Inclusion Insights

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the women whose passion, courage, and vision have shaped the world around us. From pioneering conservationists to modern-day advocates, women have played a vital role in protecting wildlife, preserving natural spaces, and inspiring environmental stewardship across generations.

This month, we honor trailblazers whose lasting impact continues to guide conservation efforts today.

Jane Goodall
A pioneering primatologist, Jane Goodall transformed our understanding of chimpanzees through her groundbreaking field research. Her work reshaped conservation science and inspired global efforts to protect wildlife and habitats through education, advocacy, and community engagement. By revealing the complex social behaviors and tool use of chimpanzees, she challenged long‑held scientific beliefs about the natural world. Through decades of outreach and leadership, she has empowered people of all ages to take meaningful action for conservation.

Florence Merriam Bailey
Florence Merriam Bailey was an influential ornithologist and writer who helped transform the study of birds in North America. She was an early advocate for observing birds in the wild rather than collecting specimens, helping shift conservation science toward ethical, noninvasive practices. Through her influential field guides and writing, she made bird study accessible to the public and encouraged appreciation for wildlife. Her work played a key role in advancing bird protection and the early conservation movement.

Leela Hazzah
Leela Hazzah is a conservationist and wildlife advocate who works to protect lions while supporting local communities. She co‑founded Lion Guardians, an innovative program that partners with Maasai warriors to reduce human‑lion conflict and promote coexistence. By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies, her work has helped protect both wildlife and livelihoods. Her approach demonstrates how community‑led conservation can create lasting solutions.

Marina Silva
Marina Silva is an environmental leader from Brazil who has dedicated her career to protecting the Amazon rainforest. Raised in a rubber‑tapping community, she became a strong voice for sustainable development and environmental protection. Her work has helped bring global attention to deforestation, climate change, and the rights of Indigenous and forest communities. She continues to be recognized for advancing conservation through policy, advocacy, and international collaboration.

Source: The Toilet Paper, an internal zoo newsletter

September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate Hispanic and Latino histories and culture. The official theme for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2025 is "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future". This theme emphasizes both the rich history and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, while also looking forward to their continued influence and leadership.

Juneteenth 2025 marks a historic milestone for all Americans: the 160th anniversary of the day that signaled the end of legalized slavery in the United States, a milestone deeply rooted in the American story of freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

Today, Juneteenth, (June 19th) is recognized as a federal holiday, a landmark achievement that came in 2021 after decades of advocacy and national reflection on racial justice.  This designation offers millions of Americans, of all backgrounds, the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate together, the progress toward unity. Juneteenth is a day for all of us. Freedom is a shared American value and the story of emancipation belongs to all of us.

Across the country, and beyond, the month of June is host to a vibrant mix of events: parades, festivals, musical performances, family-friendly activities, religious and educational programs. These activities are designed to bring people together, foster understanding, and honor the rich cultural heritage of Black Americans.

As we honor this 160th anniversary, it is important to remember that Juneteenth is both a celebration and a call to action. Oppression in various forms continues and its resistance must come from each of us. Juneteenth is not just a day on the calendar, it is a living testament to the strength and perseverance of those who fought for freedom.

This 160th milestone anniversary invites all Americans to reflect on our shared history, celebrate progress, and recommit to the unfinished work of building a more just society

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Mental health journeys are unique, but the strength found within them is universal. “In Every Story, There’s Strength,” highlights the resilience and diverse experiences that shape mental health journeys within our community. Each story shared is a testament to the possibility of recovery and the strength that lies within us all. Mental health is essential for overall well-being at every stage of life. Regardless of age, background, or experience, prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and communities.

In May, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month theme is “A Legacy of Leadership & Resilience.” It honors the hard work of AANHPI leaders who developed a foundation for future generations to thrive and adapt to change and adversity - transforming adversity into opportunities for public service, efficiency, and innovation; resulting in lasting change that resonates and has positively impacted our world. It's a testament to the unwavering spirit of our those who faced their own struggles with dignity and strength.

This May, Jewish American Heritage Month will celebrate the inspiring history and vibrant living culture of Jewish Americans, serving as an antidote to antisemitism by amplifying the true, joyful, and powerful stories of Jewish life in America. It's a celebration of America’s rich and diverse Jewish heritage, and the myriad contributions Jews have made to this country since the dawn of the nation. Many national partners who make up the JAHM coalition who ensure vital connections are forged between the Jewish community and the broader American community.

Celebrating the rich and diverse culture and contributions of the diverse population of Arab Americans, National Arab American Heritage Month has been observed during the month of April since 2017.  In the late 1800s, Arab immigration to the United States began, according to the Migration Policy Institute, with Arab Christians fleeing the Ottoman Empire —which now includes Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Israel. The U.S. Department of State reports that the immigrants mostly landed in the Northeast and Midwest, finding work
there in sales and as grocers. 

The Johnson-Reed Immigration Act of 1924 halted the influx of Arab immigrants until 1948 to 1966, when a new wave of Middle Eastern immigration began due to the Arab-Israeli War and other regional conflicts. Many of those immigrants came to Detroit during the auto industry boom. A third of the Arab immigration wave occurred in the U.S. following the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which ended quotas favoring those from northern and western Europe.

More than 3.5 million Americans trace their roots to Arab heritage, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, with ancestries spanning 22 countries across the Middle East and North Africa. Toledo, Ohio is home to one of the largest Arab American communities in the country, where the city proudly celebrates and integrates Arab culture into its local identity. For Arab American Heritage Month in 2025, the theme is “Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” - a tribute to generations of contributions and a look ahead to what’s yet to come.

World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) and World Autism Month highlight the importance of promoting understanding and acceptance of autism.  Autism awareness is essential for all individuals, not just those with autism. As autism affects a substantial part of the population, we all must have a basic understanding of what autism is and how it impacts people. Raising awareness of autism can help to reduce stigma and discrimination against people with autism and promote a more accepting and compassionate society. It is essential that we promote a culture of inclusivity that values all individuals, regardless of their differences. By educating ourselves and others about autism, we can create a more empathetic and accepting society that supports and empowers individuals with autism to reach their full potential.

In addition to promoting understanding and acceptance, raising awareness of autism can help to identify individuals who may have autism but have not yet been diagnosed. Early diagnosis and intervention can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families, improving outcomes and reducing the need for more intensive support later in life. Increased awareness of autism can encourage individuals to seek out evaluations and early interventions, leading to better long-term outcomes. By promoting early identification and support, we can help individuals with autism thrive in all areas of life. Everyone can play a role in empowering the autism community—whether by educating themselves, supporting autistic entrepreneurs, volunteering, or reading and promoting literature that features authentic autistic characters. Together, through awareness and action, we can build a more supportive and inclusive world.

On May 9 and 10, Columbus will be one of five cities to welcome the inaugural two-day Autism Speaks Empower Summit and Challenge.  This two-day event is dedicated to inspiring action and uniting the autism community in a fearless resolve toward meaningful change.  More information on this event can be found here.