AI360° Ability & Inclusion Summit Features Pitch Competition For Businesses Supporting Inclusive Hiring

HeartShare Human Services is proud to announce its AI360° pitch project finalists, including Cleaning with Meaning, Extraordinary Ventures New York and Luv Michael Inc.

Each of these businesses supports the employment of people with disabilities. Cleaning with Meaning provides green cleaning services to the New York community. Cleaning with Meaning trains and employs cleaning technicians with disabilities for their success on the job, as well as to enter and thrive in the general workforce. The company provides cleaning throughout the five boroughs in residential, commercial and non-profit spaces.

Luv Michael Inc., inspired by cook Michael Kessaris living with autism, produces high quality organic, gluten-free, and nut-free granola. Company proceeds go towards training, educating and employing individuals with autism. Starbucks, JetBlue, Fresh and Co, D’Agostino Supermarkets, Gristedes Neighborhood Grocers, Wild By Nature and over 60 other retailers carry Luv Michael products.

Extraordinary Ventures New York, inspired by a program model in North Carolina, was developed to research and develop businesses that employ adults with autism. EVNY currently supports several distinct ventures, including a candle making business selling products at farmer’s markets and local craft fairs, an office solutions business assisting companies with mailings, shredding and other tasks, as well as a residential and commercial laundry business.

The three finalists will present their innovative business models to a panel of judges, including Goldman Sachs and Publicis Media, at HeartShare’s inaugural AI360° Ability and Inclusion Summit. “This is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs to receive support and expertise from our partners,” said Meredith Beck, HeartShare Vice President of Development.

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism is a founding sponsor of the pitch project, and will live stream the event on November 1. “This pitch project is a positive step towards creating more employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The winners will receive resources and support from an understanding, informed community of employers,” said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, which has spent 20 years supporting people with autism and their families.

The AI360° Ability and Inclusion Summit aims to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities access competitive jobs. To learn more and to register for the event, visit www.heartshareai360.org