Board of Directors

Become a Board Member

Serving as a Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce board member is a great way to develop relationships with other business professionals and contribute to the success of the Greater Sacramento region and its business community.

Our board positions are voluntary and consist of a diverse group of local business owners, entrepreneurs and a variety of industry professionals. Each board member is required to lead or serve on a committee and attend monthly board meetings.

For more information about serving on the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce board of directors, please contact us.

Executive Team

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About Samuel

Samuel N. Jones moved to Sacramento in 2011 to start a new career at Sacramento State. He has been part of the Sacramento Gay community since 2011. He participates, supports, and volunteers for several events including the Red Dress Fundraiser, Gay Pride, Boas and Bowties, Drag Queen Bingo, and The RCC Annual Crab Feed – just to name a few.

He has helped support the community and scholars through his active participation in charitable live auctions. As a Sac State employee, he has held numerous roles on the campus. He supports students by contributing annually to Sac State’s Advancement office to ensure students’ basic needs are met with scholarships, housing, and food. In addition, he is an annual donor to Sac State’s Power of 1,000 Hornets.

Samuel N. Jones
(He/His/Him)

Rainbow Chamber Chair
Executive Director University Housing Services, Sacramento State

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About Sara

Sara Hanson is the Associate Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Broadway Sacramento, presenter of Broadway On Tour, and producer of Broadway At Music Circus for more than eight years, bringing together both her lifelong passion for theatre (actor/director/producer) and her background in marketing and PR.

In 2004, Sara, as the then Public Relations Specialist for Sierra Forever Families – an agency focused on permanency for youth in foster care – built her relationship with Fred Palmer, owner of Outword Magazine, and the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber.

Sara’s marketing career began in 1996 when she proudly joined the PR team for Tower Records corporate headquarters in West Sacramento. “No Music. No Life.” Working with Russ Solomon was one of the best experiences of her life.

Sara’s marketing career began in 1996, when she proudly joined the PR team for Tower Records corporate headquarters in West Sacramento. “No Music. No Life.” Working with Russ Solomon was one of the best experiences of her life.

Sara Hanson
(She/Her/Hers)

Rainbow Chamber Vice Chair
Associate Director of Marketing, Broadway Sacramento

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About Austin

With a diverse professional background that spans industries such as non-profit organization management, client services, small business ownership, and real estate sales and investment; Austin thrives in a setting where he’s helping individuals and businesses achieve their goals. Austin is a natural connector. Whether through business advocacy, getting food in hungry bellies during unprecedented times of the pandemic, or helping individuals achieve real estate goals and dreams; Austin demonstrates a constant passion and drive to help people. “I absolutely love living in such a diverse city. As a Realtor, bragging about Sacramento’s rich history, amenities, and the quirkiness this big little city has to offer is something in which I take great pride. Whether I’m working with out-of-towners looking to plant some new roots here or folks looking to relocate within Sacramento; I will sing Sacramento’s praises because this is my town and I am proud to call it home with my husband and our little dog.

Austin Cooper
(He/His/Him)

Rainbow Chamber Secretary
Grounded Real Estate

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About Alexandra

Alexandra is passionate about serving her community and creating connections in order to uplift LGBTQ+ owned businesses and ventures. She and her wife moved to Sacramento in 2017 to enjoy the amazing things this city has to offer, and find a community they would like to set roots in for the future. Alexandra has since then built a business as a mortgage loan officer, and serves her clients by educating them on the home-buying process and financing options they have. She most recently has been an integral part of building a “one-click homeownership” experience by joining a Sacramento-based start-up technology company called RedDoor!

Alexandra is excited to attract more diversity into the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, and focus on supporting each other as a community to lift each other up.

Alexandra Michel
(She/Her/Hers)

Rainbow Chamber Treasurer
Head of ODHB Production @ Opendoor

Executive Director

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About Fred

Fred is the founder and Publisher of Outword Media Marketing and Events Inc. Now in its 26th year, Outword Magazine is an award-winning LGBT publication and publishes on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, providing news and entertainment for the LGBT community, as well as image consulting, logo design, fundraising, and alternative distribution channels to its clients.

Fred is one of the original founding members of the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce and the Rainbow Chamber Foundation and has served several terms as President on each board.
He has worked with many community organizations, doing special events and fundraisers including PFLAG, Davis Pride, SIGLFF, and Sac LGBT Wedding Expo, helping to raise awareness for LGBT issues and to bring in necessary funding. Fred and his team also created Sacramento Drag Queen Bingo, which to date, has raised over $350,000 for local charities and is now managed by the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce.

Fred has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Communications, with an emphasis in Marketing and Business Management, from San Francisco State University.

