Unlocking a World of Abilities: Stories of Inclusion at adidas
Whether our employees are navigating personal challenges or supporting others, hear how inclusion at adidas is helping them bring their authentic selves to work.
At adidas, inclusion is more than a value—it’s a daily practice. Our community is shaped by people who bring their authentic selves to work, whether they’re navigating personal challenges or supporting loved ones. With these four stories, we invite you to look beyond assumptions and discover the everyday courage, creativity, and connection that define true inclusion.
KELLY’S JOURNEY: RESILIENCE IN ACTION
Kelly, Senior Manager, Apparel in North America, shares that her story begins with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—a turning point that compelled her to adapt and find new ways to thrive.
“It was a relief to have a name for the reason I couldn’t make a fist with my hands, why I felt that I constantly had the flu and all my bones ached. It is very humbling to process an incurable disease, and the best you can hope for is to manage it.”
Years later, when her son was born with Down syndrome and a bone marrow disorder, she drew on the lessons learned from her own journey. “I was probably not as afraid as I might have been if I hadn’t gone through my RA acceptance.”
Kelly describes resilience not as mere survival, but as thriving and adapting. “Sometimes I do not have the spoons to care about something, and it frees me up to concentrate on the things I can control. It helps people understand why some people do what they do. They are conserving energy and it’s different for everyone.”
She encourages others to recognize that everyone’s journey is different, and that true inclusion means seeing people holistically, for their whole complex beings.
"Don’t assume what works for one will work for another. Don’t feel guilty if you need to take the elevator up one floor. People feel seen when they are recognized for their full selves, not just the mask they put on to appear ‘normal."
CARETAKERS IN ACTION: KELLY & ALVARO
Kelly and Alvaro share a unique bond as parents of children with Down syndrome. Their stories intersect in moments of uncertainty, acceptance, and pride.
Kelly reflects, “When you have a child with a difference, no one knows what to say. They wait for us as the parents to somehow advise them on what is ok to say. What I’ve learned is that people rarely try to be rude, nor do they know what we face as parents.”
Alvaro, Director, Retail Operations in Panama adds, “Having a child with Down syndrome changed my perspective on what it means to belong. It’s not about fitting in; it’s about being welcomed for who you are.”
Both have found strength in community and allyship.
“You will learn things you didn’t know about yourself - and others - and it makes you a better human. Also, there are many communities out there that will welcome you unconditionally,” Kelly advises.
Their journeys remind us that acceptance is a process, and every family’s story is a lesson in empathy and growth.
THE POWER OF SPORT: SALLY & ANGUS
Sport is more than physical activity at adidas, it’s a catalyst for inclusion and transformation. Sally, Director, Global Team Sourcing in Hong Kong, brings this to life in a deeply personal way. Her husband, once an avid runner and cyclist, experienced a retinal detachment that left him temporarily blind and unable to participate in the activities they both loved. Overnight, their routines changed. Sally became a caregiver, learning new skills and adapting to a different pace of life.
“We used to be very active as regular runners and cyclists, but when that happened, we had to stop all the normal practices and do things differently. This experience has given me a new, deeply personal lens on support and resilience.”
She recalls a moment that symbolized a shift in their relationship. “The most meaningful moment in this journey was the first time I had to administer his eye drops. It was a simple task, but it symbolized a complete shift in our dynamic. He is an independent, capable person, and in that moment, he was vulnerable and reliant. My role wasn’t just to be a wife, but a caregiver.”
As her husband slowly recovered, they celebrated small victories, like taking a slow run together. “It wasn’t his usual run, but it was a victory. It represented our shared resilience and the slow, steady march towards recovery. It changed my outlook to appreciate the small wins and the progress that happens inch by inch, not mile by mile.”
Sally’s story highlights that resilience is a team effort, fueled by support and patience.
"It’s not about bouncing back, but about adapting together, finding a new rhythm, and supporting each other through the frustration and fear. The lesson is that resilience is fueled by the support systems around us."
SUSAN’S JOURNEY: COURAGE, COMMUNITY, AND BELONGING
Susan, a Human Resources Business Partner in the United Kingdom shares her journey through breast cancer as a testament to the power of community. Her diagnosis brought uncertainty and fear but also revealed the strength of her support network.
“When I was diagnosed, my world changed overnight. Suddenly, I was facing treatments, uncertainty, and a new reality. But what stood out most was the support I received, from colleagues, friends, and family.”
At work, Susan found that empathy and flexibility made all the difference. “There were days I couldn’t be my usual self, but my colleagues never made me feel less. They checked in, offered help, and made sure I felt included, even when I couldn’t participate fully.”
Susan’s experience underscores the importance of workplace culture. “Belonging isn’t just about being present, it’s about being valued for your whole self, even when you’re facing something difficult. The empathy and flexibility I experienced made all the difference.”
She encourages others to embrace the unexpected, learn from their experiences, and recognize that life’s detours can lead to growth and deeper connections.
“If someone comes to you for advice, maybe they’re navigating a challenge themselves, or supporting someone who is. I let them know that their life may be different to what they were expecting and it’s ok to be sad about that. Life may be different but that doesn’t mean it is any less important or less engaging. You will learn things you didn’t know about yourself and others and it makes you a better human.”
BUILDING BELONGING: LESSONS FOR ALL
Belonging at adidas is shaped by everyday moments when people feel truly seen and valued. Kelly’s journey shows how understanding and acceptance can transform interactions. “People feel seen when they know they are recognized for their full selves, not just the mask they put on to appear ‘normal’.”
Alvaro shares how simple acts of trust and respect can open doors to connection. “Never assume someone wants help unless they ask for it. Assume competence before assuming someone can’t do something. Teach your kids to be kind and include others.”
Susan’s experience reminds us that support is most powerful when it’s offered without judgment, and when people feel safe to share what’s happening in their lives. “A health crisis doesn’t just affect one person; it creates a ripple effect across their entire support system. Recognizing this helps us create a more welcoming environment, where people feel safe to share what’s happening outside of work—because it directly impacts their capacity inside work. Belonging is about being valued for who you are.”
Sally encourages curiosity and openness, knowing that every conversation is an opportunity to learn and grow. “Strike up a conversation with someone different than you and you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible.”
Together, these voices show that belonging is not about fitting into a category, but about being welcomed, understood, and valued for every part of who you are. At adidas, we strive to create a culture where every story is honored, and where inclusion is woven into the fabric of our teams, our sports, and our everyday lives.
DEMYSTIFYING DISABILITY, INSPIRING BELONGING
Each story is a testament to the power of empathy and human connection. Inclusion is not about overcoming adversity alone; it’s about building a culture where every person is valued for their whole self. Let these voices inspire you to look beyond appearances, ask questions, and challenge your own assumptions. Inclusion starts with understanding and together, through sport and community, we hold the keys to unlock a world of abilities.