My name is Robyn Zimmer, the creator of Embrace the Difference®. My son, Sam, has been my inspiration to create a kinder, more inclusive world. Growing up, Sam faced many challenges, from early speech delays to being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at 14. Despite these obstacles, Sam’s ability to understand people’s emotions has been a true gift.

Inspired by a poem by Edwin Markham, I designed the Embrace the Difference® symbol—a square embraced by circles—to represent inclusion and acceptance. The jewelry line soon followed, with a mission to give back to organizations that support individuals like Sam. Since then, we’ve donated close to $1,000,000 to various charities, including those supporting special needs, chronic illness, and animal rescue. In 2020, we were honored to be featured as a Big Find on QVC.

In 2024, we proudly announced our first national partnership with Special Olympics. With our new Pledge-powered donation feature (formerly Give & Grow), you can now choose where your donation goes. When you shop, 10% of your purchase price will go to the charity you select—either the Alzheimer’s Association or our national partner, Special Olympics.

At the heart of Embrace the Difference® is a simple but powerful truth:
We are all connected, no matter our differences. Be kind and support one another. At some point in life, each of us is the square—needing extra care—and at another, we’re part of the circle of support for someone else. That’s the meaning behind our symbol, and the soul of our mission.
Our mission is simple: Be kind, embrace our differences, and make a difference.