The Manager Effect:
What’s Needed to Build and Sustain Neuroinclusive Workplaces that Benefit All Employees
Join NEXT for AUTISM at this in-person panel event on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the University of California, Los Angeles (Tamkin Auditorium).
Hear from autistic leaders and engage in conversations about how businesses, especially managers, can build neuroinclusive workplaces that will have long-term benefits for the entire team. We will also share findings from NEXT's recent survey of autistic employees, "Inside the Autistic Workforce(opens in new tab)," on the importance of trust and psychological safety.
At right, a clip from the 2025 panel discussion with Kelli Fisher, Social Media Manager, Spectrum Designs and NEXT Gen board member.
This will be the 4th in-person panel hosted by NEXT and The Anita Bhatia Foundation for Tomorrow. These discussions bring together top voices in the autism community, business leaders, and organizations looking to make a difference. Email [email protected](opens in new tab) with any questions you may have.
Moderator
Dr. Kerry Magro, Ed.D. | Dr. Magro(opens in new tab) is an award-winning autistic professional speaker, best-selling author, nonprofit leader, and entertainment consultant. Nonspeaking until age 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at age 4, Kerry did not begin speaking in complete sentences until age 7. Today, he has spoken at more than 1,500 events, including two TEDx Talks and a Talks at Google presentation, sharing his lived experience and expertise on autism, neurodiversity, inclusion, education, employment, and self-advocacy.
Kerry serves as an autism consultant for Netflix’s Emmy Award-winning Love on the Spectrum U.S. and HBO’s Mrs. Fletcher, and he was hired as a writer for PBS KIDS’ Carl the Collector, which features PBS KIDS’ first autistic lead character. He is also CEO and President of KFM Making A Difference, a nonprofit that has provided more than 150 scholarships for autistic students and 27 small-business grants supporting disability employment.
Kerry is the author of several Amazon best-selling books, including Supporting Your Autism Journey and Autistics on Autism. His advocacy and community work have been featured on NBC’s TODAY, CBS News, FOX, and Upworthy, and his videos have been viewed more than 35 million times. He also regularly presents to companies on neurodiversity in the workplace and leadership.
Panelists
Spencer Harte, Actress, Opera Singer, and Host
Spencer is an actress, opera singer, and host. She had a recurring role on the groundbreaking Netflix show, “Atypical,” and a co-starring role on NBC’s Emmy-nominated, fan favorite, “Parenthood”. Spencer has appeared in several award-winning short films and has been asked to reprise her lead role from one of those shorts in the feature film version, filming soon. She is currently in production on a Disney+Hulu show that will air in early 2027. Spencer was nominated for best comedic performance by an actress at The Hollywood Fringe Festival for her role in “Ride or Die - A Hip Hop Musical”. She has sung solo at The White House and The United Nations as well as, the Pantages Theater for the “Light Up The Blues” concert. Spencer has performed with the Los Angeles Opera Community Opera, the National Children’s Chorus and was awarded First Place in Performance at the INAP awards in Vancouver, Canada. She served as an autism ambassador when, as a Chinese adoptee, she was invited to China to perform at various venues to help spread autism awareness and acceptance. Spencer regularly hosts on the red carpet for The Ed Asner Family Center events and has had her own chat show, “Harte to Heart” on the Autism Network. When she is not at her beloved job at Funko Hollywood, she spends much of her free time advocating for the autism community, of which she is a proud member.
Kurt Iobst, Co-Founder and Global President, Neuroforce, Salesforce
Kurt is a passionate advocate and leader for Neurodiversity inclusion and empowerment. As the Global President and co-founder of the Neuroforce BRG at Salesforce, he is dedicated to breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and paving a path for the neurodiversity community to thrive in society. A storyteller by nature, Kurt shares his own experiences as a late-diagnosed Autistic professional. Kurt is focused on creating a workspace where differences are celebrated and embraced. He draws on his backgrounds in both education and technology to provide him with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the neurodiversity community, as well as the potential they possess to contribute uniquely to the world. He has been a featured speaker at several events, not limited to but including the world’s largest tech conference CES, M-Enabling, Disability:IN, as well as Salesforce’s annual event, Dreamforce.
More announcements to come!
THANKS TO OUR GRANTEE COLLABORATORS
Special thanks to UCLA and UCLA-CART for generously donating their space and services for the event.
NEXT for AUTISM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025 PANEL
Below are links to the three past panel discussions, a recent webinar on the importance of listening in the workplace, as well as free resources for employees and employers.
