Benchmark Strategies was proud to sponsor MassEquality’s Beacons of Light Dinner and Icon Award Ceremony last weekend. This year’s gala celebrated the exceptional leadership, voice, and advocacy of individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to bettering the lives of the LGBTQ community across the Commonwealth. MassEquality successfully fundraised $50,000 from the gala event.

Assistant Vice President of Public Affairs Jessica Morris proudly serves on MassEquality’s Board of Directors and had the honor of organizing the Gala as Co-Chair of the Development Committee. Jessica introduced Icon Award recipient, Quincey J. Roberts, Sr. (Executive Director for the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement).

Quincey J. Roberts Sr. is the inaugural Executive Director for the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement, which works to empower, protect and advance the rights, and dignity of all LGBTQ+ residents. Director Roberts has led impactful work with the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement, including hosting a LGBTQ+ Public Safety Town Hall, launching AmplifyGSA and the Beyond Pride mini-grants program.

“As a member of MassEquality’s Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Development Committee, I am proud to have organized the Beacons of Light Dinner and Icon Award Ceremony,” said Jessica. “It was a privilege to introduce Director Roberts as one of our incredible honorees. Supporting MassEquality is crucial in advancing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals in Massachusetts. We must continue to advocate and partner across issues, identities, and communities to build a more inclusive and politically powerful movement that brings about meaningful change.”

MassEquality has achieved numerous victories for the LGBTQ community across Massachusetts by advocating and partnering across issues, identities, and communities to build a broad, inclusive, and politically powerful movement that changes hearts and minds and achieves policy and electoral victories.