Fred Palmer
(He/His/Him)

Outword Media – Rainbow Chamber & Foundation Executive Director
Executive Director

Rainbow Chamber Staff members

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About Lauren

Lauren Pulido (he/they) is a coalition builder, world changer and transgender community advocate and is excited to join the Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce as their Outreach and Engagement Manager. In his previous role as Co-Executive Director at the Gender Health Center, he worked to support and advocate on behalf of transgender individuals for medical and primary care physicians, insurance carriers that deny transgender people care, legal disputes for those that have been denied, and much more.

Lauren attended California State University, Sacramento and graduated in 2019 as the first person to graduate with an LGBTQ+ Studies minor, also helping create this curriculum for future graduates of this program. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies with an associates in Behavioral Health Studies and LGBTQ+ Studies. After graduating, Lauren held space as a representative to California’s District 7 Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. During his first four months within the California State Legislature, Lauren facilitated raising the Transgender Pride Flag over Sacramento’s City Hall and California’s State Capitol for Transgender Day of Remembrance in 2019. This was the first time in our nation’s history that the Transgender Pride Flag has been raised at a state capital building. Lauren is also a columnist for Northern California’s LGBT publication, Outword Magazine, where he writes about his personal experiences and journey as a transgender man, as well as amplifying the lived experiences of other Sacramento trans and gender non-conforming community members. He also sits on Visit Sacramento’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. Lauren will forever dedicate his life to embracing the movement, living authentically, and breaking down barriers to help build a society focused on equity and protecting our most historically marginalized communities.

Lauren lives in Sacramento, CA with his Bernese Mountain Dog puppy named Gunther, four kittens, and a giant tortoise. He enjoys visiting neighboring communities and bridging the gaps of service beyond urban city limits and to those who are harder to reach. He will forever dedicate his life to leaving a better world than he found it and enriching and supporting the community that he loves, his transgender family.

Lauren Pulido
(He/They)

Outreach and Engagement Manager

Board Members

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About Joel

Member since 2016, Owner of Pucci’s Pharmacy on J Street in Midtown. Joel has over 20 years of experience in corporate Marketing and Sales. Along with his husband Clint, a Pharmacist, they decided to purchase a thriving community pharmacy and Pucci’s was a natural fit. Pucci’s is focused on the total health and well-being of Sacramento and the surrounding areas. Their primary goal is to ensure that access to prescription and over the counter medications is delivered in a personalized and compassionate way to all members of the community. This philosophy is especially important to some of the challenging situations faced with the LGBT community of which Joel and Clint take a personal interest in. As a small business owner Joel is eager to work toward ensuring the business community is positioned for success by working with community leaders to focus on issues that drive diversity and economic prosperity.

Joel Hockman
(He/His/Him)

Immediate Past Rainbow Chamber Chair
Owner, Pucci’s Pharmacy
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About Kris

Kris began her career with AARP in 2004. As a State and Community Engagement Specialist for AARP California, she oversees AARP programs–both in-person and virtual–and development in Sacramento.

She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and brings with her many years of experience leading several initiatives focusing on delivering positive and meaningful social change through community-centered programs. Kris expanded the scope of AARP marketing activities, partnerships, and outreach by leading a diversity initiative targeting Asian American Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ California communities. Kris is a Board of Directors for the Sacramento Asian Chamber of Commerce, a fellow with Equality California Leadership Program, and a Task Force member of the Sacramento Police LGBTQ+ Community Advisory Team.

Outside of the office, she spearheads fundraising events both in California and Alaska for non-profit organizations that help underserved communities. She spearheaded first-ever Alaska’s “Biking for AIDS” and was instrumental in the development of the “Breast Cancer Awareness Program” in Anchorage, Alaska. She has been recognized for her efforts in organizing fundraising events such as “Fund for Prescription Drugs,” Pennies from Heaven”, “Honolulu Marathon for Leukemia”, and the million-dollar “Together for Tomorrow” event for one of the local hospitals in Alaska.

Kris Ritualo
(She/Her/Hers)

Board Member
Senior Program Specialist, AARP California

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About Gerard

Gerardo Cabral currently serves as the Community Relations Manager for ABC10 in Sacramento. Originally from San Diego, Gerardo is proud to be a first-generation Gay Chicano male living his parent’s wildest dreams.

Gerardo is passionate about empowering, advocating, and promoting equity, racial justice, community art & activism, and generational wealth in Sacramento and the surrounding region. With nearly 10 years’ experience working for and with non-profits, Gerardo’s creative and dynamic leadership has led to several successful community engagement initiatives proving an increase in mission-driven outcomes. In addition to his work at ABC10, Gerardo and his husband, David, own and operate their small business, Ghost Ink Company – a Queer Latinx owned Tattoo & Art Studio.

