About Us

At BelongInclusivity, our founding team brings over 20 years of combined expertise across HR, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), talent management, software development, consulting, administration, facilitation, program development, and event planning. Together, we leverage these diverse skill sets to create innovative solutions, foster inclusion, and drive systemic change across sectors.

Guided by the vision of our founder—a seasoned entrepreneur and advocate for women’s empowerment--BelongInclusivity is committed to addressing equity gaps, dismantling systemic barriers, and empowering underrepresented voices.

Our team’s collective experience spans various industries, including healthcare, travel, retail, government, maritime, transportation and technology, allowing us to approach our mission holistically:

• HR, Talent Management, and DEI Strategy: Crafting actionable frameworks to build inclusive, high-performing organizations.
• Consulting and Facilitation: Guiding leaders and teams through meaningful conversations and strategies to foster belonging and representation.
• Software Development: Creating digital tools and platforms that make equity and inclusion accessible and actionable.
• Program Development and Event Planning: Designing impactful workshops, leadership programs, and community-building initiatives that inspire change.
• Administration: Ensuring seamless operations to support our programs and partnerships.

​We believe in leveraging our collective strengths to provide organizations and communities with actionable strategies, building environments where everyone belongs and thrives.

Meet Our Founding Team/ Board of Directors

Maria Drueco, IPMA-ACP
Founder/ President

Maria Drueco is a visionary leader, DEI strategist, and advocate for women’s empowerment with over 20 years of experience in HR, talent management, and consulting.

As the founder of BelongInclusivity, Maria spearheads initiatives to address systemic barriers, foster equity, and empower underrepresented voices. Through research, education, and advocacy, she leads programs that inspire systemic change and create inclusive environments where everyone belongs.

Maria is also the author of UnHide Yourself: Break Free from Bias, Stigma, and Stereotypes, an award-winning book that equips readers with frameworks and practical tools to navigate the complexities of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. By blending personal narratives with actionable strategies, UnHide Yourself serves as a transformative resource for individuals, organizations, and communities committed to building a more inclusive and equitable future.

In addition to her work with BelongInclusivity, Maria has founded two other businesses.  Through The Inclusion Journey, her consulting firm, Maria has designed transformative programs that integrate DEI principles into leadership strategies, empowering organizations to drive sustainable change.  As a travel entrepreneur and founder of Marianatha Tours, Maria curates holistic journeys that enrich individuals' faith, cultural understanding, and historical knowledge of the countries she brings her groups to. Drawing from these experiences, she integrates cultural awareness,  intercultural competency and inclusion sustainability into her workshops, enriching her approach to fostering equity and creating meaningful connections across diverse communities.

Maria’s personal journey as an immigrant, wife, and mother deeply informs her approach to addressing intersectionality and fostering resilience. These lived experiences fuel her passion for dismantling bias and stigma, empowering individuals and teams to thrive.

Maria has spoken on global stages alongside visionary leaders like Dr. Makaziwe Mandela, former Mexican President Felipe Calderón, and other notable changemakers. She has inspired audiences across Canada, France, the UK, and the US, sharing her expertise and passion for creating equity and belonging.

Globally recognized for her impact, Maria’s multifaceted expertise and unwavering commitment to equity continue to drive BelongInclusivity’s mission forward.

Avril (Menezes) Maina, SWP, Prosci®
Vice President

Avril Maina is a seasoned HR professional and strategist, certified in Change Management, with over a decade of experience spanning retail, logistics, government, and professional services.

As Vice President and a founding member of BelongInclusivity, Avril leverages her expertise in talent acquisition, organizational development, and change management to further the organization's mission of promoting equity and belonging.
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Avril's journey in HR began with a passion for helping people find their true potential. She has always been driven by a desire to create workplaces where everyone feels valued and included. Throughout her career, Avril has excelled in leading high-volume recruitment efforts, resolving complex workplace challenges, and implementing inclusive workforce strategies. She has held leadership roles in dynamic environments, honing her skills in strategic workforce planning, succession planning, coaching, and team leadership. Avril consistently drives initiatives that build trust, enhance collaboration, and support the development of equitable, high-performing teams.
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​Outside of her professional life, Avril is known for her warm and approachable nature. She enjoys mentoring young professionals and often shares her insights on career development and personal growth. Avril is also a dedicated mother to three children, one of whom is differently abled. She passionately advocates for his inclusion, ensuring he can participate in activities at his level. Avril stands by the phrase, "We assume he can, so he shall." Her dedication to advancing systemic equity is evident in her innovative HR solutions and her commitment to empowering underrepresented voices. 

​Her leadership at BelongInclusivity reflects her passion for creating lasting organizational impact and fostering meaningful change in the communities she serves.

Jared Drueco
Co-Founder/ Director of Technology 

​As a co-founder of BelongInclusivity, Jared Drueco leverages his expertise in software development and technical leadership to create innovative digital tools that advance the organization’s mission of fostering equity and belonging. Jared is driven by a vision to use technology as a force for good, designing solutions that break barriers, empower communities, and improve lives.

Beyond his work at BelongInclusivity, Jared has led social-good initiatives as Vice President of Engineering at UofA Blueprint, where he spearheaded tech solutions for nonprofit organizations. He is also a dedicated mentor with UAlberta Future Creators, inspiring emerging innovators to turn ideas into impactful projects.
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In 2024, Jared was recognized as a WWDC Swift Student Challenge Winner by Apple, a testament to his technical excellence, creativity, and leadership in the tech industry. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSc ’25) at the University of Alberta, Jared is excited to continue honing his skills and advancing transformative solutions that drive equity and systemic change.
Learn more about Jared’s work at jareddrueco.com.

Mary Manalo
Secretary/ Treasurer

Mary Manalo brings exceptional organizational skills and a wealth of diverse experience to her role as Secretary and a founding member of BelongInclusivity.

With a professional background spanning administration, operational support, and coordination across sectors such as retail, maritime, and government, Mary excels at managing complex workflows and streamlining processes to achieve efficiency and success.

Her expertise in organizing systems, file management, and delivering training reflects her commitment to fostering collaboration and supporting BelongInclusivity’s mission of dismantling systemic barriers.

​Mary’s meticulous approach and dedication to equity, belonging and inclusion make her an invaluable member of the team.

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