Diversity Rules Magazine

Diversity Rules Magazine| Mar 2023| 15 January 2017, where he remained through Septem- ber 2020. In October of 2020, McKinney took on his current role where he is focused on rapidly transforming this iconic com- pany into one of the most 'powerful' ultra-premium companies in the industry. He is the author of two books – "Commando Way" and "Commando Entre- preneur," which describe his successful approach to delivering extraordinary financial results from build- ing his own global company from startup and turn- ing around other global brands and companies. He currently serves on the Bri sh American Business Council Advisory Board and is chairman and owner of Woodland Radicle. Florida State Senator Shevrin "Shev" Jones is an educator, public servant, and consensus builder who gets results on the issues facing Florida families. Growing up in Carol City, Jones' parents ins lled in him and his brothers the values of educa on, faith, and service to the community. He recognized from a young age the power of educa on as the great equalizer. A er teaching A.P. Chemistry in Broward County at Florida Atlan c University High, Jones' firsthand look at the inequi es in educa on and so- ciety at large propelled him to enter public service. In 2012, he was elected to the Florida House, cham- pioning meaningful bipar san legisla on, including two consecu ve bills to secure dignity for incarcer- ated women; statewide expansion of a clean syringe exchange program; safety and oversight for athle c coaches for youth athle c teams; and ensuring trans- parency and accountability via police body cameras. Today, Jones proudly serves Florida's 34th Senate Dis- trict, which includes Northeast Miami-Dade County. Senator Jones served on President Barack Obama's College Promise Task Force and is an ac ve member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Jones was also recently appointed to President Biden's Board of Ad- visors on Historically Black Colleges and Universi es (HBCUs). One of the most influen al and well-known stars of the "RuPaul's Drag Race" TV franchise, Latrice Roy- ale has used her voice to raise awareness, support equality and advocate for social change. With more than 20 years' experience working as a drag queen in South Florida, Latrice con nues to take pride in her beliefs and commitment to personal and societal growth. Raised Timothy Wilcots in Compton, Califor- nia, Royale was born on a Halloween night dressed as Wanda from "In Living Color" at the Copa in Fort Lauderdale. Royale made her mark in TV history by becoming the first drag queen to appear in drag on QVC - starring in a promo onal ad campaign en - tled "Latrice Royale for Ruby Royale" for the Squir- rel Brand snack mix. In 2004, Latrice won Miss Pride South Florida; and, in 2012, she purchased the Miss Pride South Florida Pageant under her own talent management company and has successfully hosted the event at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center as well as Club Boom and Hunters in Fort Lauderdale. A champion for body-posi vity and defying gender roles, Latrice and partner, Christopher Hamblin, are constantly challenging the assump ons and miscon- cep ons found in society. Jacqueline Lorber, president and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra, and Sebrina María Alfonso, founder and music director of South Flor- ida Symphony Orchestra, are an award-winning en- trepreneurial and crea ve LGBT duo who helm the region's largest symphony. Now celebra ng its 25th anniversary, the Wilton Manors-based SFSO is dedi- cated to providing enriching cultural music experi- ences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami- Dade and Broward Coun es. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communi es, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innova ve programming and transforma ve educa- onal ini a ves. A pioneer in its commitment to sym- phonic music for underserved communi es, its Sym- phony in the Schools program has touched the lives of 100,000 students since its incep on in 1997. SFSO was recently named the first Partner in the Arts for The Parker by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and has been recognized by the Broward County Cultural Division as a "Major Cultural Ins tu on," one of only a handful of organiza ons to be so hon- ored. In this milestone year, the growing symphony also announced its new Miami home at the Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall at the New World Center. The power couple champions musical crea v- ity and innova on through a strong commitment to diversity. They inten onally feature female compos- ers and promote equality among the members of the orchestra, as well as within the structure of the SFSO, and throughout the musical community-at-large. Now celebra ng its 20th anniversary, the Bears of South Florida is a nonprofit social volunteer orga- niza on dedicated to raising funds for other LGBT or- ganiza ons in need. Begun in 2003 as a grassroots movement to provide a safe space for Bears and their admirers to gather and have fun, the organiza- on (affec onately known then as the "Pool Party Guys") is now recognized as a community leader that has awarded more than $150K in grants. Recipients of their generosity include The Naples Pride Center, The Pride Center at Equality Park, SunServe, South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, Poverello, Deliver The Dream, Broward House, Florida AIDS Walk, SAGE, Honorees - Con't on page 20

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