An unstoppable entrepreneur, a lover of purple and dolphins, and a woman with a deep belief in humanity, Kendra Walker is a wonder to behold. The 41-year-old is the owner and founder of LeadingChoice Solutions, LLC and IntelliChoice Solutions, Inc., two IT consulting firms she created in 2007 and 2010, respectively. She also started Lesbians of Color, Inc. (LOC), a group whose goal is to “create positive, safe places for diverse, progressive women to have fun, encourage each other, offer keys for individual success, foster meaningful friendships and improve our community [by] shining a national spotlight on the queer woman of color,” she says.
Walker has not stopped at there. This year, she started Kay Rocque, a party hosted every the second Friday of every month at Avant Garden in Houston, Texas. The event boasts hookah, different music in each lounge, and lots of vendors to keep revelers entertained.
Describe yourself in a six-word sentence.
I’m a light you can’t extinguish.
What was the last thing you shared on social media?
An excerpt from the book Stripped by Cara Alwill Lebya:
“RISE
Don’t get angry or enraged or insulted. Rise above the bullshit. Flick your light back on, and shine it brighter than ever, and fall so deeply in love with your own life that anyone who tried to wrong you becomes a laughable, ridiculous, distant memory.”
What do you think is the main challenge facing LGBTQ people in your community
Visibility and equality.
It’s a struggle to find businesses and sponsors willing to invest in our community. The younger generation needs to see more of us live our lives loud and proud not hiding in the shadows; be present and represent so that more businesses and entities take notice.
Of course, our rights and the fight for equal treatment is never ending. Therefore, we must remain steadfast and get involved. Vote, be active in our local government, and raise our voices to ensure that our community is taken care of.
What is your favorite LGBTQ business where you live?
Not many businesses advertise themselves as an LGBTQ business. The ones that do are usually bars. With that in mind, my favorites would be Guava Lamp, Avant Garden, and Pearl Bar.
