Episode 0
Title: Building an Inclusive Future: The Birth of Room for All Podcast
Introduction
Welcome to the inaugural post of "Room for All," a blog inspired by the startup podcast of the same name. Hosted by Andrea Comastri and Saraya O'Connell, the podcast aims to take you on a journey of inclusion, diversity, and innovation through the lens of Hotel Etico, Australia's first social enterprise hotel. The first episode, aptly named "Episode Zero," introduces the vision behind both the podcast and Hotel Etico, setting the scene for a deep dive into the mission of fostering inclusivity within the hospitality industry.
The Vision Behind Room for All
Andrea and Saraya kick off the podcast by sharing the story of how "Room for All" came to be. Initially resistant to the idea of creating a podcast, Andrea had an "epiphany" that changed his perspective, leading to an enthusiastic embracement of the venture. Thus, the seed for "Room for All" was planted, aligning perfectly with Hotel Etico's purpose of driving inclusion and accessibility in hospitality.
Hotel Etico: A Social Enterprise
Situated in the picturesque Blue Mountains of Mount Victoria, Hotel Etico is not just a place to stay—it's a groundbreaking social enterprise. Established with a mission to provide training and employment opportunities to young people with disabilities, the hotel empowers its trainees with life and work skills. The live-in component of their program, combined with a full award wage from day one, sets Hotel Etico apart as an innovative pathway to independence and open employment.
Andrea and Saraya: The Minds Behind the Vision
Andrea Comastri, co-founder and CEO, originally from Italy, brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy and social enterprise. Saraya O'Connell, a passionate advocate for disability inclusion, brings her wealth of experience in hospitality and community services. Their combined expertise is the driving force behind the hotel's success and the podcast's creation.
The Purpose of the Podcast
The duo explains that while Hotel Etico functions as a training and NDIS provider, its true mission is to create a more inclusive hospitality industry. By highlighting stories from trainees, staff, and industry partners, "Room for All" aims to ignite conversations around diversity and inclusion. The podcast's dynamic format allows for the exploration of a wide range of topics, from employment opportunities for people with disabilities to the broader impact of social enterprises.
Looking Forward
Future episodes promise to delve into the stories of Hotel Etico's trainees, interviews with industry leaders, and in-depth discussions with co-founders and employment partners. It's clear that Andrea and Saraya are committed to not only sharing their insights but also transforming the hospitality sector into a beacon of inclusivity.
Conclusion
"Room for All" is more than just a podcast; it's a movement to reshape how we perceive hospitality and social enterprises. Through engaging storytelling and real-life testimonials, listeners will gain a unique insight into what it takes to create a space where everyone is welcome—a true room for all. Join Andrea and Saraya as they advocate for inclusion and continue to break down barriers with courage, innovation, and heart.
Stay tuned for forthcoming episodes as this inspiring journey unfolds!