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July 30 marked the 11th International Day of Friendship which according to the United Nations “places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.”
For Cris Sweeny, 30-year industry veteran and owner of the Miami-based art and framing solutions firm FrameWorks, developing future leaders and promoting respect for diversity doesn’t need a holiday. It’s every day.
Before starting FrameWorks, Sweeny knew she wanted to create a culture that represented the diversity of the world. Now, with 36 employees, FrameWorks’ reputation of inclusion, creativity, and diversity splashes from its door into greater Miami.
“It’s just in our DNA, and we like to think it’s our not-so-secret-anymore sauce to more than 30 years in the industry,” Sweeny said.
Finding a kindred spirit in the community, FrameWorks established a lasting relationship with de Moya Foundation, a non-profit organization that is committed to creating employment opportunities for young adults with unique abilities. The partnership speaks to FrameWork’s long-held value of inclusion, and before de Moya, the company did not have this specially abled representation on the team.
Joey has been with FrameWorks for one and a half years, Katie more recently, and just recently, the growing team welcomed Marty. Having these three individuals join FrameWorks embodies how Sweeny and co-founder Claire Lardner believe “the world changes in small little steps.”
For their most recent collaboration outside, de Moya asked the FrameWorks team if they would like to join them in participating in the Special Olympics for 2022. They quickly said “yes” and were paired with young adults on the Olympics team. FrameWorks members traveled to Orlando and supported #TeamdeMoya at the state finals.
Inside and outside the workroom, FrameWorks is eager to support future leaders in the quest for a better tomorrow, more inclusive and diverse.
Led by co-founders Cris Sweeny and Claire Lardner, FrameWorks is a diverse LGBTQ+ women-owned commercial art and framing company located in Miami and serving clients internationally. Out of its 20,000-square-foot studio and showroom facility, the company now employs 36 art and framing specialists, including many trained from within the local Miami arts community, and consistently invests in cutting-edge technology and equipment with a constant eye towards future development.