Through his strengths, passion for serving, and dedication to his community, Gerardo looks forward to continuing working with organizations that advocate, empower, and elevate the community to thrive and seek their fullest potential.

Gerardo Cabral
(He/Him/His)

Board Member
Community Relations Manager at ABC10

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About Erika

Erika is an exceptional individual who has achieved success as a self-made entrepreneur, real estate investor, and mental health advocate. Her journey began in 2001 when she arrived in the USA following the political collapse and subsequent resignation of President Fujimori, which led to the closure of the Australian Drilling and Exploration company she had been administering in South America due to the unstable economy.

To support her two young daughters, Erika started waitressing and cleaning homes. In 2003, her hard work and determination paid off when she was hired by Verizon Wireless, the nation’s leading provider of wireless communications, as a Customer Service Representative. Within a year, she transitioned to the Sales department, where her exceptional performance earned her the prestigious “Winning Circle” Award annually.

In 2007, Erika’s outstanding sales achievements were recognized when she became one of only eight Verizon Wireless employees nationwide to receive the highly esteemed President’s Cabinet Award, the highest honor attainable in the entire Sales Department. Her dedication and commitment to excellence were further demonstrated when she was promoted in 2008 to the position of Supervisor of the Telesales department, where she fostered a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion among her team.

Following the closure of all Verizon’s Call Centers in California in 2017, Erika embarked on a new entrepreneurial venture by entering the event planning business, where she discovered her passion for entrepreneurship and community engagement. Simultaneously, she began investing in real estate and achieved recognition as a Superhost with Airbnb.

In 2018, Erika joined SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utility District), where she thrived in her role by assisting customers in distress and making a significant impact on the community she served. In March 2022, she was selected as the Community Resource Liaison for the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce, dedicating a year of service to supporting the LGBTQ+ and allied community. As a Board Member of the Rainbow Chamber and a member of the SMUD DEIB Council, Erika takes great pride in actively supporting both organizations while advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion for all. She remains an agent of positive change, working towards cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Erika’s remarkable journey exemplifies her resilience, determination, and commitment to making a positive impact in various domains. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her advocacy for mental health and dedication to fostering diverse and inclusive communities, continues to inspire those around her.

Erika J. Janson
(She/Her/Ella)

Board Member
Independent Business Owner, Real Estate Investor & Mental Health Advocate

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About Erika

Erica joined the Chamber in 2023 as the owner and operator of Platinum Notary, offering mobile Notary, Loan Signing, and Wedding Officiant services in and around the greater Sacramento area. Platinum Notary has been in business since 2019. Erica also works for Sacramento State as the Division Office Coordinator for the School of Social Work. Erica has over 8 years of experience working in public service to provide basic needs to those in marginalized communities. Erica participates, supports, and volunteers at Chamber events such as Drag Queen Bingo, Sacramento Gay Pride, and our monthly networking mixers.

Erica supports the local LGBTQ+ community by making annual donations to the Sacramento LGBT Center and by solemnizing (“marrying”) queer and same-sex couples so folks in our community have a loving, welcoming environment when they are making their lifelong commitment to one another.

Erica is from the Bay Area but moved to Sacramento in 2010. Erica lives in Sacramento with her wife of 9 years. In her spare time, Erica enjoys taking dance fitness classes at Physique Dance Fitness in Land Park, attending concerts, going to festivals, volunteering, and going to brunch.

Erica Quarles
(She/Her/Hers)

Board Member
Notary Public, Loan Signing Agent

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About Amy

Amy Medina is a proud business owner and professional in the art of capturing life’s most treasured moments through Amy Medina Photography.

Bringing a wealth of experience from her past roles at Wells Fargo Bank, she had the honor of representing the Rainbow Chamber of Commerce and Rainbow Chamber Foundation in previous years. Her journey in the business world has been a blend of financial acumen and creative passion, culminating in the establishment of Amy Medina Photography.

Specializing in authentic and joyful photography, her lens is dedicated to weaving visual narratives for families, couples, and small businesses alike. It is her sincere belief that every photograph tells a unique story, and Amy is committed to preserving the essence of Sacramento’s vibrant community through her lens.

Through her lens and advocacy, she aims to nurture connections, celebrate diversity, and showcase the beauty in the simplest moments of life. Together, let’s illuminate the stories that make our community truly exceptional.

Amy Medina
(She/Her/Hers)

Rainbow Chamber Foundation Board Member
Entrepreneur, Photographer, Community Advocate