Wisconsin LGBT Chamber Announces Winners of the 2024 Business Awards

MILWAUKEE, WI — The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Business Awards, recognizing outstanding businesses, leaders, and advocates who have gone above and beyond in advancing diversity, inclusion, and equality in Wisconsin’s business community. 

“Our 2024 award winners are setting a high standard for championing diversity and inclusion in the business community,” said Jason Rae, President & CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Each of these recipients exemplifies the values and vision of our Chamber through their commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces, creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, and advocating for a more equitable business landscape in Wisconsin and beyond. We are incredibly proud to recognize their accomplishments and celebrate their positive impact.”

Those businesses and individuals earning awards this year are

• Corporate Partner of the Year: WPS, a health solutions company

• LGBTQ Business of the Year: Pawstar, Inc.

• Allied Business of the Year: Confluence Graphics

• Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) 

• Business Resource Group of the Year: Pride@Enerpac

• John Ross Pruess Business Leader of the Year: Cory Highshaw

• Advocates of the Year: Rae and Gina Senarighi

The awards will be presented during the Chamber’s Business Awards & Showcase event, presented by BMO, on the evening of Wednesday, October 23 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center in downtown Milwaukee. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are available online

Here are some additional details on each of our 2024 award recipients

• Corporate Partner of the Year: WPS, a health solutions company
  This award is given to a corporation that exemplifies diversity and inclusion within its workplace and the broader business community. WPS has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by focusing on systemic change both internally and externally. Their DEI initiatives have made significant strides in recruitment, fostering an inclusive workplace culture, and enhancing supplier diversity. A strong partnership with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber launched their LGBTQ+ workplace efforts, culminating in a highly successful Pride Month Challenge in 2023. This first-of-its-kind event at WPS engaged employees in daily activities promoting allyship and education, fostering a sense of belonging. Additionally, the creation of the PRIDE Employee Resource Group has led to impactful programming, including breakroom discussions, community-building events, and the launch of a comprehensive Gender Transition Guide. WPS’s continued dedication to DEI and its support for the LGBTQIA+ community have set an inspiring example within the business community.

• LGBTQ Business of the Year: Pawstar, Inc.
  This award is given to an LGBTQ-owned business that actively promotes diversity and inclusion within its operations and the broader business community. Pawstar embodies these values through its commitment to supplier diversity and active presence within the LGBTQ+ business landscape. As a proudly certified national LGBT Business Enterprise, Pawstar actively participates in Pride events across Wisconsin, including the Milwaukee and Kenosha Pride Parades, and supports Pride festivals nationwide. Their regular engagement with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber, advocacy for Chamber membership, and representation in opportunities like the NFL Draft supplier diversity initiative showcase their dedication to visibility, inclusion, and community growth

• Allied Business of the Year: Confluence Graphics
  This award honors an allied-owned business that champions diversity and inclusion within their practices and the larger community. Confluence Graphics exemplifies allyship through active engagement, advocacy, and support of LGBTQ businesses. A proud and involved member of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber, as well as other local chambers, Confluence Graphics consistently shows up to events and serves as a strong advocate for Chamber membership. Led by Courtney, a dedicated supporter of the LGBTQ community, the business embodies the spirit of holistic success and stands as a model for meaningful allyship and support

• Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD)
  This award is presented to a nonprofit organization that empowers and uplifts the diverse business community. MIAD exemplifies a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment both on campus and in the Milwaukee area. Through its Equity + Inclusion Center, MIAD supports LGBTQ+ students, with 60% of its student body identifying as part of the community and 25% as transgender or nonbinary. In the last year, MIAD has connected students with gender-affirming care, partnered with the MKE LGBT Community Center for monthly support groups, and promoted creative expression through zines, art and design, and a partnership with LGBT milWALKee’s House of History. With its new Fashion and Apparel Design major that explores inclusivity in fashion, MIAD continues to lead as a sanctuary for creativity and a beacon of support for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies

• Business Resource Group of the Year: Pride@Enerpac
  This award recognizes an LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group that drives inclusivity and advocates for positive change. Pride@Enerpac, the BRG of Enerpac Tool Group, has made impressive strides in just their second year, advancing a more inclusive workplace through impactful initiatives. They have led critical trainings on bias, gender, and trans rights, fostering deeper understanding and empathy across the organization. Pride@Enerpac has also partnered with Enerpac’s Travel Security provider to ensure LGBTQ+ travelers and other minorities receive culturally specific safety tips for their destinations. Their community engagement efforts have been marked by a milestone debut at the Milwaukee Pride Parade, exemplifying Enerpac Tool Group’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. With a global reach that unites employees worldwide, Pride@Enerpac stands as a shining example of how passion and leadership can make a lasting impact both within and beyond their organization

• John Ross Pruess Business Leader of the Year: Cory Highshaw
  This award recognizes a dedicated individual from the LGBTQ+ community who has made a significant impact on the diverse business landscape. Cory Highshaw exemplifies these qualities through his active engagement with the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber and the wider community. A graduate of the Chamber’s Business Leadership Academy, Cory regularly attends networking events, advocates for Chamber membership, and strengthens partnerships. As a board member of both Diverse & Resilient and the Cream City Foundation, he consistently demonstrates his commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ causes. A leader within U.S. Bank’s Pride Employee Resource Group, Cory embodies the values of a true business leader, making a lasting difference for clients and the community alike

• Advocates of the Year: Rae and Gina Senarighi
  This award recognizes individuals who have been outstanding advocates for diversity, inclusion, and change within the larger business community. Rae and Gina Senarighi have made a profound impact through their work with “Transpainter,” their art studio and merchandise line launched in 2023. Their dedication to the LGBTQ+ community is evident in their fundraising efforts, having raised over $200,000 for programs across Wisconsin and the Midwest through partnerships with organizations like GSafe and Fair Wisconsin. Their “You Are Loved” billboard campaign, featuring Rae’s progress pride flag artwork, has spread a message of hope and love nationwide, reaching every state and Canadian province. In addition, they have donated hundreds of pride flags to schools, camps, and affirming communities, and continue to support critical organizations through art sales. Beyond their business, Rae and Gina actively testify on behalf of transgender rights and offer free workshops and mentorship to uplift LGBTQ+ voices. Their tireless advocacy and passion for change exemplify the very spirit of this award.

“We could not be more excited to celebrate this year’s winners, each of whom exemplifies what it means to be a leader in diversity and inclusion,” added Rae. “Their work has left a lasting impact on Wisconsin’s business community, and we look forward to continuing to support them as they grow and thrive.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.