OutPro

Meet Chris Balletto (she/her), a trainer with more than 15 years of experience, including facilitating distance learning for groups of all sizes across multiple time zones and regions.

Chris currently serves on the Digital Services team at Corewell Health, supporting colleagues in strengthening their Microsoft skills through both classroom and web-based training. She also contributes to organizational culture by leading onboarding experiences and facilitating culture-shaping and leadership development courses.

In addition, Chris is a certified Cultural Intelligence trainer and collaborates closely with the organization’s Belonging team to deliver sessions such as Unconscious Bias and LGBTQIA+ 101.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys advocacy, hiking and exploring the world around her, and catering to the whims of her cats, Lily and Charlie.

She has served on the OutPro Council since January 2024, and we are so grateful to have Chris' voice and leadership at the table!

OutPro Council Spotlight: Charlee Vargas

Charlee has proudly served as an OutPro Council Member since 2024. She works as a Business Analyst at Fifth Third Bank and is the Co-Chair for the West Michigan LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group. In these roles, Charlee is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

Her commitment to advocacy and community engagement drives her to make a positive impact both inside and outside the workplace. Charlee believes that visibility and representation matter—and she strives to lead with authenticity and purpose.

In her free time, Charlee enjoys reading, diving into new video games, finding creative outlets and spending quality time with her wife and their dog.

Thank you, Charlee, for helping move this work forward with intention and heart!

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 🌈

Hear from Rick Baker, President & CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber, as he shares how OutPro began and the impact it has today for LGBTQIA+ professionals in West Michigan.

Come connect, grow your network, and be part of an inclusive future 💼✨

𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐
𝟏𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐀.𝐌. – 𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐏.𝐌.
𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

🔗 https://grandrapids.org/event/outpro-forum-2025-10-22/

On August 5, the OutPro Celebration brought LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, professionals, and allies together for a night of connection and pride. 🌈

The message was clear: when we build inclusive spaces, everyone wins.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to see you at the next OutPro event in October!

https://grandrapids.org/event/outpro-forum-2025-10-22/

🏳️‍🌈 It’s Grand Rapids Pride Festival weekend and the perfect time to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ owned businesses that help make our city vibrant and welcoming

Grand Rapids welcomes all and is proud to be home to many LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. Check out this guide featuring local spots we think you’ll love 🌈

Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQIA+ Businesses to Check Out Inclusive businesses in the Grand Rapids area!