Where Modern Business Meets People

Mission

Empowering organizations by bridging business acumen with social responsibility.
At The IR Agency, our mission is to provide transformative consultancy services that empower organizations to thrive. We focus on delivering tools, strategies, and insights that help these organizations adopt a people-first mentality, ensuring they make a meaningful impact on leading businesses and corporations.

Vision

Diversity-driven innovation for public health success.
We envision a world where diversity and people-centric strategies are at the forefront of innovation, driving success in public health and beyond. By championing inclusivity, we aim to set a new standard for excellence in consultancy services.

How We Do It

Unlocking potential through tailored, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
We unlock our clients' full potential by offering personalized support, expert training, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Black, LGBQ, and Trans populations. Our approach is rooted in fostering inclusivity, driving sustainable growth, and empowering our clients through collaboration.

Foundational Pillars

1. Inclusivity and Representation

2. Customized Excellence

3. Sustainable Growth and Impact

4. Collaborative Empowerment

“In diversity, there is beauty, and there is strength.”
— Maya Angelou

Over the past decade, we’ve partnered with organizations across sectors, providing strategic consulting in fundraising, leadership development, and program expansion. Our work spans nonprofits, higher education, public health, corporate social responsibility, and advocacy organizations.

Public Health & Policy

  • Atlanta HIV Community Advisory Council – Advising on funding and impact strategy.

  • Nashville & Davidson County Department of Public Health – Strategic planning for inclusive healthcare frameworks.

  • THRIVE SS – Program development and multi-state expansion consulting.

  • Kids Forward – Policy consulting focused on child and family well-being.

Nonprofit & Philanthropy

  • United Way of Dane County – Community impact consulting and funding strategy.

  • Forward Community Investments – Equity-driven investment strategy consulting.

  • YWCA Madison – Workforce development and funding growth consulting.

  • CUNA Mutual Group Foundation – Corporate social responsibility and impact strategy.

Higher Education & Training

  • University of Houston – Curriculum development and program expansion.

  • University of Nebraska – National health equity strategy consulting.

  • University of Wisconsin – Madison (Alumni Association, Memorial Union, Wisconsin Foundation, Madison College) – Leadership training and fundraising development.

Corporate & Business Development

  • UW Credit Union – Strategic engagement in equity-driven financial initiatives.

  • Business Industrial District (Madison) – Economic development and community impact strategy.

  • Downtown Madison Inc. – Consulting on equity-focused urban development.

Arts, Media & Advocacy

  • Human Rights Campaign – Leadership training and corporate engagement.

  • Our Lives Magazine – Media consulting for LGBTQ+ visibility and advocacy.

  • Infamous Mothers – Storytelling and entrepreneurship consulting.

  • Madison Museum of Contemporary Art – Community engagement and arts advocacy strategy.

  • Zanah Thirus Productions – Film and media consulting on social impact storytelling.

Meet the Founder

Ja’Mel Ware
Founder

Ja’Mel Ashely Ware is a dynamic force—an entertainer, entrepreneur, and educator whose work reshapes industries and communities alike. With a decade-long track record of driving change in entrepreneurship, HIV awareness, and reproductive health, Ja’Mel has built a legacy rooted in impact.

At the helm of The IR Agency (formerly IR), Ja’Mel redefines where modern business meets people. The agency empowers organizations by blending sharp business acumen with deep social responsibility, fostering a people-first approach that transforms industries. The IR Agency champions diversity-driven innovation through strategic consulting, unlocking sustainable and inclusive solutions that set a new standard for excellence.

Ja’Mel’s vision is clear: to create a future where inclusivity isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation of success.