Founders Circle

Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission, as Founding Members.

Paige Mahogany-Parks She/Her

Founder - President

Paige Mahogany Parks is the founder of the Transgender Awareness Project in Jacksonville Florida. Paige has been a transgender activist in the black lgbtq+ community for over 30 years. She has received the Dean Mckeller Award in 2005 for her outstanding work as a transgender activist. She has been featured on NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, Folio Magazine, and more! She lives in Jacksonville Florida where she continues her work as a transgender activist and writer.

Adam Plante, Esq. / Legal Recruiter Plate Solutions LLC

My journey began with degrees in Public Relations and Law, leading me to an attorney role at Paramount Pictures. Yet, after three years, I felt a profound void, a yearning for purpose that eventually compelled me to resign. Then, amidst the uncertainty of the 2008 economic downturn, I discovered my true calling: legal recruiting. Leveraging my legal background and innate interpersonal skills, I found not just success in matching top talent with exceptional firms but a genuine sense of purpose. This is my superpower.

Brittany Turner, VP Cypress & Trust Jacksonville

As an SBA BDO, I specialize in providing tailored financing solutions that help businesses grow and thrive across the country. With a deep understanding of the SBA loan programs, I’m dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs through the lending process, ensuring they secure the capital needed to achieve their goals. Whether you’re a startup seeking your first loan,an established business looking to expand, or looking to buy a company, I’m here to simplify the complexities of SBA financing. My commitment to building lasting relationships and delivering exceptional service sets me apart in the industry. Let’s connect and explore how we can turn your business vision into reality!

Ed Tookers

Licensed Gay REALTOR® since 2006 and proud San Marco resident. I’ve spent decades building both community and connection in Jacksonville — especially within the LGBTQ+ JAX “gayborhoods” that I call home. In 1991, I publicly came out in a major local newspaper feature titled “COMING OUT,” becoming one of the first openly gay voices in Northeast Florida. Soon after, I founded Jacksonville’s first local Human Rights Campaign chapter, launching a lifelong commitment to advocacy. Today, I combine my passion for real estate with ongoing volunteer work supporting LGBTQ+ youth, especially those facing homelessness. For me, real estate is about more than homes — it’s about helping people find safety, pride, and belonging in the communities they love. Call me TODAY to List, Buy, or Relocate to NE FL!

Cole Gabriel, CPA - Ascent Trail Solutions

Cole Gabriel is a Certified Public Accountant with over a decade of experience, dedicated to personalizing tax and accounting services for his individual and business clients. A proud Florida Gator, Cole earned both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida. He has worked in two Big 4 accounting firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young, and led the accounting team as the Controller of a $200 million nonprofit. This experience in a range of roles and industries allows him to offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to each client’s unique financial and compliance needs. Cole is active in Stonewall Sports Jacksonville, most passionate about ultimate frisbee and volleyball. He is also politically active as the former President of the Florida Young Democrats and multi-term officer of the Duval County Democratic Party.

Regina Livingston

Regina Livingston, the founder and CEO of Unspoken Treasure Society, has dedicated her life to fostering unity and addressing the needs of the trans community of color. Drawing from her personal experiences, Regina recognized the importance of providing resources and equal opportunities to those affected. Thus, Unspoken Treasure Society was established as a non-profit organization committed to empowering individuals through job placement, affordable housing, safe sex education, HIV testing and counseling, suicide prevention, and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse.

Since its inception in 2018, Unspoken Treasure Society has expanded to include three chapters in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Atlanta, Georgia. Regina reflects on her journey, acknowledging the challenges faced along the way but expressing fulfillment in her efforts. With a resolute goal of unifying the trans community, Regina remains determined to make a lasting impact and create a more inclusive society for all.

Through the tireless work of Regina and the Unspoken Treasure Society team, countless lives have been positively influenced, and the organization continues to strive towards its vision of a world where every individual, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Law Offices of C. W. Wickersham Jr., P.A. 

Your dedicated dragon-slayers in personal injury, real estate, and all civil litigation matters. Proudly serving our community for over 15 years.

Dan VanTice

Dan lives in Jacksonville with his husband of over 15 years, Brent, and their two 7-year-old boys, Xander and Walker.  While living in Washington D.C., Dan’s passion for politics was ignited, particularly with regards to LGBTQ rights.  He became involved, as a volunteer, with the Human Rights Campaign where he participated in various aspects of activities in the DC area including the National Dinner.  Dan has spent time lobbying in Washington DC, on Capitol Hill, for LGBTQ rights and has met with various organizations to discuss diversity and inclusion in the workplace including such organizations as the IMF, WWF, State Department, George Washington University, Georgetown University, and the World Bank, among others.
 

 

Jimmy Midyette, Esq. Assistant Director Human Rights Commission at City of Jacksonville

Jimmy Midyette is the Assistant Director of the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, previously known for his advocacy in expanding the city's Human Rights Ordinance to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. He has a strong background in law and organizational management, significantly influencing Jacksonville's commitment to inclusion and belonging.

* Human Rights Ordinance Expansion: Led the Jacksonville Coalition for Equality in successfully expanding the Human Rights Ordinance to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, passed in 2017.
* Legal Advocacy: Notable work with the ACLU, Florida Legal Services, and Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, focusing on civil rights and equity.

