One of the most powerful things about being a business owner is the ability to create a work environment according to your own principles. So many of us have worked within a company or organization and been disappointed by the way things were run, the way team members were treated. So, we wanted to ask some fantastic business owners and operators how they’ve gone about creating a more inclusive workplace.

Abigail Wilson-Kageni

Creating a more inclusive workplace is crucial for fostering diversity and ensuring a positive work environment! Understanding how to cultivate a cozy work space for all those working amongst you comes from experiencing and growing with your team. Making inclusion a core part of any space’s values can boost the work community at large. You can encourage those around you to share their unique perspectives and actively work towards creating an inclusive atmosphere. Read more>>

Charlie T Savage

As a young woman, there were instances where my voice wasn’t given the attention it deserved simply because I wasn’t a man. This made me feel marginalized within the team, as if my contributions were considered less significant and easily dispensable. It took me some time to assert myself as a Black woman in the corporate landscape, but when I did, I noticed a tangible shift in the dynamics. Read more>>

Kelly Barbour

As a wedding vendor, especially if you are a team of one, the other vendors working the weddings you book are often your only coworkers. As a one woman show, the dj, florist, officiant, etc. make up my workplace on wedding days. With that in mind, one of my core values is to not only act as a safe space for my counterparts, but help to create one. A lot of it starts with the venues that I choose to work at. I recently discovered that a very popular venue in my area discriminate against LGBTQ+ vendors, couples and even wedding party members. I was struck by the fact that in 2024, such a widely popular business is still operating in this way and they are not the only ones. I have made the move to denying inquiries at those venues and informing the couples who inquire of why the venue they chose does not align with my values. I believe that most of the couples aren’t aware of the issue, but feel strongly that if more vendors take this stance, more awareness will be brought to the issue and more industry professionals will be safe to do their jobs. Read more>>

D’andre Hardy

Whenever I bring up the topic if inclusive practices for invisible/chronic illnesses people often ask me, “why should we discuss chronic illness at work?” As a 23-year chronic and invisible illness survivor, I say, because having a chronic illness affects every layer of identity and if organizations want to attract and retain talent, they must be intentional about building psychological safety for people navigating seen and unseen health challenges. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s & Colitis at the age of 12 – before inclusion was a widely understood best practice. At that time invisible illnesses like Crohn’s Disease were rarely considered for accommodations. I often received the comment “but you don’t look sick”. By the time I started graduate school I thought the only way I was going to be successful in education and my career was to “push through” my pain and sickness so I could be seen as high-performing and dependable. I hid in plain sight. Whenever I started a new job, I rarely told people about my condition until I knew them a while or was forced to because I got sick. Being an ambitious person with an unpredictable chronic illness caused me to second guess my qualifications and abilities when I applied for jobs. Read more>>

Erica Garvin

In my journey as a real estate agent, I’ve encountered a significant gap in opportunities for African Americans in the real estate market, stemming from historical issues like redlining and steering. These systemic barriers set in place to prevent people of color from accessing financing to purchase a home have perpetuated a cycle of inequality, making it even more crucial to address these issues within the real estate industry. These discriminatory practices not only limited the pool of potential African American homebuyers but also created a scarcity of black real estate agents. It became evident to me, especially while working in Oklahoma, that I wanted to play a role in bridging the socioeconomic divide among homeowners. Recognizing the importance of diversity and representation in the industry, I embarked on a mission to showcase that individuals with deep melanated skin and 4c hair, like myself, can thrive and succeed in real estate. By actively engaging in the field, I aimed to break the mold and demonstrate that diversity not only fosters inclusivity but also brings valuable perspectives to the real estate landscape. My commitment to creating a more inclusive workplace extends beyond personal success; it’s about paving the way for others who may not have seen themselves represented in the industry before. Read more>>

Violet Grae

With over sixteen years of experience of promoting visibility and protecting the reputation of both entertainers and brands, I have dedicated my life’s work to creating an inclusive opportunities for talent and entrepreneurs. When I initially founded Grae Agency, I was able to create a safe platform and space for women, LGBTQIA+, and POC entertainers and small business owners. This path became clearer to me throughout my own life experiences. I have personally endured and witnessed the unjustifiable imbalances in equality within the entertainment industry and community. This includes everything from pay, opportunity, safety, and overall treatment. I knew I had to do something. There has to be more space and protection for my community as well as minority groups. Read more>>

Tsvetta Kaleynska

As an immigrant from Bulgaria, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with working in a different culture and environment. I have learned to appreciate the value of different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that enrich our work and our lives. Read more>>

Cameron Chambers

In everything I do I try to maintain inclusivity but especially in the workplace. When I am taking portraits I am bringing forward a piece of that person whom I’m capturing. I try my best to have my model feel comfortable to tell their story and allow their personality to shine forward in my art. If I exclude people because of who they are or whatever invaluable reason then I am inherently missing out on the opportunity to meet and understand someone new. Exclusion also hinders my own portfolio making it fall short of what could have been. There are so many minds and bodies of people out there that it would be a shame to exclude anyone for who they are, where they’ve been and what they’ve been through. I would choose to see what we could build together anyday. Read more>>