Written by: Sophia Alcaraz

This season, we’ve reflected on allyship, authenticity, and the kind of spaces we want to build: spaces where people feel safe, supported, and seen.

Inclusion lives in everyday moments: the quiet check-in after a tough meeting, the extra seat pulled into a full table so no one’s left standing, the teammate who pauses a presentation to ask, “Does anyone else want to add to this?”

It’s woven into daily interactions, not reserved for celebrations.

It shows up in how we listen, how we lead, and how we make room for every voice—loud or quiet, front and center or behind the scenes. Everyone matters, just as they are.

Being Seen: Visibility Without Performance

VCS opening 2025 with the first townhall.

We recognize that people show up in different ways—some think best out loud, others need quiet to process. As EJ, our Graphic Designer, shared: “Whether you're speaking up in a huddle or learning from others, there’s always space for your voice.” That’s what visibility means to us: recognition in ways that feel authentic.

Even in small moments, like when our Associate Creative Director for Copy, Kat, was specifically asked to share her design perspective during a client review, we saw inclusion in action. It wasn’t just about hearing from the project lead—it was about actively inviting different voices into the conversation. These moments reflect our effort to build a culture that values every kind of presence.

But a culture of inclusion doesn’t end at visibility; it deepens when voices are not only invited but truly listened to.

Being Heard: Voice, Feedback, and Flexibility

We don’t expect the loudest voice in the room to carry the most weight—what matters is that each voice feels safe and welcome enough to be shared. As Josh, our Graphic Designer, put it: “Everyone is always a chat away if you have any questions. When it comes to expressing ideas, everyone is free from judgment, and each person is given the space and time to share their thoughts.”

With our use of hybrid ideation methods like brainwriting, which allow team members to contribute ideas quietly. Bigger decisions were also shaped through all-hands surveys and open team discussions, like our transition to a remote-first setup: With these systems in place, quieter voices feel heard without pressure.

And when people feel heard, they’re more likely to feel included, respected not only for what they say, but for how they work.

Being Included: Recognition in All Forms

VCS at the Our World Through Art (OWTA) Workshop

Inclusion also means recognizing that people working differently is a strength, not a setback. We respect boundaries: quiet hours are honored, and offline time is protected. Listening is built into our culture in how we work every day.

We’ve been learning more about what it means to embrace neurodiversity: to respect different learning speeds, processing styles, and creative rhythms. Some of us sketch, some list, some talk it out, some sit with it first. And all of that has value.

You’ll see this reflected in how we give shoutouts, celebrate small wins, and make space for ideas that are still in progress. Progress matters just as much as perfection and honestly, more often than not, it’s how the best work begins.

Appreciation doesn’t have to wait until the end. We value the thoughtfulness and effort behind every outcome.

VCS Celebrating 21 Years of Creativity and Growth

When people feel truly seen, heard, and accepted, that’s when belonging begins to take root. These simple, powerful acts are at the heart of real inclusion.

It starts in the everyday: a thoughtful check-in, a kind word, the freedom to work in ways that feel true to you.

As we grow, so does our commitment to creating a culture where no one has to earn their place because they already belong.

Let’s keep asking, gently and honestly: What does belonging feel like in your space? And how can we make more room for it together?

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Being Seen, Heard, and Included: Why Belonging Is the Real Measure of Inclusion

Being Seen: Visibility Without Performance

Being Heard: Voice, Feedback, and Flexibility

Being Included: Recognition in All Forms