Anne. As a “non-protestant Yankee smart kid who was a little odd,” Anne developed a deep understanding of being “other” in the South, alongside a very healthy sense of humor. After graduating from Clemson University with an engineering degree, she worked as a process engineer until her unquenchable curiosity took her “out west” to find out what’s really going on in the wider world.
Her journeys led her to learning and working in several western states in diverse applications of human, project and process management, ranging from record store and big box retail management to sixteen years of qualitative market research for some of the most well-known multinational brands in the world.
She lived and worked in the western US for 25 years before returning to the Upstate in 2016 to find that while the region had grown by leaps and bounds, very little had significantly improved for the LGBT+ community. Living in regions of the country where LGBT+ people face fewer challenges and less danger greatly clarified her understanding of how much work there is to be done to advance the overall wellness and quality of life for the SC LGBT+ community. She’s thrilled to have a chance to be a part of that growth and healing.
When her curiosity isn’t leading her down obscure paths of inquiry that only she finds fascinating, Anne spends her time with her wife Peggy, and their wild cat Dorothy.
Tammi Wallace
Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Tammi (she|her|hers) is a Co-Founder, President and CEO of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. She brings a strong combination of strategic thinking, project management skills and a collaborative mindset through her varied leadership roles in education management, financial services, nonprofit management, political consulting, public policy and management consulting.
Tammi also serves on the board of the Hollyfield Foundation and Montrose Management District, the National LGBT Chamber (NGLCC) Affiliate Chamber Leadership Council representing the Southern region and in 2016, she was appointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner to serve on the City of Houston’s first LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. In 2019, she was recognized by BEQ magazine as a Legacy Leader in the LGBTQ+ community.
Tammi has been recognized as OutSmart Magazine’s Gayest & Greatest Award for Female Business Person. She was named Female Grand Marshal of the Houston Pride Parade in 2011 in recognition of her leadership and activism on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
Bryan Brown
President & CEO of the Greenville Housing Fund
Bryan Brown is the President & CEO of the Greenville Housing Fund. He leads the organization’s efforts to champion the preservation and expansion of affordable housing options across Greenville through broad community engagement and advocacy for effective public policies. He also directs GHF investments in the development of affordable housing with its many partners. GHF is investing in the acquisition, rehabilitation and preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing across Greenville with $2million supporting 280 units preserved. GHF is investing in new construction with $1.5 million of direct investment, plus tax incentives, supporting a total of 410 units of new affordable housing. In addition, Bryan manages its land bank portfolio to preserve and develop affordable housing with an emphasis on equity and inclusion in historically minority neighborhoods. GHF has spent over $1 million on strategic parcel acquisitions while receiving nearly $8 million in donated land from the city of Greenville.
Previously, Bryan served as the Chief Operating & Development Officer at the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). Bryan and his team managed the $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhood Implementation grant for the revitalization of the near east side resulting in $120 million of development across five phases with 450 units of mixed income housing with an additional $200 million in leveraged commitments to support expanded neighborhood development.
Bryan is a graduate of John Carroll University and attended graduate school at the University of Cincinnati where he was an editorial assistant for the national journal, Urban Resources. Bryan has also studied at the University of London, the London School of Economics and Yale University.
Justin Oberste
Associate Psychotherapist
Justin Oberste is an associate psychotherapist specialising in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Psychology and Religious Trauma Therapy, and is currently training to become a Sex Therapist. Justin received his Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, and has recently begun full-time private practive work with Dr Chris Donaghue, author of ‘Rebel Love’ and ‘Sex Outside The Lines’ and the host of the radio show ‘Loveline’. Originally from Power Springs, Georgia, Justin now resides in Santa Barbara, California.
Jack Kinley
CEO and Founder, The Collabo Group
Jack is the CEO & Founder of The Collabo Group where he leverages his experience in branding, employee communications, and HR consulting to help companies build a better-prepared and more diverse workforce for the business opportunities of tomorrow. The Collabo Group’s clients include Aon, the Coca-Cola Company, Cox Enterprises, Mercer, Newell Brands, and UPS.
Jack received the International Association of Business Communications’ Gold Quill Award for his work promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyle changes for Michelin employees. He was recognized by the Small Business Administration as the LGBT Business Champion of the Year in 2016. His Company is the 2017 recipient of the Out Georgia Business Alliance’s (OGBA) Corporate Partner of the Year.
Jack served on the board of the OGBA from 2012 – 2017 as Communications Board Chair, Vice President, and President. He currently serves as the Community Relations Board Chair for OGBA partnering with other local chambers, nonprofits, and business leaders across Georgia to provide advocacy and support for the state’s LGBTQ+ community.
Jack is originally from Spartanburg. He moved to Atlanta in 2001. He and his husband now live in Newborn, GA which reminds him in all the best ways of the beautiful farmland and forested places that made his childhood in SC so special. He and his husband spend their weekends renovating their 1877 farmhouse, experimenting with farming, and frequenting antique shops all around the state.