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.

Sean Scheidt

Inclusivity in photography is something that is really important to me. For too long photography has been a white mans club to the detriment of women and people of color. I remember vividly the first time I attended a meeting of a local chapter for ASMP (The American Society of Media Photographers) in Baltimore. It was a social happy hour dominated by older white men who spent the time bemoaning the state of the industry. At this time digital was taking over and many were struggling with the transition. I was, in a word, turned off by this event. Was odd to me that in a city such as Baltimore we would only have representation of old white men (one or 2 women at most). Read more>>

Andrea LaRosa

It is an undeniable truth that every individual, irrespective of their socio-economic status or physical attributes, is deserving of love. However, a prevailing bias suggests that matchmaking services are a privilege exclusive to the affluent and elite sector of our society. This perception is being reinforced, unfortunately, by the disappointing performance of dating apps, driving individuals to employ high-end matchmaking services, which can command prices upwards of $25,000, contingent on the regional market and the requisite effort by the matchmaker. Read more>>

Lauren Adams

At Letter Four, we deeply understand the intricacies of our residential and commercial clients. That’s why we have developed an all-encompassing process that caters to their every need, regardless of the project type. Read more>>

Paula Alucina

I think this something that we all the image creator should keep in mind, we are creating images that will stuck in others minds and in their ways of perceiving the world. I’m sure that photography can be more profound and meaningful than just showing and working with models with “perfect bodies”. I could acknowledge this when I started working with literally everyone that wanted to say something beyond a body, people that had a message, a deep feeling, and interest for being creative and not necessary to be aware of how they look all the time. I really really learn from all of my clients. They show me how to be more genuine. I love working with other women and all the LGBT community. Read more>>

 Juliana Touma

We create a more inclusive architecture firm by supporting working caregivers. For example we schedule meetings before children are released from schools or daycares. We also plan project deadlines that consider school holidays and children sick days from school. We inform our clients that the firm employees or consultants have families and other responsibilities that must be managed along side their project. Read more>>