Tara May
A Case Study in Resilience: The Business Model of Neurodiversity Employment
Tuesday, October 6
Tara explores how Aspiritech has built a sustainable, resilient business model for neurodiversity employment, one that's grown into one of the largest autistic-led tech employers in North America. She'll share what it takes to turn mission into a model that lasts.
Meet Joanna and Gustavo:
Tara May is the CEO of Aspiritech, one of the largest autistic-led tech employers in North America, and Chairperson of the Neurowrx Foundation. Tara is known for building organizations where kindness and innovation go hand in hand.
Joanna Smink & Gustavo Gutman
Voices from Argentina: Neurodivergent Employment
Tuesday, October 6
Joanna Smink and Gustavo Gutman share how they are building Aspiritech Argentina, adapting a proven US employment model for neurodivergent adults to the local context of Buenos Aires. They explore the employment gap, the lessons learned, and what it takes to turn intent into real, long-term careers for neurodivergent talent in Latin America.
Meet Joanna and Gustavo:
Joanna brings 25+ years in marketing and product management, including seven years at Microsoft Philanthropies managing impact programs across Latin America and Canada. Gustavo brings 30+ years as a tech executive across Latin America, with leadership roles at SAS, Microsoft, Accenture, EMC, Sun Microsystems, and AT&T. Together, they lead Aspiritech Argentina, work that's personal for both: Joanna's family has its own experience with autism, and one of Gustavo's children is on the autism spectrum.
Heidi Kershaw
Keynote: Autism in a Time of War: Supporting Neurodivergent Communities Through Global Change
Wednesday, October 7
Heidi Kershaw, Founder & CEO of the Global Autism Coalition and member of the leadership team at the Uniquely Abled Project, will share lessons learned from advancing autism support, education, and workforce inclusion across regions facing conflict, instability, and rapid change. Drawing from partnerships throughout the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and beyond, this keynote explores how governments, nonprofits, educators, and industry leaders can work together to build stronger, more inclusive systems for neurodivergent individuals and their families, even in the most uncertain times.
Meet Heidi:
Heidi Kershaw is the Founder and CEO of the Global Autism Coalition, an organization dedicated to the safety, livelihood, and success of the global autistic community through education, technology, and strategic partnership. Autism runs in Heidi's own family, and that personal connection continues to shape her work today. Before founding GAC, she served as Managing Director for the Entertainment Industry Foundation and later as CEO of Multiple, a nonprofit accelerator for autism tech startups. Her work spans the globe, from Ukraine to Iraq to the UAE, building bridges between governments, technologists, and communities.
Manon Krabbenborg
WAVE: Creating a Movement for Neurodivergent People
Wednesday, October 7
Manon shares how WAVE is building a social movement around neurodivergent talent, one rooted in belief, possibility, and real human connection. She'll talk about what it takes to help neurodivergent young people flourish, and how educators, employers, and communities can create environments where that's possible.
Meet Manon:
Manon Krabbenborg is a program leader at WAVE, where she works to help neurodivergent young people flourish by embracing what makes them unique. She describes herself as a connector who believes deeply in the power of real contact, and in focusing on possibilities rather than limitations. Outside of her work, Manon is a mother of four who finds energy in movement, whether that's running, playing volleyball, or hiking, which she sees as a reflection of how she approaches her work too: by taking action.
Dr. David Ruttenberg
Nobody Asked Phoebe at Work: How AI Is Getting Neurodiversity Employment Wrong
Wednesday, October 7
Dr. David Ruttenberg uses his daughter Phoebe's story to show where AI is failing neurodivergent people in hiring and on the job. He then offers the practical governance principles attendees can take back to their teams, with a focus on hiring practices and on-the-job accommodations.
Meet David:
Dr. David Ruttenberg is an AI ethicist and cognitive neuroscientist, a Fulbright Specialist, and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at University College London. Founder of Phoeb-X and holder of multiple patents for ethical wearable technology, he is known for building technology with neurodivergent people, not just for them.
Anne Kresta
Autistic Worldbuilding: Reimagining the Transition from Professional Education to Chosen Careers
Wednesday, October 7
Anne will present on a recent research project hosted by Elon University that explored the experience of autistic professionals attaining their professional degrees and transitioning into employment.
Meet Anne:
Anne Kresta is the founder and director of Level It Up, based in Winnipeg, Canada, where she helps autistic job seekers transition from post-secondary education into meaningful employment. She serves on the Neurowrx board and has partnered with organizations like Specialisterne Canada to build communities of practice around inclusive hiring and workplace accommodations.
Sharon-Drew Morgen
How to Understand Each Other Across Boundaries
Wednesday, October 7
Due to the way brains listen (filled with distortions, deletions, and bias) it's difficult for people to hear each other accurately, whether Neurodiverse or Neurotypical. In this interactive talk, Sharon-Drew explains why we can't hear each other, and how to get around the biases and misunderstandings necessary for any group to communicate collaboratively.
Meet Sharon-Drew:
Sharon-Drew Morgen is a New York Times bestselling author and developer/trainer of systemic change models for leadership, sales, communication, change. She is recognized as a thought leader for her innovative work on how brains listen and how questions can enable discovery and permanent change. Sharon-Drew is an author, speaker, trainer, and coach.