News

Black Lives Matter

“Black Lives Matter” should not be a radical statement. Recent events have once again brought a long, exhausting reality of black life to mainstream awareness. MAAP stands in solidarity with the black community against acts of racism, violence, and police brutality. We stand for inclusion of all people and against racism.

It’s time to end the cycles of violence against black lives and livelihoods. We all share a responsibility to be aware, educated, and engaged in bringing accountability to our own actions and the actions of those around us. It is each of our responsibility to be outspoken against racism and to recognize that racism is not binary--it is a spectrum of aggressions, biases, and blindspots built into the fabric of our society. Dismantling that within ourselves and within our culture can be daunting, but progress is made when we encounter uncomfortable truths and commit daily to being better.

Within MAAP, we urge our members, sponsors, partners, and communities to remember that black rights and LGBTQ+ rights are intertwined. From the riot at Stonewall, black queer, trans, and allied men and women have stood with our community with outspoken support and fought with us for equality.

To every black member of the MAAP community, we stand with you and black citizens in our city and across our nation. We see you. We hear you. We value you. We’re committed to this fight with you. Black Lives Matter.

Find resources to get involved here: https://blacklivesmatter.carrd.co. We encourage you to please take action however you can.

In Solidarity,

Woody Goff | Interim President
Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals

On behalf of MAAP’s board and leadership, we hope that you, our members, sponsors, partners and friends are staying safe and comfortable as our country and communities adjust to life with COVID-19.

To that extent, MAAP is postponing all events at this time—including its planned March 19th Pride in Health at Kika Studios event, which we will reschedule for later in the year.

While events are currently postponed, this is a great time to explore MAAP’s online networking tools! Below are some great ways to connect with MAAP members, sponsors and partners online:

• Job Board - Searching for new talent? Look for your next career move? MAAP's Job Board connects LGBTQ+ talent with organizations committed to creating opportunities. Post here to find the perfect fit.
• Sponsor Board - Get the latest news from MAAP Sponsors — special offers, upcoming events and more.
• Member Board - The place for open conversations, posts, and interactions in the MAAP community. Find a vendor referral. Get connected with a resource for your next big project. Introduce yourself as a new member. Give the MAAP board feedback and get others’ perspectives.
• Social Media - Social distancing doesn't mean you can't connect on social media. Connect with us and others on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

We will update you when MAAP will resume events as well as any other adjustments we may need to make related to COVID-19 safety.

In the meantime, we wish you a safe few weeks of social distancing. We will do our best to follow guidelines set forth by the CDC to stay healthy and we hope you are able to do the same. May your hands be washed, your Netflix be binged, and your quarantine cocktails stay full.

All the best,

August Wogsland
MAAP President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 06, 2020

ATLANTA – MAAP announced today the organization's officers for 2020, including a new President & CEO. August Wogsland (He/Him) will step in as President & CEO, Woody Goff (He/Him) as Vice President, Travis Hampton (He/Him) as Secretary, and Howard Burkat (He/Him) as Treasurer. Former President, Joshua D. Lorenz (He/Him), will remain on the Board of Directors as President Emeritus.

August Wogsland starts his role as the first ever transgender President & CEO of an Atlanta-based business networking organization. August joined MAAP as a member in June 2018 and quickly decided to start volunteering with the organization, moving up to the board as Director of Data and Analytics by the end of March. He moved down to Atlanta three years ago, and has found great purpose working with MAAP.

“The accomplishments of MAAP and our team over just the last year is extremely inspiring, and I cannot wait to see how we can improve in 2020. I hope to push the organization forward to provide better support for the marginalized groups within our LGBTQ community. I plan to listen to people within those groups to ensure we are doing our best to serve our entire community,” Wogsland said.

Joshua D. Lorenz, MAAP’s outgoing President & CEO of the past six years, as well as the only President to date of the organization under the MAAP Brand, first made the announcement of the 2020 officers at the organization's holiday party in December.

“Looking back on the last six years of service to MAAP, I could not be more proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish.  The organization has grown and connected Metro Atlanta’s LGBTQ professional community in ways I never imagined. I am proud of all that we have done, and I am thankful for the service to the community I have been fortunate enough to provide these past years” Joshua D. Lorenz said.

“I’m also excited to see this new group of Officers and Board Members get busy on continuing the work of our organization” Lorenz added. “I am excited to see August as he leads MAAP as we continue to grow, and I’m excited that the trans community will be given this spotlight with his role as President & CEO.”

