Melder: 'The word business just seems more externally inclusive'

One of Houston's largest banks is actively promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives through a partnership with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Amegy Bank's partnership with Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce allows the bank to promote DEI initiatives not just internally but also "outside their bank walls" through the business resource group meetings, according to a June 21 KHOU 11 report.

"If you're out trying to bring in business through the LGBT community, ally or someone who identifies, the word business just seems more externally inclusive,” Amegy Bank LGBTQ+ BRG Chair Clay Melder said to KHOU 11.

Amegy Bank, a subsidiary of Salt Lake City-based Zions Bancorporation, maintains its headquarters in Five Post Oak Park business park in Houston, KHOU 11 reported.

Melder was among those commenting in the news story, published as part of KHOU 11's June series “Our Story Our History” that focuses on Pride month. The news story was published three days before the Houston Pride Parade.

The LGBTQ+ allies group at Amegy Bank recently met to discuss efforts to promote diversity in the wider community, according to the news story. The group actively engages in various activities, including food bank events and volunteering at homeless shelters, as a way to contribute to the well-being of marginalized individuals. Collaborating with the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce has further enabled the Amegy Bank group to extend its DEI initiatives.

“Our group is strongly supported by allies, not just people who identify,” one group member told KHOU 11.

It's about the Amegy Bank's brand and how it's viewed in Greater Houston, Amegy Bank LGBTQ+ BRG Co-chair Kenrick Jacobs said in the news story.

“Our main focus at the beginning was focusing on the community," Jacobs added, according to KHOU 11. "So, getting our banks branding outside in the community."

"One thing we are really proud of and something I was a part of, is being the very first bank part of the chamber," another member said in the news story.

"I did not grow up feeling accepted," Melder said in the news story. "I always felt like something was wrong with me."

That can make things difficult, another Amegy Bank LGBTQ+ BRG group member said, according to the news story.

"I was not out when I joined the BRG, so, it kind of made me more comfortable at work to be who I was," Shelby said, according to KHOU 11. "It's always in the back of your mind. 'Oh my God. How is my manager going to react? How is my coworker going to react when they find out who I’m dating?'"

Experiences such as Shelby's can be encouraging, Melder said to KHOU 11.

"Anytime I hear stuff like that, just to be frank, we work really hard and that’s why," Melder said in the news story.

"It means a lot to be around a group of people with leadership that accepts you for who you are," Jacobs added, according to KHOU 11.