Black-Owned Startup Linked Inclusion™ Wins 3 Anthem Awards — Linked Inclusion™ :: A virtual platform-based community of individuals facing the common challenges of exclusion :: Diversity And Inclusion Training | Online Diversity And Inclusion Certification | Best Resources For Diversity And Inclusion | Equity Training In The Workplace | Wellness Training For Employees

In a field of “Goliaths,” “David” is standing out

Lisa Hurley

Show up. Do the work. Heal. Repeat. That was the plan when Padraic McFreen launched Linked Inclusion Corporation (LIIN) on March 26, 2021. Inspired by the tragic global impact of George Floyd, informed by painful lived experience, driven by a lifelong passion to innovate with tech, Mr. McFreen knew that he needed to contribute to the racial recalibration that was happening around the world. And so, LIIN was born.

The goal was, and is, to change the world by solving for X: exclusion caused by racism, and the impact that exclusion has on health. Linked Inclusion was created to fill a resource gap for people who have experienced exclusion, as well as for their allies. The Black-founded, Black-owned startup is socially managing change, and reframing the narrative of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion by adding +Wellness.

Success leaves signals. Fast forward a year, and Linked Inclusion is already being recognized as a first mover and leader in its unique niche. It is directly engaging with marginalized people and communities, beyond the typically performative measures.

On February 15, 2022, in the inaugural Anthem Awards, the company was honored as Product Leader of The Year in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, and Product Leader of The Year in Responsible Technology. Its CEO, Padraic McFreen, has been honored as Leader of the Year in Responsible Technology. The Awards in these categories go to an individual person who is an outstanding pioneer and/or innovator successfully leading a team or organization to build a product or service focused on a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion cause. Being an award winner, especially so early in his company’s existence, left Mr. McFreen humbled, but motivated:

“When we began this journey, we knew this work was not only important to each and everyone of us personally, but also critical for the inclusive advancement of humanity,” said McFreen. “This recognition of our work confirms that DEI+W—Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Wellness—are important problems, requiring global solutions that we are uniquely positioned to provide. We are grateful for this tremendous honor, and we’re proud of our community, which is an official safe space. Our goal remains to Replace exclusion with Inclusion™, because we are stronger, faster, smarter, together. We invite you to join us.”

Anthem Award Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Winners for the inaugural Anthem Awards will be celebrated at the first annual Anthem Voices conference, followed by a star-studded virtual Awards Show on Monday, February 28, 2022.

About The Anthem Awards

The Anthem Awards, the Webby Awards’ newest initiative, was launched in response to the prevalence that social good has taken within the national conversation and cultural zeitgeist in recent years. The inaugural competition received nearly 2,500 entries from 36 countries worldwide.

The Anthem Awards recognize the breadth of social good work (online and offline) around the globe by honoring the organizations, brands, and people creating long-lasting impact; including, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Education, Art, & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment, & Climate.

By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ.

A portion of program revenue will fund a new grant program supporting emerging individuals and organizations working to advance the causes recognized in the inaugural Anthem Awards.

About The Webby Awards

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Mobile, and Voice; Social; Podcasts; and Games. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received more than 13,500 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year.

The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Verizon, WP Engine, YouGov, Brandlive, Canva, NAACP, KPMG, Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, MediaPost, Podcast Movement, and AIGA.

Lisa Hurley is a writer, speaker, and activist whose work focuses on anti-racism, texturism, and destigmatizing introversion. She is also a passionate advocate for inclusion, equity, and gender equality. Lisa is the Editor-At-Large of Linked Inclusion™, co-host of Real Talk on Racism, co-host of The Introvert Sisters podcast, and a member of the Black Speakers Collection. She has been quoted in Forbes, Essence, and Fast Company, is a contributing writer for No White Saviors, and was selected as one of pocstock’s The Future of Black America Top 50 Leaders for 2022. Lisa is always interested in sharing meaningful conversations! Feel free to connect with her on social media.

© Linked Inclusion Corporation, 2022. Linked Inclusion™ provides resources to serve people who have been historically excluded. Our goal is to solve for DEI + W: Diversity Equity, Inclusion + Wellness. Visit us online at www.linkedinclusion.com, and join the professional social change management community at www.linkedinclusion.us.

"Replace exclusion with inclusion. We are stronger, faster, smarter, together."