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.

Ed Lynch

Nearly 9 years ago Jose Bollanos came into Mychal’s Learning Place and told us that he “would never get a job because he has autism.” That type of stereotyping and prevalent misconception about people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities is what has lead to the incredible 85% unemployment rate faced by individuals with disabilities. Read more>>

Kat Uyenco

Over the past two decades in this industry, I’ve witnessed significant changes, both positive and negative. When I first entered the entertainment industry, it was predominantly dominated by white men, and I often found myself being the only Asian woman, almost like a token representation, in a company or on a project. Naively, at a young age and new to the business, I didn’t immediately recognize the issue. However, as I progressed both professionally and personally, I gradually became aware of the lack of diversity around me. Read more>>

Janine Parkinson

As a former female stunt person, I am a strong advocate for equal pay. We often perform the same stunts without protective gear. Total respect for Tom Cruise, but try jumping off a building in a miniskirt and heels. Stunt women are a truly tough bunch. I also realized, after years in the industry, that there was a significant lack of female representation in higher positions, especially after presenting my first short film and being the only female Producer, Writer, and Director on stage. Read more>>