Quick Stats
Gus Penaranda, son of a pro soccer player, rediscovered his passion for the game after years of holding back as an out Hispanic gay man. Since 2016, he’s worked closely with FIFA and the 2026 World Cup Host Committee. Through the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Gus is helping NJ businesses tap into World Cup opportunities. His team at Evolvere is also building an online map of LGBTQ+ and diverse businesses and, with the NJ Diverse Business Advisory Council, creating a World Cup Guide to welcome the world in 2026.
New Jersey is a port state, and this makes international trade a big part of the states economic landscape. New Jersey is also the only state in the country that recognizes LGBTQ+ owned businesses and the next step is to develop the largest LGBTQ+ international trade network in the country. This will also allow Evolvere to support and educate the business community on Renewable Energy and how New Jersey businesses can benefit from such an initiative.