About MAAP:

Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 31, 2019

ATLANTA – It is a new year and a new look for MAAP, The Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals! As a pioneering organization for the LGBTQ+ community for nearly 30 years, MAAP is proud to start 2020 with the debut of a new website. 

Featuring digital capabilities to enable online networking among members and sponsors, the organization’s new website allows MAAP members to reinforce the professional connections they form through networking events, engage with each other directly through forum discussions, and explore job opportunities and find new talent. 

“One of the most frequent requests from our members is a member directory and more ways to connect online.  I’m overjoyed that, today, we are making those requests a reality,” said MAAP President & CEO, Joshua D. Lorenz.  “We look forward to our members using these new capabilities, which will also integrate all aspects of our organization,” Lorenz added. 

Take your first peek at the new website at https://maapatl.org. Members are encouraged to login to update their profile and try out the new services available to the organization. The MAAP leadership is eager to hear your feedback which can be posted on the organization’s new forums or shared via email at officers@maapatl.org. 

About MAAP:

Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 30, 2019

ATLANTA – Allen Jones (1937-2019), Founder of the Atlanta Executive Network, now the Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019.

“Allen Jones was a true visionary, dedicating years of public service to the LGBTQ+ community,” MAAP President Joshua D. Lorenz shared. “Not only did Allen found and preside as AEN President for five years, he organized the AIDS fundraising group Helping Hands of Atlanta and continued hosting monthly business networking luncheons for years after his term at AEN ended, even while fighting brain cancer.”

Jones paved the way for the growth and success of AEN with his belief that gay and lesbian business professionals had much to offer each other and the community and by utilizing tactics such as event invitations being sent in unmarked brown envelopes to ensure the privacy of its members. Just two years after it’s launch, 94% of the organization's members voted to opening its doors to the media, boosting a membership in excess of 500. Several major news outlets, including the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Magazine and Southern Voice, ran articles announcing the size and influence of AEN to the LGBT and Atlanta business communities.

We mourn the loss of this Atlanta icon and LGBTQ+ leader, and send our condolences to the family and friends of Allen Jones. Jones’s family is planning a memorial service and details will be shared over the coming days on H M Patterson & Son Spring Hill Chapel site at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/atlanta-ga/hm-patterson-son-spring-hill-chapel/4944.

About MAAP:

Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

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MAAP Honored by the Atlanta City Council as a Game Changer in LGBTQ Equality

ATLANTA, June 18th, 2019 – MAAP joined an esteemed array of organizations from the City of Atlanta as one of the key contributors towards making Atlanta a more inclusive city. Honored for its work specifically within the LGBTQ community for being a leader in the fight toward ending emploment discrimination and creating a welcoming, inclusive workplace environment for the LGBTQ+ community, MAAP was recognized by council member Antonio Brown, representative for District 3, on Monday June 17, 2019.

“I am honored to recognize the leadership, hard work and dedication of LGBTQ community members and organizations in Atlanta,” Councilman Brown said. “Because of their efforts, Atlanta is a more inclusive city and a shining example of progress when we choose love.”

MAAP’s President and CEO, Joshua D. Lorenz, received the honor from Brown during a special event held in honor of Pride Month at Atlanta City Hall.

“This proclamation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of the previous and current volunteers of MAAP.  As an organization that operates entirely by dedicated volunteers, I am proud to accept this proclamation on behalf of all the individuals who have molded MAAP into the organization it is today and what it will be in the future,” Lorenz said. “We thank Councilman Brown for this distinguished honor and look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Atlanta and the metro area.”

During the event, MAAP was joined by other organizations such as Georgia Equality, GLAAD, Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, One Atlanta etc. that continuously work towards promoting and supporting the LGBTQ community in Atlanta.

About MAAP:

Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

About the Atlanta City Council:

The Atlanta City Council is the chief policy-making body for the City of Atlanta. It acts by considering and enacting all laws that govern the City. The council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City as recommended by the mayor, and it continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The Atlanta City Council reviews and has final say on many land-use and zoning matters. Major economic development projects for the City also fall under the council’s consideration.

The Atlanta City Council is comprised of 12 districts and three at-large posts. Council representatives include: Council President: Felicia A. Moore; District 1: Carla Smith; District 2: Amir Farokhi; District 3: Antonio Brown; District 4: Cleta Winslow; District 5: Natalyn Mosby Archibong; District 6: Jennifer N. Ide; District 7: Howard Shook; District 8: J.P. Matzigkeit; District 9: Dustin Hillis; District 10: Andrea L. Boone; District 11: Marci Collier Overstreet; District 12: Joyce M. Sheperd; Post 1 At-Large: Michael Julian Bond; Post 2 At-Large: Matt Westmoreland; and Post 3 At-Large: Andre Dickens.

