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.

Steffani Angel

Inclusivity is something that should always be kept in mind. It’s important to observe who is around and who is not around, and ask: why? It will never feel that important of an issue to those who are already represented, in fact, they might not even realize that their comfortability has something to do with representation. However, those who are not represented are constantly faced with awareness of their outsider status, creating discomfort and doubt. Read more>>

Ismatou Diallo

what is believed to be the modeling industry is that you’re expected to be tall and only do high fashion or editorial shoots. I want to show though through my own modeling journey on social media, that it is more than that what makes the industry special. I myself of course went through a lot of rejections especially, because I wasn’t sure myself, that I could make it. What shifted it was my mindset around it and also realizing my biggest dream wasn’t to be on a runway as a model, it is to be in beauty campaigns. Read more>>

Butterfly Valdez

I would say that in creating a more inclusive workspace, create the environment that you want the environment that you would see, and that you would be like wow that’s something inspiring, and that I want to be a part of. In my personal journey as a queer black burlesque entertainer, I’ve had to create a lot of the opportunities myself. I’ve had to cultivate the community that I want and I feel like in doing that. It has brought out a lot of other entertainers and inspired them in ways because they’re like oh I see this person doing it I feel. I think that it’s both empowering for me to be able to do that for the community and also empowering just for me in general as a entertainer as a person in this business. Read more>>

Trelanda Lowe

In all honesty, I see an inclusive workplace including a team from diverse backgrounds (race, age, religion, etc.) with an array of professional offerings. The place should have a synergy that’s inviting and exciting to work at. My journey was shaped by being around a diverse community that has aligned with my objectives today. I could remember being in a workspace where management had designed their business as inclusive but quickly discontinued that philosophy once the employee began employment. The employment turnover was frequent, and the company didn’t adjust its old perspectives even after staff started to leave. Read more>>

Page Weinstein

As Miss Pennsylvania 2024, I am very dedicated to my 501(c)3 corporation, Confident Heart, Courageous Soul, Inc., I witnessed firsthand how people with disabilities face discrimination. I am an advocate of establishing a more inclusive society. I teach individuals that regardless of the story society tries to force on you, you are capable… you are worthy… you are loved! Read more>>

Amy Waninger

Creating a more inclusive workplace starts with intentionality. We often assume our networks and environments are diverse, but when we take a closer look, we realize there’s significant room for improvement. One simple yet powerful step leaders can take is actively seeking diverse perspectives. This doesn’t happen by default; it requires conscious effort. Read more>>