Community is at the heart of what Inclusity does each day. Whether it’s training for an entire workplace, a Connection for a team, or a facilitated conversation, we foster connections and strengthen relationships. Our work is about people.
With a strong sense of social responsibility, Inclusity is committed to nurturing community outside the workplace as well. As an organization, we support causes that resonate with our mission and with our team members.
Inclusity recently partnered with CAIRE, which works to increase accessibility and inclusion in organizations and the Northwest Ohio community. We sponsored the Disability Download: The Human Perspective, which CAIRE produced. The film, which premiered on Oct. 17 at the Maumee Indoor Theater, aims to foster understanding and inclusion for people with disabilities.
“The work that CAIRE does to educate about accessibility and inclusion is absolutely vital,” says Maria White, CEO and founder of Inclusity. “This film isn’t about inspiring us or evoking sympathy; it centers on individuals with disabilities and their experiences. It should be required viewing!”
Inclusity has a history of supporting non-profit work that builds inclusion and empowerment for children.
“Our vision is to create a world where everyone can be authentic and feel valued in an inclusive, successful workplace,” says White. “Then we have to start with kids!”
This year Inclusity is again sponsoring the Girls Empowered by Math & Science (GEMS) Conference in Wisconsin. At the annual event, hundreds of eighth-grade girls have the opportunity to explore interests and possibilities within the STEM landscape. Hands-on workshops enable the girls to experience potential educational and professional paths in STEM fields.
“Women and people of color have been underrepresented in STEM-related careers,” says White. “We’re proud to support efforts toward enhancing inclusion and diversity in the field.”
Since 2018, Inclusity has partnered with Make-a-Wish Michigan. We helped the organization advance its inclusion and diversity efforts so it could extend its reach and access to all eligible children. The organization’s leaders are dedicated to inclusion, diversity, and equity, and their chapter won the Make-a-Wish America Inclusion & Diversity Award in 2020.
Inclusity’s newest partnership is Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio. This organization is close to White’s heart. “When my sister and I were in college, we were big sisters to a girl who had lost both her parents,” she explains. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides mentoring relationships for youth. The branch has a strong commitment to increasing equity for the children its serves and offers programs like leadership development build skills and confidence.
“All of the organizations that we support align with what we do,” says White. “They work to empower kids, to build their self-esteem, to build healthy positive connections with others. This is what Inclusity does – but in the workplace!”
In addition to these partnerships, White is actively involved in community organizations, as a member of the Toledo Rotary and as vice president of the Latino Alumni Affiliate at University of Toledo. She has also served on the board of directors of Girl Scouts of Northwestern Ohio since 2020.
“I’ve always felt that it’s important to connect with the community that we are part of and that it’s important to give back,” says White. “As part of our culture, I want the folks that work at Inclusity are supported in whatever they do in their communities.”