Council information, committee agendas and more may be found on the Atlanta City Council website here. Video archives of the council’s regularly scheduled meetings, committee meetings and work sessions may be found here.

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ATLANTA – United in their shared goal in helping their members thrive, MAAP (Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals) is excited to name Georgia’s Own Credit Union as its newest Diamond Sponsor – its highest level of sponsorship.

With Georgia’s Own’s commitment to the prosperity of their members, and MAAP’s mission of professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBT+ professionals and their allies, the new sponsorship is a natural fit for the two venerable organizations.

“This deepens our already strong relationship with Georgia’s Own and provides us opportunities to strengthen our programming and broaden our reach,” said Joshua Lorenz, MAAP President and CEO. “Georgia’s Own is heavily involved in the community today and this further strengthens their mission to support the communities they are in as well as the LGBT+ community and their allies in Atlanta.”

Adam Marlowe, Principal Experience Officer at Georgia’s Own, adds, “Georgia’s Own has been pouring into our communities and the causes that our members care about for over 80 years, so partnering with MAAP to further their important mission only makes sense. I truly believe that together, we will be able to make a significant impact not only for the members of MAAP, but for our city as well, and I couldn’t be more excited.”

Diamond is the highest form of sponsorship with MAAP, playing a key role in continuing its mission to create an inclusive environment for the Metro Atlanta LGBTA+ community that allows for professional development through networking, high-quality events, training, mentoring and education.

About MAAP:
Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBT+ professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

About Georgia’s Own Credit Union:
Georgia’s Own Credit Union has been a source of full-service banking and financial solutions for Georgians since 1934. Because they’re owned by and report to their members (instead of stockholders), the not-for-profit institution is able to provide lower loan rates and fewer and lower fees than what is typically found in the market, all of which amounts to significant savings for families across the state. The 83 year-old credit union serves metro Atlanta and surrounding areas, as well as Savannah and Augusta, through its 23 branch locations, its contact centers, 24/7 phone banking, as well as its mobile, tablet and online banking platforms. Visit georgiasown.org to discover more about their variety of lending options, savings platforms, mobile banking and community activities.

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Atlanta, September 18th, 2015 – The Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals unveiled its new logo as part of a rebranding initiative, changing the face of MAAP to more closely reflect its mission.  MAAP serves to create an inclusive environment for the Metro Atlanta LGBTA+ community that allows for professional development through networking, high-quality events, training, mentoring and education.

“MAAP is a destination for our community to come together and network, and what better way to represent that destination than a graphical map pointer to lead the way both figuratively and literally,” said Tony Barnett, Marketing Director for MAAP.  “I’m excited to have been a part of this effort that will showcase a new look and feel for our brand to our community.”

Since MAAP’s 501(c)3 tax deductible certification in 2014, the conception and development of the new logo had been the organization’s most important project according to President and CEO Joshua D. Lorenz. “We collected feedback from our members and community partners in regards to our branding and we believe this new logo will help further put MAAP on the map as Atlanta’s premier LGBTA networking association.  We look forward for continued growth into the end of 2015 and through 2016.”

MAAP officially launched the logo and redesign on September 17 during a monthly Third Thursday Networking event with full support from its members and community partners.

MAAP expressed their gratitude to Rhys Black, a dedicated member who pioneered the redesigning project. Black had created and shared multiple logo concepts with MAAP and also helped create the final version of the new logo. “We are fortunate to have individuals such as Rhys as a member and cannot thank her enough for her help,” said Lorenz.

MAAP also thanked 3eighteen Media, the organization’s web development provider for the past two years for their work in making this branding update possible. “Their tireless work updating our branding across the website and other graphic media is most greatly appreciated.  If you are in the market for a new web developer or know someone is, please contact 3eighteen Media today,” Lorenz said.

About MAAP

Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBT professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

View the PDF Version of this Press Release.

Atlanta, May 4th, 2015 – MAAP’s President and CEO Joshua D. Lorenz’s nomination helped Young People Matter win the 2014 Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award sponsored by MedAssets. The Atlanta-based non-profit founded by Simone Joye was announced the recipient of the 2014 award at MedAssets annual Healthcare Business Summit on April 9, 2015.

