Elevate LGBTQ+ Inclusion
2026

Join Us!
Elevate Event 2026: “The Power of Belonging.”
New Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Hotel Paradox.

Registration Now Open and Reserve Your Spot.
$20 per person includes continental breakfast.

Purpose of the Event: The Elevate event empowers businesses to take meaningful steps toward creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces. It functions as a platform where participants will gain access to essential tools, resources, and inspiration needed to build a more inclusive business environment throughout Santa Cruz County.
At the event, attendees will:

  • * Hear from Monica Martinez, County Supervisor about the important business laws in Santa Cruz County

  • * Hear compelling stories from local consumers about inclusive practices.

  • * Network with leaders committed to building cultures of belonging.

  • * Understand the legal, social, and economic importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion.

  • * Help shape a more inclusive Santa Cruz County—starting with their own businesses.

  • Invite others to attend and share with others via your newsletters.
    Use     graphics from our media kit here.

Sponsorship Opportunities and Benefits

Joining us as an event sponsor offers various levels of visibility and acknowledgment.

To be a sponsor or for more information, please contact:
Sharon Papo Sharon@lgbtqelearning.com
or Rob Darrow Robdarrow@SantaCruzPride.org

  • $2,500: Recognition as a lead sponsor in all promotional materials, featured prominently on social media, website, and named at the event. Opportunity to speak from stage (only two available) and free admission for your whole team up to 6 people. 

  • $1,000: Leadership sponsor acknowledgment in promotional materials, website listing, and event signage. Acknowledgement as sponsor from event stage. Free admission for your whole team up to 6 people.

  • $500: Supporter listing in promotional materials, website, and event signage. Acknowledgement as sponsor from event stage.

2025 ELEVATE LGBTQ+

WHAT DID WE LEARN

What Participants Thought

“Action Through Passion”

“Progress Not Perfection”

“The Business of Stories”

“The Power of the Pink Dollar”

“There are few places like Santa Cruz County for Queer Friendly Spaces”

Resources to support inclusive practices in your business:

Dusty Colyer-Worth, Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, dusty.colyerworth@diversitycenter.org

Sharon Papo, LGBTQ eLearning, sharon@lgbtqelearning.com

Melissa Begin, Visit Santa Cruz, mbegin@santacruz.org

Thank you to our fabulous
speakers and Panel

  • Sharon Papo, Co-Founder and CEO of LGBTQ eLearning

  • Dusty Colyer-Worth, Manager of OUTreach, Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County

Our Business Panel Members:

  • Matt DeYoung, Executive Director, Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship

  • Ivy Quirk, Head Children’s Book Buyer, Bookshop Santa Cruz

  • Sonja Brunner, Director of Operations, Downtown Santa Cruz Association

Event Agenda:

  1. Welcome

  2. The power of the Pink Dollar: The business case for LGBTQ+ Marketing: Dusty Colyer-Worth, The Diversity Center

  3. Building LGBTQ+ Inclusive Workplaces- why it’s important and tangible steps you can take: Sharon Papo, LGBTQ eLearning

  4. Panel of business owners and employees: local impact of inclusive workplaces and marketing

  5. Closing

  6. Tabling/Networking