National LGBT Pride Celebration Month

Creating Spaces Worthy of Pride

Studio 5 commemorates the 2023 National LGBT Pride Celebration Month by acknowledging the many spaces created by individuals—those of the past, present, and future—with the intention of bringing people together within the LGBTQIA+ community. Creating spaces worthy of Pride is crucial for the community as it promotes inclusivity, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. These spaces serve as a sanctuary where individuals can express their authentic selves without fear of discrimination or prejudice. In the workplace, creating such spaces is essential to attract and retain diverse talent, fostering a culture that celebrates and respects individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. As a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Studio 5 is proud to be an inclusive organization that celebrates the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Coffee Talk with Laura Cañate, Chip McKenney, and Shannon Scott

To celebrate the 2023 National LGBT Pride Month, Studio 5’s Adam Mischlich, our Director of Sales and Marketing, will host an informative and engaging Coffee Talk with our guests: Laura Cañate, Senior DEI Program Manager, Marketing Operations, at Google; Chip McKenney, Founder and President at McKenney Media and GPL Polo Club; and Shannon Scott, Founding President at United Equality Counseling. Together, they will explore the impact of Creating Spaces Worthy of Pride within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Meet Our Host

Adam Mischlich
Director of Sales and Marketing

Meet Our Guests

Laura Cañate

Laura Cañate is a Senior DEI Program Manager in Marketing Operations at Google. With over two years of experience in her current role, Laura specializes in DEI strategy, scaled global programs, marketing operations, strategic communications, and culture building. Her skills encompass diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative implementation, strategic planning, corporate communications, project management, event management, content strategy, marketing strategy, editing, web content, leadership, employee engagement, and cross-functional team leadership.
In addition to her work at Google, Laura is the Co-Founder and Principal Consultant of EvilTwin Consulting, which aims to help organizations design authentic, inclusive, and purpose-driven brands.
Throughout her career, Laura Canate has demonstrated expertise in various areas, including DEI strategy, corporate communications, marketing operations, social impact, coaching, public speaking, reputation management, and thought leadership. Her valuable contributions have positively impacted organizations she has been associated with, driving change and fostering inclusive and purpose-driven cultures.

Chip McKenney

Chip McKenney is the Founder and President of McKenney Media, a strategic branding and marketing agency based in Wellington, FL. Since October 2019, Chip has been leading McKenney Media in its mission to elevate the position of its partners in the marketplace through premium service and innovative solutions, thereby unlocking new opportunities and delivering new levels of success. The agency specializes in serving the equestrian industry and other sectors.
In addition to his work with McKenney Media, Chip is also the Founder and President of GPL Polo Club. This pioneering organization has been operating since 2006. GPL Polo Club holds the distinction of being the only LGBTQ-identified polo league in the world. The club's mission is to produce high-quality, inclusive, engaging, and unique international events within organized LGBTQ sports. By promoting a positive and respectful environment for LGBTQ athletes to compete, GPL Polo Club serves as a beacon of inspiration for the LGBTQ athletic communities. The club openly welcomes participation from both LGBTQ individuals and non-LGBTQ allies in their events. Chip has been at the helm of GPL Polo Club for over 17 years, ensuring its continued growth and success.

Dr. Deserea Langley

Shannon Scott is the founding president of United Equality Consulting, a role they have held since October 2016. Based in Portland, Oregon, Shannon has led the organization for nearly seven years. United Equality Consulting promotes inclusivity and diversity in the workplace through education and training. Their mission is to create safe and accepting work environments where businesses can tap into the talents of individuals irrespective of their gender or sexual identity. By increasing awareness and improving accessibility, United Equality Consulting strives to foster dynamic work teams that are more vigorous, productive, and representative of the LGBTQ community.
In addition to their work with United Equality Consulting, Shannon is actively involved in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest national civil rights organization advocating for the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Shannon has been a member of the HRC's National Executive Committee and Board of Governors since September 2016, serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Tri-Chair. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, HRC envisions an America where LGBT individuals can enjoy equal rights, be open and honest about their identity, and feel safe at home, work, and in their communities.
Shannon's dedication to promoting equality and diversity in the workplace and society has made them a respected advocate and leader in the LGBTQ rights movement.