 

Andrew Eucker, Asst Manager - AC Hotel Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center

Background in hotel reservations, guest relations, group billing, local/social catering, event management, function space management and Operational Excellence. Responsible for overseeing and driving property wide standards and quality with a focus on maintaining and achieving AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star awards.

Dr. Mohammed Reza

Mohammed Reza, MD, is a nationally recognized HIV specialist and a leader in the treatment of infectious diseases. With a strong focus on working with at-risk communities, he provides both education and expert care to help individuals manage and prevent sexually transmitted infectious diseases. Dr. Reza is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and sees individuals in care at Reza Health, with locations in West Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, and Ormond Beach, Florida.

Dr. Reza earned his master’s degree in neuroscience at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, followed by his medical degree at Saba University School of Medicine in the Netherlands Antilles. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Pennsylvania State Hershey Medical Center and then pursued a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.

In addition to his expertise in infectious diseases, Dr. Reza is Ivy League-trained in Obesity Medicine, completing advanced courses at the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University in New York City. He is a hospital physician at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and previously served as the Medical Director of CAN Community Health in Jacksonville and Daytona, Florida.

As a thought leader and public speaker, Dr. Reza educates the community on important health topics such as COVID-19, HIV, monkeypox, and polio. He is a member of the speaker bureau for Thera Technologies and has appeared in over 150 local and national media stories, including town hall events and public forums. His passion for promoting health and empowering individuals to live full, healthy lives drives his work.

Dakiesha "Diamond" Threatt CEO, Herman "R.E.D." Orphey COO

RedDiamond Promotions DBA Diamond Decadence Catering. Providing all your event needs plus Catering.

David Vandygriff, Jax LGBT Chamber CEO & Jax Gay Magazine CEO

Founder/Creator of Jax Gay Mag LLC & Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce 501c6 | Jax LGBT Chamber Foundation 501c3 | Metro JAX Area HIV Health Services Planning Council Mayoral Appointee | Agape Wellness Advisory Board

Joe Steineck

Local realtor and property owner. PFLAG Scholarship benefactor & community activist.

Heather Buckman Owner/Broker Cowford Realty & Design

Heather’s background in technology, marketing, and social work made real estate the perfect career! When people are buying or selling a house, they are in transition and are handling large sums of money. That can be very stressful for people, and handling these transitions with skill and care is something that Heather takes great pride in. Her goal is for every customer of Cowford Realty & Design to feel confident, competent and stress-free as they handle their real estate transaction.

Dan Hutton - President AMP

Dan is passionate about serving on the board for AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida. He feels connected to the many people in Northeast Florida and surrounding areas whose lives were cut short by HIV/AIDS-related illnesses. He believes in the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida’s mission, particularly the organization’s efforts to install a lasting memorial in Willowbranch Park—ensuring that those lives are never forgotten and will always be honored.

Dan is no stranger to HIV/AIDS awareness and activism as a long-time participant in The Smart Ride. The yearly event, which includes a 167-mile bike ride through the Florida Keys, has raised more than $11 million for AIDS-related service organizations throughout Florida since 2003.

Dan works in medical billing. In his spare time, he also volunteers for the North Florida AIDS Network and is an active member of the Garden Club of Jacksonville.

 

Richard Ceriello - Executive Director AMP

Richard is the founder of the AIDS Memorial Project of Northeast Florida. As a long-time civil rights and liberties activist since his teen years, he has witnessed the growth of the LGBTQ equal rights movement, the emergence of HIV/AIDS, and the absolute devastation it has created. By forming AMP, Richard has made it his mission to memorialize and honor the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses, including dozens of his close friends.

Richard began his 40-year career in 1976 as a speech and language pathologist at The Speech and Hearing Center of Jacksonville. In 1990 he accepted a position with the Clay County, Florida School District, where he worked with students until retiring in 2016.

Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in speech and language pathology from Mercy College and a master’s degree from Long Island University. In addition, he completed a clinical internship at North Shore University Hospital, associated with Cornel University.

An avid art collector, he amassed a respectable collection over the years and is an advocate for historic preservation. Richard restored two historic homes and is currently the owner and proprietor of the historic 1910 General Store Bed & Breakfast in Jacksonville.

Autumn Jay

Former VyStar Pride Group President. Local activist and catalyst for change. 

Jordyn Sinclair Shepherd

Hamburger Mary's Jacksonville, CEO.

Staci Ybarra

InCahoot's Nightclub CEO.

Founders Circle Membership

Names/Business prominently displayed in our office of the Jax LGBT Chamber of Commerce on our Founder Member Permanent Display. As well as Founding Member retractable banner displayed at all events.

 

Only 15 Business Founder Member ($1,000) & 30 Individual Founder Member ($500) will be offered. Price is a one-time $1000/$500 that will include first years membership for chamber, two tickets to each of our signature events  with sponsorship/vendor space included for signature events.

 

Signature Events – State of the Chamber, Jax Equality Summit, Jax Business Awards VIP Tickets (2 each event).

 

The Founder Member will be a tax-deductible donation through our Jax LGBT Business Foundation (501c3).

 

This will be a ONE-TIME offer but remain for eternity!