Investing in the future, celebrating community, and building connections.
At Live Oak AV, we believe that showing up matters. Especially when it comes to uplifting the people and organizations that shape our communities. One of the most powerful examples of this is our ongoing partnership with GSBA. GSBA is the largest LGBTQ+ and allied chamber of commerce in North America. It serves as both a business network and a force for education, economic equity, and community care.
Celebrating The Next Generation of LGBTQ+ Leaders
Hosted by community icon Aleksa Manila, the program featured storytelling, music, and a powerful sense of belonging. Before the formal program even began, scholars gathered for a special social hour. That energy carried through the day, creating a sense of warmth and welcome that defined the entire experience.
At our table, CEO & Co-Founder, Jennifer O’Neal, had the chance to sit next to a resident at Seattle Children’s Hospital who shared how receiving a GSBA scholarship opened the door to medical school and a future in pediatric cardiology. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of community.
One moment that especially stood out was hearing from Liv, a graduating scholar who spoke about what it meant to hear just one word from GSBA: “Yes.” That affirmation, both of their academic goals and their identity, was a lifeline. “Life is tough enough for college students in 2025,” shared Stacy Harbour-Van Hoy, GSBA’s Scholarship & Education Fund Director. “Saying yes to Liv, and to all of our scholars, is one of the most powerful parts of what we do.”
Why Showing Up Still Matters
Since its founding, the GSBA Scholarship & Education Fund has awarded over $7 million to LGBTQ+ and allied students across Washington State. With over 400 applications every year, the program is supported by a small but mighty team of three staff members and an incredible network of volunteers who review applications and help select recipients. Many of those volunteers attend the celebration and get to see the impact of their time and care firsthand.
“Running the scholarship program isn’t just seasonal work,” Stacy explains. “It’s a 365-24-7 operation. Scholars don’t just receive a check — they reach out to us for guidance, resources, and connection. For many, GSBA is the first place they’ve felt fully out and accepted. We become that constant source of support.”
This event is not like most scholarship events. This celebration feels like the graduation party you always wanted—filled with dancing unicorns, confetti, and music. It celebrates students for who they are, in all their full, authentic brilliance. In a time when many nonprofits are facing uncertainty and budget cuts, that kind of joyful community gathering is more important than ever.
“It’s tough going out there right now,” says Stacy. “We’re seeing increased scrutiny at the federal level — both around our nonprofit status and for being openly DEI-focused. The LGBTQ+ community is facing renewed threats to basic human rights, and projected cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and Pell Grants add to the pressure our scholars feel.”
She adds, “In times like this, it’s natural to want to turn inward. But events like the Scholars Celebration remind us why showing up matters. They are a visible declaration that our community cannot and will not be erased.”
About GSBA: Advocacy, Access, and Economic Empowerment
While many know GSBA for its scholarship fund, the organization is also a powerful advocate for Washington’s LGBTQ+ business community. Beyond student support, GSBA connects more than 1,300 members—from small businesses to nonprofits to corporate partners. Through those relationships, it provides resources and programs that foster equity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship.
Their work spans:
- Business Development & Networking:
Events and programs that help small businesses grow, connect, and thrive. - Diversity & Inclusion Training:
Workshops and consulting that support more inclusive workplaces. - LGBTBE Certification Assistance:
Helping businesses become certified and connect with supplier diversity opportunities.
What sets GSBA apart is how deeply community-rooted it is. They are connectors, advocates, and bridge-builders creating meaningful spaces where people can grow professionally and feel personally supported.
Support the LGBTQ+ Community During Pride and Beyond
GSBA’s work doesn’t stop after the Scholars Celebration. In fact, Pride month is one of the most vibrant and active times of year for the organization — and a perfect opportunity for community members, businesses, and allies to get involved.
Throughout June, GSBA is hosting and participating in a series of events that celebrate LGBTQ+ pride, build community, and raise funds. Here are a few ways you can take part:
- GSBA at the Seattle Mariners and Seawolves
Join GSBA at two exciting games. The Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Seawolves rugby match. A portion of every ticket sold through GSBA will go directly to the Scholarship Fund, so every cheer from the stands helps send a scholar to school.
$5 from every Mariners ticket & 10% of ticket sales for the Seawolves match support scholarships. - GSBA Pride Luncheon and Pop-up Market – June 18
The annual Pride Luncheon brings together small businesses, local leaders, and community members for a dynamic afternoon of connection and celebration. You’ll meet local vendors, hear inspiring stories, and experience the power of LGBTQ+ economic resilience in action.
For a full list of upcoming events, check out the GSBA Events Calendar. Whether you’re attending a game, supporting a small business, or simply showing up, your presence makes a difference.
Why Our Partnership Matters
Live Oak AV is proud to support organizations like GSBA. We share a belief in the power of visibility, connection, and showing up. Whether we’re providing tech for a celebration or helping amplify a message through sound and light, we see our role as more than just AV support—we’re community partners who want to help others do their most impactful work.
That’s why our collaboration with GSBA matters. We’ve seen what’s possible when businesses, nonprofits, donors, and volunteers come together with purpose.
Learn more about GSBA
Curious about the GSBA Scholarship Fund and the incredible students it supports?
You can learn more or make a donation that helps lift up the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.
