Melissa Dickson and Trey Weir Complete Nine Month Leadership Program

Melissa Dickson, Community Liaison & Event Coordinator and Trey Weir, Recovery Support Peer Specialist, at Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) have successfully completed the nine-month LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute, a program of the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“The team at Prism Health North Texas is extremely proud of Melissa for representing our organization, and our commitment to professional development as a member of the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute’s class of 2025,” said Januari Fox, Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement for PHNTX. “Her commitment to our organization and the community we serve, and passion for leading others with dignity and respect is unparalleled.”

“During Trey’s time at PHNTX, he has actively demonstrated his commitment to strong advocacy and allyship to the substance care and treatment practice-setting, and recovery community,” said Rochelle Turner, LMSW, LCDC, Project STEP Program Manager. “This accomplishment as a member of the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute’s Class of 2025 is yet another skill building pursuit of excellence in leadership for this change agent. We celebrate him and his drive to provide the most nuanced, trauma-informed, and compassionate care for all our patients and the community at large.”

Members of the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute participate in a nine-month program designed to provide valuable leadership skills development, such as strategic planning, change management, and building and leading successful teams. They also gain opportunities to meet and learn from experts in their fields, along with an historical view of the LGBTQ+ equality movement and community. Graduates of the program have each completed more than 50 hours of course instruction on a variety of topics with an emphasis on the impact by, or on, the LGBTQ+ community.

“The goal of the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute is to fill the generational information gap that exists within and regarding the LGBTQIA+ community,” said Lisa Howe who manages the Leadership Institute program and serves as Vice President of Membership & Programs for the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. “Although there are a number of quality leadership programs in North Texas, none of them address topics specific to and the contributions made by the LGBTQ+ community. This program is the only one of its kind in the country, and we are proud to have it right here in North Texas.”

The LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute provides an inclusive and nurturing environment for a diverse cohort of individuals to develop skills and explore the critical issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether one identifies as LGBTQ or an Ally, graduates of the LGBTQ+ Leadership Institute can be confident in their ability to represent and articulate the issues facing LGBTQIA+ community.”

Melissa Dickson is the Community Liaison & Event Coordinator for PHNTX. As a member of the Development team, Melissa focuses on fundraising and philanthropic events as well as establishing and maintaining volunteer, donor, and community partnerships. With a lifelong dedication to LGBT, arts, and non-profit community involvement, she is a seasoned project and event manager with a diverse skillset encompassing relationship management, event planning, and professional stage and costume management. With a robust background in both corporate and creative environments, she brings a unique blend of operational excellence and artistic flair to every project.

Trey Weir is the Peer Recovery Support Specialist for PHNTX. As a member of the Behavioral Health team, Trey provides recovery support to PHNTX clients to help them navigate their recovery from substance abuse in treatment, recovery planning, or serving as a safe place to lend an ear. He facilitates several recovery support groups including SMART Recovery Oak Cliff and New Spin Crystal Meth Anonymous. His lived experience with alcoholism, methamphetamine addiction, and incarceration fuels his passion to help those who have also been through similar issues. Since his release from incarceration in 2022, Trey has earned an Associate of Arts degree from Tarrant County College and is currently working on his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work at the University of Texas at Arlington with a 4.0 GPA.

About the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Established by the North Texas LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation develops leaders in the LGBTQIA+ community. The Foundation is also home to the LGBTQ Chamber Foundation Scholarship Fund.

The LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a Texas nonprofit organization designated as tax exempt as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Additional information is available at https://lgbtchamberfoundation.org/