ABOUT
INSPIRED 2 UPLIFT
Inspired 2 Uplift is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing inclusion and advocating for those with disabilities, with a focus on youth.
We're a movement built by youth, for youth, transforming empathy into action, and creating a more inclusive world, chapter by chapter, student by student.
Our Mission
We believe that inclusion is more than just a concept—
It’s a movement.
Our mission is to empower individuals, foster accessible education, and build communities where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Through advocacy, education, and community-driven initiatives, we work to break down barriers, amplify diverse voices, and create opportunities for all, especially those with disabilities. We are committed to uplifting the next generation of changemakers by providing the tools, resources, and support they need to lead with confidence and compassion.
Our guiding ethos is "Together, we are stronger"— because true change happens when we unite, support, and uplift one another.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every city and community has a chapter dedicated to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and empowerment.
Our chapter system is the heart of this vision—bringing together passionate individuals to create local hubs of change, where youth lead initiatives that break down barriers and uplift those around them. We believe that real impact starts at the community level. By expanding our chapters across schools, universities, and neighborhoods, we are building a global movement that ensures every individual, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, has access to opportunities, education, and a supportive network.
Our vision is bold: a world where no one feels unseen, unheard, or excluded.
Our Core Values
Respect
Empathy
Compassion
Our Journey
Inspired 2 Uplift was founded by three determined Grade 12 students at MacNeill Secondary School in September of 2022—Aidan, Farzan, and Ali. Having known each other for years, including their time together in elementary school, they felt a deep disconnect with the students in their school's Life Skills program, one of the few dedicated programs in Richmond supporting students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This disconnect extended to a broader gap between youth with and without disabilities.
Determined to make a change, the trio embarked on a challenging journey to create a program that would bridge this divide, bringing together students with and without disabilities. Despite facing numerous trials and tribulations, their unwavering sense of purpose and the strong support of the school community allowed them to successfully launch Inspired 2 Uplift's Buddy Program.
In just one year, the Buddy Program had become one of the largest clubs at MacNeill, fostering countless meaningful connections between students and volunteers and providing personalized support to students with disabilities.
Today, Aidan, Farzan, and Ali are all university students, but their commitment to Inspired 2 Uplift remains as strong as ever. Now holding pivotal positions within the organization, they have transformed what was once a small school club into a nonprofit organization with a mission to support youth with disabilities not just locally, but globally. They believe that with continued dedication and the expansion of their initiatives, Inspired 2 Uplift can play a critical role in changing the lives of youth with disabilities around the world in the coming years.
Our Team
