Fresno, CA — October 2, 2024
Inclusive Collective, a new community-led initiative, is making waves in Fresno by offering free yoga sessions aimed at promoting inclusivity, mental health awareness, and community building. Formed by three local friends—Kaylee Rotunno, Austen Houts, and Maria Allegra—the group has created a space where individuals of all backgrounds and identities can come together and practice yoga without financial barriers.
On a recent visit, THE FIVE5NINE had the opportunity to attend one of their sessions, held at Dulce Upfront, a multimedia access arts space in Fresno. We witnessed the transformative impact the group is having on the community and sat down with the founders for an interview to learn more about their vision and work.
“I’ve known these two wonderful people for a while, and I reached out to them because I felt like our community was missing something,” said Kaylee Rotunno, co-founder of Inclusive Collective. “We needed a space where we could be unapologetically ourselves, especially as members of the LGBTQ+ community, while raising funds for causes we care about.”
Inclusive Collective’s mission is simple but powerful: to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for yoga enthusiasts, regardless of experience, and raise money for local and global causes through their free classes. The group is not a business but a collective of individuals passionate about yoga and the community.
“We’re not here to make a profit; we’re here to make yoga accessible,” said Maria Allegra. “We want to take away the price barrier so everyone, no matter their background or financial situation, can experience the benefits of yoga.”
The collective’s efforts are not limited to just yoga. With a commitment to supporting causes they believe in, each class also serves as a fundraiser. “We’re currently raising funds for the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund,” explained Austen Houts. “It’s our way of using the resources we have here to help others in need, both locally and globally.”
Inclusive Collective has also supported local organizations like the Fresno LGBTQ+ Center and Sung Village, an animal rescue organization in nearby Madera. Their first yoga session, held in June, attracted significant attention, and their presence in the community has only grown since.
The group’s partnership with Dulce Upfront has been a vital part of their success. “We love this space,” said Kaylee. “It aligns perfectly with our values, and it allows us to create a real sense of community. The fact that businesses like Dulce are willing to offer us space for free is amazing.”
As the conversation progressed, it became clear that Inclusive Collective’s vision extends beyond just offering free yoga. “Yoga is so much more than poses,” said Maria. “It’s about how you move through life, how you treat yourself, and how you interact with others. That’s what we want to bring to the community—a practice that helps people ground themselves and connect with others.”
During the session, attendees of all levels practiced a variety of yoga styles, from gentle yin yoga to more active vinyasa flow, demonstrating the collective’s goal of offering something for everyone. The welcoming atmosphere was palpable, with each participant greeted personally, and intentions set before the class began.
The founders’ passion for inclusivity was evident throughout the interview. “It’s about creating a space where people feel safe and seen,” said Austen. “We know that traditional yoga studios can be intimidating, especially for those who’ve never practiced before. We want to change that.”
Inclusive Collective is already planning to expand its offerings, with hopes of holding more classes and collaborating with other local organizations. “We want to keep this momentum going,” said Kaylee. “The community response has been incredible, and we know that people want this.”
To stay updated on upcoming events or to join a class, Fresno residents can follow Inclusive Collective on Instagram at @inclusive_collective_fresno. All classes are free, and donations are encouraged to support the causes the collective chooses to highlight each month.
As the founders continue to expand their initiative, one thing is clear: Inclusive Collective is filling a much-needed gap in the Fresno community, providing not just yoga, but also a place where people can connect, grow, and give back.
Inclusive Collective Fresno
Instagram: @inclusive_collective_fresno
Location: Various venues in Fresno, including Dulce Upfront
Upcoming Classes: Free yoga classes are offered monthly, with donations supporting local and global causes.
