At Inclusity, we’re all about facilitating transformational experiences. It’s something we have in common with our friends at the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Its mission, “Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses,” is at the heart of everything dedicated staff across the world does each day. And it’s why we’re so proud to partner with its Michigan chapter.
Since 2018, Inclusity has worked alongside Make-A-Wish Michigan. In addition to consultation, we have provided workshops to increase knowledge and awareness around bias, develop inclusive leaders, and strengthen relationships among team members.
“This has been such a fulfilling partnership,” says Inclusity’s CEO and founder, Maria White. “I have loved getting to know them over the past seven years and, more so, seeing the organization flourish and reach even more children.”
Make-A-Wish Michigan is dedicated to reflecting and serving the diverse communities where it operates. To that end, the organization launched its “Forward Focus” effort in 2022, with a goal of providing equitable access to its mission. Inclusity supported this initiative by conducting “Listen & Learn” sessions with medical partners, Wish families, and volunteers. In these sessions, we gained deeper understanding, which helped to inform the Make-A-Wish Michigan outreach and communications strategies. These focus groups also helped to uncover the barriers that exist for potential volunteers and brainstormed ways to encourage increased engagement.
As a result of these efforts, the percentage of wishes granted to Black children by Make-A-Wish Michigan more than doubled from 2022-2025.
“Inclusity has been an incredible partner, providing Make-A-Wish Michigan with vital resources and support to help us reach all eligible children. From focus groups with Wish families and volunteers to training for our staff and board, they have been a game changer as we work to reach children in under-reached communities,” says Michael Hull, Make-A-Wish Michigan President & CEO. “Their approach to inclusion and belonging leads to tangible results. Their trainings are powerful and unlike any other that I have experienced.”
Our partnership empowered Make-A-Wish Michigan in its efforts to expand its reach. They’ve increased awareness of its mission and services, strengthened corporate and volunteer partnerships, and, the ultimate goal, granted as many wishes as possible for Michigan children with critical illnesses.
“Our organizations share the same DNA in a way,” says White. “We’re here to support people, to include as many people as possible, and to change lives.”
