At IMPAQTO, we believe that true innovation happens when every voice has a seat at the table.
Through IMPAQTO Labs, we design and implement training programs that support entrepreneurs across Latin America. Throughout this experience, we have learned that inclusion is not just an intention—it is a conscious practice that should guide every step of program design and implementation.
Why Inclusion in Training Matters
Inclusion is key to achieving systemic impact. If training programs exclude (explicitly or implicitly) certain groups—such as women, migrants, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, or those in rural areas—we are leaving out a large part of the talent, creativity, and knowledge needed to transform our territories.
Making programs more inclusive is not only the right thing to do—it also improves outcomes. More diversity means more perspectives, more creative solutions, and more resilient ecosystems.
Lessons from IMPAQTO Labs
Here are some practical insights we’ve applied in our training programs to make them more inclusive, effective, and transformative:
- Start with active listening: Before designing a program, listen to the people you aim to benefit. What barriers do they face in accessing opportunities? What formats do they prefer? What languages, schedules, and technologies are familiar to them?
- Design with an intersectional approach: Inclusion is not a checklist—it’s a holistic perspective. People have multiple identities: they may be women, migrants, mothers, rural, Indigenous… Design considering how these identities intersect and how that impacts access to opportunities.
- Offer flexible formats: Inclusion also involves logistics. Provide multiple participation formats: in-person, virtual, and asynchronous sessions; materials in different formats (text, audio, video); and adaptable schedules. This allows more people to participate according to their circumstances.
- Mind language and symbols: The language we use can open or close doors. Use clear, respectful, non-sexist language, free from unnecessary jargon. Ensure that examples, images, and references reflect the diversity of participants.
- Create safe spaces: Inclusion requires trust. Foster environments where everyone feels respected, valued, and free from discrimination. This includes protocols for addressing violence or exclusion, as well as training facilitators in diversity and inclusion approaches.
Walking Toward Equity
Making training programs more inclusive is not a destination—it’s a journey. A journey that requires openness, reflection, and commitment to change. At IMPAQTO Labs, we will continue designing learning spaces that promote equity, strengthen diverse leadership, and transform realities.
Do you want to co-create a program with us? Visit impaqto.net/labs and let’s discuss how to generate impact together.
