NGLCC Co-Founders Justin Nelson (President) and Chance Mitchell (CEO) recognized the tireless dedication and leadership of former NGLCC Board of Directors member Irwin Drucker during the record-breaking 2017 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference. For his decades of work supporting the LGBT business community, Irwin was awarded the first-ever NGLCC Legacy Award.
In 1999, Irwin earned the distinction of establishing the first LGBT supplier diversity program in the world at NGLCC founding partner IBM. He was then appointed its first director– 16 years after starting with the company. For his industry-leading commitment to our community and our businesses, Irwin was awarded the first “LGBT Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year” by NGLCC in 2008.
Irwin retired from IBM in May 2012, and has continued a commitment to serving the LGBT community– especially our youth, and people affected by HIV and AIDS. Irwin was a member of the Board of Directors of The Pride Center, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Fort Lauderdale, and has received Multicultural Leadership Award from the Florida Diversity Council. But perhaps most personally to the NGLCC family: Irwin has been an invaluable friend and leader serving on the NGLCC Board of Directors for several years, helping chart the course that has brought us to this 15th year.
And while he is retiring from the Board this year, his passion for our community is now permanently woven into the fabric of the NGLCC. His positivity and optimism make him the living embodiment of his favorite expression: LIFE IS GOOD.