Young People Matter is the only 24-hour emergency hotline and shelter in metro Atlanta area for youth under age 18. The founder Simone Joye is a former CEO of Newark, New Jersey’s Boys & Girls Club, a newspaper journalist and not-for-profit consultant who also mentored girls with low self-esteem at an Atlanta middle school. There, Joye met a group of sexually exploited girls who confided in her. This encounter led her to form YPM and support the city’s at-risk youth.

“There is no explanation for a child sleeping on the sidewalk in America,” said Joye. “These children need a place to turn, and they need hope and healing. It is our goal at Young People Matter to not only make sure no child is forced to sleep on the streets in Atlanta, but to also work to alleviate the problems of runaway, homeless and street youth.”

It was this passion and commitment that made Lorenz nominate Young People Matter for the award sponsored by his employer, MedAssets. “In October my company put out feelers asking for nominations for the humanitarian award,” Lorenz said.  “I immediately decided I was going to nominate Young People Matter because I so strongly believe in their cause.”

This award for Young People Matters is also a recognition of the benefits of networking and the growing reach of MAAP. MAAP started partnering with Young People Matters after their attendance at MAAP’s first Non Profit Showcase in 2013. Since then, connections made through MAAP has helped YPM tremendously.

The partnership between MAAP and YPM has been strengthened via Peter Engelmaier who serves on both organizations Board of Directors and often represents YPM at MAAP events.  Through his connections with MAAP, Engelmaier has been able to help YPM secure a new refrigerator and a washer and dryer set from MAAP members. Engelmaier also attended the final Presentation in front of MedAssets with Simone as the sole Board representative. “Merging two of my passions: the LGBTA community and the saving of children satisfies my deep desire to give back to the Atlanta community,” Engelmaier said. “I could not be prouder of my friend, Josh, for his generous spirit in nominating YPM for this award and the life changing work of Simone Joye.”

Joye has informed Lorenz that the funding from the 2014 Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award will allow Young People Matter to help 1000 homeless children this year.

 

About MAAP

Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBT professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

About Young People Matter

Young People Matter, founded in 2007, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to ensuring that no child is forced to sleep on the streets in Atlanta. The organization works to alleviate the problems of runaway, homeless and street youth; reunites children, whenever feasible, with their parents and families; encourages the resolution of inter-family problems through counseling and other services; works toward strengthening family relationships and encouraging stable living conditions for children; and helps youth decide upon a future course of action. Help Young People Matter ensure that no child sleeps on the streets of Atlanta. For more information visit www.ypmatlanta.org.

About the Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award

The Norman Borlaug Humanitarian Award honors the memory of an innovative, inspirational spirit and a lifetime humanitarian. This humanitarian award, presented annually by MedAssets, recognizes an equally ambitious desire and determination of an individual(s) to address unmet needs in the world by helping communities and those less fortunate. The award is named for Dr. Borlaug who dedicated his life’s work to finding ways to end famine and feed the world’s hungry. He is one of six people to have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

About MedAssets
MedAssets (NASDAQ: MDAS) is a healthcare performance improvement company focused on helping providers realize financial and operational gains so that they can sustainably serve the needs of their community. Approximately 4,500 hospitals and 123,000 non-acute healthcare providers currently use the company’s evidence-based solutions, best practice processes and analytics to help reduce the total cost of care, enhance operational efficiency, align clinical delivery, and improve revenue performance across the care continuum. For more information, please visit www.medassets.com.

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Atlanta, December 5th, 2014 – The Metro Atlanta Association of Professionals has successfully qualified the requirements to become a tax-deductible organization under the 501(c)(3) regulations. Donations made to the organization can be now considered tax write-offs, following MAAP’s new status.

“Achieving tax-deductible status for MAAP completes our final goal for 2014 and is a major accomplishment,” said Joshua D. Lorenz, President and CEO of MAAP. “The status is extremely advantageous for the organization and we expect to see major benefits as a result of this achievement.”

The 501(c)(3) status will allow MAAP to accept contributions and donations that are tax deductible to the donor.

Potential donors can go to www.maapatl.org/contact/ and click on the “Donate” button to make a tax-deductible donation to MAAP.

Lorenz also thanked The Law Office of Stephen M. Scriber, LLC for their hard work completing the paperwork required for the status.

More information about MAAP is available at: www.maapatl.org.

 

About MAAP

Founded in May 1992 by 15 people, MAAP’s mission is individual and professional development through networking, relationship-building and education for Atlanta’s LGBT professionals and our allies. MAAP currently has a connection network of more than 2,000 professionals.

The MAAP logo can be downloaded at: https://maapatl.org/logo.

View the PDF Version of this Press Release.