February 16, 2021
Statement from NGLCC Co-Founders Justin Nelson & Chance Mitchell:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the business voice of the LGBT community, is deeply saddened at the loss of Arne Sorenson, President and CEO of NGLCC Corporate Partner Marriott International.
As Marriott’s official statement mentions: Arne was known for his leadership on difficult national and global issues, steering Marriott to make significant progress on diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability and human trafficking awareness.
We are lucky to have his passionate leadership and commitment to inclusion in the NGLCC network.
At our 2016 NGLCC National Dinner, Arne took to the stage to assure our crowd of advocates and business leaders that Marriott — and he personally — stands with the LGBTQ community in the face of whatever threats may come our way. He and his team have not backed down from that commitment in our many years of close partnership. Additionally, When anti-LGBTQ legislation was being introduced throughout the country, Arne helped galvanize his fellow CEOs in solidarity with the LGBT community by denouncing similar laws as destructive for business and for American social progress.
He believed in a workforce and supply chain that is as diverse as the communities his hotels served. NGLCC’s LGBT Business Enterprises in the United States and around the globe have benefitted tremendously from that belief. We will miss him, and will continue championing his ideals for many years ahead with our close partners at Marriott.
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ABOUT NGLCC:
The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as Certified LGBTBEs®. www.nglcc.org @nglcc
NGLCC MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathan Lovitz
Senior Vice President, NGLCC
press@nglcc.org | 202.499.3042
