Celebrating Pride Month with LGBTQ+-Owned DOBEs!

Celebrating Pride Month, we are excited to spotlight a couple of LGBTQ+ business owners and their #DisabilityOwned business enterprises (#DOBEs) within our budding community. These businesses - and the incredible entrepreneurs leading them - are actively contributing to creating an #Inclusive economy by breaking down barriers and championing diversity in all its forms. Check out a couple of business leaders who are championing #DisabilityInclusion in business!

LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses are #ProudToBeDOBE

Authentique Agency

In 2016, Roy Broderick Jr launched The Authentique Agency – a full-service marketing agency – designed to blend two of his passions: positioning LGBTQ and multicultural audiences as an integral component of the brand's marketing strategy. The agency curates inclusive marketing programs, innovative creative, and strategic communications to drive culture and build connections to both audiences leveraging its proprietary engagement model, CultureIQ. Additionally, Authentique has delivered a broad spectrum of support and services for brands that need help shifting or embracing culture, community, and purpose (our core pillars). As a Certified Minority, Disability, and LGBTQ+-owned business, they partner to deliver game-changing work with purpose and corporate social responsibility as the always-on anchor.

“Being a certified DOBE allows our marketing agency to connect with corporations that are intentional on changing both the mindset and business landscape for minority and disability owned suppliers. We are grateful for the support, advocacy, and resources that Disability: IN, has given us through this certification and its programming.” - Roy Broderick Jr

HelpGood

Michael Bellavia is an Emmy-winning producer and the CEO of HelpGood, a social impact marketing and communications agency. At HelpGood, a certified B Corp, Michael leads agency growth and oversees strategy for its purpose-driven clients. For 15 years Michael has been the social strategist for Smokey Bear, the longest-running public service campaign in U.S. history. He also helped launch Love Has No Labels, the biggest social marketing campaign in history. 

Previously Michael was the CEO of Animax, a creative technology studio that won the first-ever digital Emmy Award and a spot on the Inc. 500 list two years in a row.

Michael has an MBA from Columbia University and a BS in Engineering from The University of Michigan. He loves Dolly Parton, being on game shows, and hiking the hills of Los Angeles with his son.

"The DOBE certification has helped HelpGood access diverse networks and collaborate with like-minded organizations committed to social impact. It underscores our dedication to inclusivity and diversity and telegraphs what we value to potential clients, staff, partners, and vendors. Plus, I just got connected to a great and helpful mentor!Similar to our LGBTBE certification, the DOBE certification helps create a more inclusive business environment. The DOBE highlights the capabilities and potential of disabled entrepreneurs, encouraging other companies to adopt more inclusive practices and contribute to the greater good. The DOBE certification is a badge of honor for HelpGood and a beacon for the industry, signaling a commitment to equality, diversity, and the empowerment of underrepresented entrepreneurs. It’s a step toward a more inclusive economy that benefits everyone."  - Michael Bellavia

Disability:IN proudly certifies disability-owned business enterprises, including service-disabled and veteran disability-owned businesses, connecting them with organizations that seek to diversify their supply chains. If you are interested in becoming a certified DOBE, please visithttps://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/supplier-diversity/ #ProudToBeDOBE