Company Name: Industry Gymnastics

Location: Long Island City, New York

Year Founded: 2020

Website: industrygymnastics.com

Industry Gymnastics has been named the top honoree in the 2024 CO—100 Culture Champions category for its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Founded in 2020 by Latina entrepreneur Natalie Fuertes, Industry Gymnastics has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to its athletic programming. In the last several years, the Long Island City, New York-based company has also made a profound impact on its local community through its leadership and social responsibility.

A unique approach to gymnastics and inclusion

Industry Gymnastics is driven by a mission to break down traditional barriers within the sport and create a culture of inclusivity. Unlike most gyms that divide classes by gender or ability, Industry Gymnastics has reimagined the way children participate in gymnastics, offering a non-competitive, judgment-free space where all are welcome.

“This facility is built on four transformative pillars: gender inclusion, special needs inclusion, a recreational focus, and community engagement,” Fuertes explained. “These pillars stem from my educational philosophy, which prioritizes the ’whole child’ approach — nurturing not just athletic skills, but fostering personal growth and social values.”

Children who might not fit into the traditional competitive gymnastics structure find a home here, with programs tailored for a range of needs, from ADHD to autism spectrum disorders. The gym’s adaptive practices include ASL interpreters and instruction tailored to children with limb differences. This allows Industry Gymnastics to support individual growth and create a safe and welcoming environment for every participant.

Empowering staff and building a supportive culture

An inclusive mindset goes beyond the gym floor and into the workplace at Industry Gymnastics. The vast majority of its staff identify as LGBTQ+ and manage mental health conditions, so the gym has created a work environment that prioritizes personal well-being and mental health.

“[Our] workplace culture … mirrors the inclusivity and nurturing ethos we extend to our students,” Fuertes said. “The running joke at our gym is that no one ever really quits, a testament to the deeply supportive and fulfilling environment we’ve created for our staff.”

The company’s inclusive approach accommodates individuals with ADHD or dyslexia by adjusting work environments and ensuring that everyone can thrive. This dedication to staff well-being boosts retention while simultaneously improving the customer experience, since happy, engaged employees can deliver a more positive and productive atmosphere for students and their families.

“By leading through example, being present in the trenches alongside my team, and emphasizing teaching over reprimanding, we ensure that our staff’s satisfaction and well-being [are reflected] in their interactions with customers,” Fuertes said.

Making a lasting impact on the community

Industry Gymnastics is more than a gym — it’s a community hub. The business actively participates in local initiatives, supporting a variety of causes and nonprofits, including LGBTQ+ organizations, domestic violence shelters, and local food pantries.

“One of our most impactful initiatives, in addition to having been an emergency drop-off location [for incoming asylum seekers in NYC], is offering free gymnastics classes to incoming migrant children in NYC, providing them with a safe, nurturing, and fun environment,” Fuertes shared.

The business’s focus on community impact is woven into every aspect of its operations, from partnering with local minority- and women-owned vendors to supporting the economic empowerment of underrepresented groups. This commitment to the community extends beyond the gym as well.

“Our engagement [also] extends into the educational sector, where we contribute to over 20 local schools through annual donations that enrich educational experiences and resources for children in our community,” Fuertes explained.

With a deep commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and holistic development, Industry Gymnastics has become a model for other businesses and a beloved institution in Long Island City. It exemplifies how a business can balance profitability with purpose, creating a space that celebrates diversity, encourages growth, and builds meaningful connections.

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