For Maria, owner of Victorian Bakery, creating an inclusive workplace has never been a business strategy. It’s simply who she is.
Her connection to MRC Industries is both personal and professional. Maria’s son has been an artist at MRC’s artWorks program for the past two years. Although Victorian Bakery has partnered with MRC to employ individuals with disabilities, Maria says inclusion has always been part of the bakery’s culture.
Her perspective began long before she opened her business. Growing up in Ireland, Maria’s mother worked as a nurse in a hospital that served people with Down syndrome. “My mom always said, ‘You do things through action,'” Maria shared. Being inclusive is just second nature to her.
This philosophy shapes the way she leads today. Victorian Bakery welcomes employees from all backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities and people who have faced barriers to employment, such as a criminal record.
“The door is always open,” she said.
For Maria, inclusive hiring isn’t about lowering expectations. It’s about recognizing potential. Not everyone is fit for every job, whether they have a disability or not. “There are ups and downs, but I think everyone should do it if they can. It does make it a better workplace.”
That mindset has become part of Victorian Bakery’s culture. Employees know they are expected to support one another, and compassion is simply part of the job. Being supportive is a job requirement. “There hasn’t been a time when we haven’t had someone who needed some kind of support,” Maria said.
She remembers one employee who had lost a parent and was struggling through an incredibly difficult season. Coming to work each day gave him stability. “The job anchored him.”
Maria has also seen the pride people take in meaningful work. She recalled visiting a restaurant in Ireland where employees with disabilities worked both in the kitchen and serving customers. “They sometimes needed assistance, but you went there knowing that someone might have a hard day. Their service was great because they took so much pride in their work.”
When asked what she would tell another employer considering inclusive hiring, her answer was simple. “It’s a huge gift to the community. I wish we could do more.”
She believes many more businesses could create opportunities for people with disabilities and hopes employers won’t let misconceptions stand in the way.
As the conversation came to a close, Maria became emotional while reflecting on the community she now calls home. “Kalamazoo is a really special place,” she said, speaking about the importance of supporting local businesses, the farmers market, and neighbors looking out for one another.
For her, inclusive hiring is another way to strengthen that community.
It is because of leaders like Maria that MRC Industries is proud to recognize Victorian Bakery as our first-ever Employer of the Quarter. The award honors employers who champion inclusive hiring and create workplaces where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Through years of partnership, four MRC clients have found meaningful employment at Victorian Bakery, each contributing to a workplace culture built on compassion, opportunity, and belonging.