As we've seen with Target's lower foot traffic and lower sales, there's a clear business case for inclusion. In this panel, we’ll talk about what inclusion means and looks like across a few different brands and businesses, and with the lens of how inclusion fits in with the other industry changes taking place (AI, tariffs, sustainability, etc). You’ll come away from the panel with some ideas on how you can live your values in your roles, regardless of whether you’re an entry level employee, a decision-maker championing inclusion, or somewhere in between. Moderated by c-

Jess Moore Matthews is the founder and Chief Good Troublemaker at Backbone Digital Leaders, an accessible digital marketing agency led by Black women. Founded in 2020, Backbone is spearheading a revolution at the ballot box and beyond. As an Adjunct Professor at New York University and Just Tech Fellow, Jess is identifying and expanding the digital organizing technologies that make our democracy more accessible to disabled organizers and voters. Jess’s expertise stems from her leadership on several presidential and down-ballot campaigns, as well as in industries from tech and journalism to state and local government. Her activism has always empowered underestimated leaders to claim their seats at the table. She lives in Wake Forest, NC with her husband and two children.

Matt Stork is a senior research scientist with established mixed-methods research expertise across athletic, corporate, and academic domains. His Masters, PhD, and postdoctoral research background is rooted in a unique, interdisciplinary scientific approach that ranges from exercise psychology, emotional well-being, and behaviour, to applied physiology and human performance. Matt has worked as a research scientist, course instructor, strength and conditioning coach, and supervisor of many students and researchers. He has 15+ years of experience in the disability and physical activity space, and currently leads insights and product testing for lululemon Team Canada apparel, which includes inclusive and adaptive product innovations.

Tracy Vollbrecht is an adaptive fashion and universal design expert, with experience building adaptive fashion brands. She founded Vollbrecht Adaptive Consulting to partner with industry leaders and educators to transform the fashion industry, tapping into the value and market potential of authentic disability inclusion. 

Inspiration for Tracy's work was drawn from her experience putting universal design principles into action to help her father mitigate the clothing related challenges from his Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Tracy's experience working alongside the disability community continually reinforces her belief that growth-oriented brands, inclusion-driven educators and students, and innovative fashion professionals can make clothing functional and fashionable for all through simple yet effective updates.

Café Co-Lab's are small, weekly networking groups focused on specific topics. They are an opportunity for co-lab members to connect, share resources , and engage with other members.

All co-lab events are free to members. Zoom details will be posted on the day of the event in our private community Slack in the #cafe-co-lab channel. All questions can be directed to info@jointhecolab.com. To become a member and receive access to these exciting events, join us here.