who we are
As a boutique diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm, we can mobilize quickly for you, customize, and keep your costs down. We bring good vibes every step of the way.
Mission, Vision, & Values
Our mission is to help organizations fulfill the promise of diversity by embedding equity and inclusion into organizational systems and culture, enhancing outcomes for everyone. Our vision is for a world where every human feels safe to express their authentic selves.
Equality Institute is a certified woman and LGBTQ+-owned business.
Integrity Above All
We are truthful, honest, and fair with all clients and colleagues.
Be Guided by Optimism
We are silver-linings seekers, looking at things with a positive eye and an open mind, trying to see the good in things first.
Lead with Curiosity
We actively seek new knowledge, regularly question our assumptions, and use experimentation to guide our decision making.
Serve with Kindness
We serve our community and our clients at the highest level, listening and responding positively and kindly to their needs.
A few of Our Clients
Our History
Bernadette Smith came out in 1995 in a world that was largely unaccepting. It was almost a decade later (2004) that Massachusetts' highest court ruled in favor of marriage equality. In the months that followed, Bernadette was able to help empower this community by launching a successful wedding planning business with an LGBTQ specialty.
One of Bernadette’s first clients
In this role, she was able to help non-traditional couples effectively navigate that very traditional space. She moved forward with a newfound commitment; however, throughout the years that followed, Bernadette witnessed a new level of discrimination and unconscious bias that seemed to always take her and her clients two steps back.
But…she has never been one to face a challenge sitting down. Bernadette was determined to become a champion of inclusivity to better serve this niche audience, and studied everything she could get her hands on. For years, she followed her passion and began to establish herself as a leader in the field. She brought innovation and fresh leadership into an established industry and became a highly regarded expert in planning, managing and advocating for LGBTQ weddings.
In her work, she partnered with corporate clients (hotels, caterers, travel agencies, etc.) to take a couple’s vision and bring it to life. As time went on, these organizations began noticing her expertise in diversity and inclusion and began to request her services for their own workplace training. She gradually transitioned from her LGBTQ wedding management, to her own consulting practice, and the Equality Institute was born.
She is now invited to speak at many conferences and events, and consults with a variety of organizations to provide a “company sweep” - helping to identify policies needed to bring systemic change, and train their workforce to adopt this mindset and build an inclusive culture. She works with a consortium of experts to ensure clients receive the highest possible service.