About Us

Ava Mae has grown up in Northwest Arkansas where she has had the amazing opportunity to compete in pageants. Not only did this experience help build her confidence, it allowed her to do some good in her community and now the world.

Inclusion Begins With I, Inc. was started when Ava Mae witnessed how a friend of hers, who also happen to have Down syndrome, was being treated. Due to his differences he was treated differently and often bullied. Seeing this gave her an idea. What if she could connect this personal experience with her pageant experience to make a real change in another person’s life? She did just that.

This platform turned nonprofit is all about making sure EVERYONE is included no matter their differences. Ava Mae was able to spread this message of inclusion for all people through social media and in person experiences with listeners. Ava Mae has had the chance to speak to schools about the importance of inclusion, what it is, and how this principle must be utilized in all schools.

The decision to turn the platform into a nonprofit happened in 2021. This was a much needed expansion because the mission had been expanded. Instead of just reaching her community, Ava Mae wanted to expand her presence nationally and hopefully globally.