Reaching Out MBA: Empowering the Next Generation of LGBTQ+ Business Leaders

Reaching Out MBA has cemented itself as a central force in building community, advancing professional development, and advocating for inclusion among LGBTQ+ business students and professionals across the United States. Founded to support queer individuals pursuing MBAs, the organization has evolved into a powerful platform that connects diverse talent with leading corporations, mentors, and resources, challenging the status quo of the business world and championing queer inclusion at every level .

The ROMBA Conference 2025, which was announced this week, will take place from September 25-27 in New Orleans, LA. This event is recognized as the world’s largest gathering dedicated to queer MBA students and alumni, drawing participants from top business schools, Fortune 500 companies, and advocacy organizations . The conference agenda features a dynamic mix of C-suite panels, industry workshops, networking receptions, career fairs, and competitions. These sessions are designed not just to foster professional growth, but also to empower attendees to bring their authentic selves into the workplace and beyond.

The ROMBA Conference is more than a networking event—it is a statement of visibility and affirmation for queer business professionals. As one of the few spaces where queer identity and business ambition are celebrated together, the conference has become a launchpad for new careers, partnerships, and ideas that shape the future of corporate culture .

While the annual conference garners significant attention, Reaching Out MBA’s programming runs year-round, offering leadership development, mentorship, and community-building opportunities for its members. These efforts are supported by a growing list of national corporate partners that have publicly committed to queer inclusion, offering sponsorship, mentorship, and recruitment opportunities. Companies participating in ROMBA’s events help set the standard for affirming and equitable workplaces, while also gaining access to a pipeline of highly qualified queer candidates .

In a business landscape historically dominated by heteronormative norms, LGBTQ+ professionals have often faced barriers to advancement, inclusion, and even basic acceptance. Organizations like Reaching Out MBA work to dismantle these barriers by:

- Providing safe, affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ students and alumni to connect and grow .
- Advocating for inclusive hiring practices and workplace protections .
- Highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and leadership styles in driving innovation and business success .

The significance of this work is underscored by ongoing debates about queer rights and protections in the workplace. While federal employment protections have been strengthened by recent legal decisions, gaps remain, especially for transgender people and those living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities . Initiatives like ROMBA’s not only provide practical support—such as mentoring and job placement—but also create a sense of belonging and pride that can be life-changing for LGBTQ+ professionals.

Queer leaders and alumni who have participated in Reaching Out MBA events often describe a transformative impact. Many cite the connections made at ROMBA as pivotal in their career trajectories, providing access to mentors, sponsors, and employers who value their identities as strengths rather than liabilities. The conference’s panels and workshops are frequently led by out executives and entrepreneurs, offering role models and strategies for navigating the unique challenges LGBTQ+ professionals may face .

The prominence of Reaching Out MBA and its ROMBA Conference comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights continue to be debated in legislative and corporate arenas. According to advocacy organizations, passing comprehensive protections such as the Equality Act remains a key goal, as many LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations . Business organizations like ROMBA play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policy and practice—demonstrating how inclusion benefits not only individuals but also the companies and communities they serve.