Neuroinclusive Workplace Panel 2024

From the Mailroom to the Boardroom: YOUR ROLE IN BUILDING A NEUROINCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

NEXT for AUTISM and The Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation hosted an in-person panel event at the University of California-Los Angeles on Thursday, September 12, 2024, to discuss how we can collectively improve neurodiverse hiring and employment.

The panel was moderated by Ferose V.R., SVP Head of SAP Academy for Engineering, SAP AE. The panelists were Jennifer Scott Bond, Human Resources Director, Aramark, Tim Goldstein, Technical Program Manager, Google, Amy Gravino, Relationship Coach, Consultant, and Autism Sexuality Advocate, Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, and Ed Lynch, Executive Director/Founder, Mychal’s Learning Place.

A full video of the panel discussion will be made available shortly. Email [email protected] to be notified when the video is available.

Special thanks to UCLA, UCLA-CART, and Mychal’s Bakery for generously donating their space and services for the event.

WATCH FULL 2024 PANEL DISCUSSION ACCESS INCLUSION RESOURCES BE A MENTOR

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DAY

MODERATOR

Ferose V.R., SVP Head of SAP Academy for Engineering, SAP AE

Ferose heads the SAP Academy for Engineering in San Ramon, CA. The mission of the organization is to create the next generation of engineers who are involved in solving some of the most complex problems in the world. He is the founder of the India Inclusion Foundation a Bengaluru-based nonprofit that aims to bring the topic of inclusion to the forefront in India. The India Inclusion Summit, The Inclusion Fellowship, Art For Inclusion and The Inclusive Walkathon , Everyone Is Good at Something, are some of the initiatives under the nonprofit.

PANELISTS

Jennifer Scott Bond, Human Resources Director, Aramark

Jennifer is a strategic and comprehensive Human Resources professional with Aramark, responsible for driving performance, growth, and engagement by attracting and retaining top talent, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and fostering professional development.Her experience spans fast-paced and diverse organizations, including hospitality, healthcare, and nonprofits. Jennifer is particularly passionate about engaging the neurodiverse workforce, bringing empathy and inclusivity to all employment experiences.

Tim Goldstein, Technical Program Manager, Google

Diagnosed with Asperger’s at 54, Tim Goldstein works for a major tech company, is a Neurodiverse Communications Specialist, a speaker on neurodiversity, and Autism Society of America board member. He helps organizations and individuals understand and overcome the Neurotypical Neurodistinct divide.Using his Neurocloud™ concept, he explains how to support the neurodistinct worker. Tim has taught to universities, global companies, groups, and individuals and in his book, Geeks Guide to Interviews.

Amy Gravino, Relationship Coach, Consultant, and Autism Sexuality Advocate, Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, A.S.C.O.T Consulting

Amy Gravino is an autism sexuality advocate and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. She is also the President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for organizations, schools, individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Amy is an international speaker who has given TED talks, spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented worldwide to audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on the subject of autism and sexuality. Ms. Gravino obtained her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University in 2010 and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Yes She Can, Inc. and the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City. She is an award-winning writer who has coauthored a chapter on autism and sexuality in the Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and her work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, and other outlets.

Ed Lynch, Executive Director/Founder, Mychal’s Learning Place

Ed established Mychal’s Learning Place in 2001, in honor of his daughter, Mychal. Her developmental and physical disabilities became evident when she was just two years old. Despite her challenges, Mychal always maintained her sense of humor and a loving spirit. She taught Ed invaluable lessons about life and brought to his attention the stark realities faced by parents due to the lack of resources, programs, and services for children with developmental disabilities. Tragically, Mychal passed away at the tender age of 7 1/2.What began as a modest after-school program serving 16 students has grown over the past 22 years. Today, Mychal’s offers an adult program, operates a commercial bakery, provides T-shirt printing and embroidery services, and most recently, opened a Café. Through Mychal’s Learning Place children and young adults with developmental disabilities feel safe, loved, and encouraged to achieve independence and build self-esteem.

ABOUT THE HOSTS

NEXT for AUTISM builds national programs that enhance the lives of autistic adults.

NEXT has been transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism for 20 years. From founding the first charter school in New York to exclusively serve children with autism, and the establishment of a professional training center with Hunter College to the creation of the renowned Center for Autism and the Developing Brain with New York-Presbyterian, Columbia and Cornell, NEXT for AUTISM has always been at the forefront of building programs that enhance the lives of people with autism and their families. As we look ahead, we remain laser focused on ensuring a bright future for autistic adults because we believe that we all deserve to lead fulfilling and productive lives.

The Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, founded in 2006, is a private family foundation established by Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia.

The Foundation is dedicated to making an impactful change around the world by funding innovative solutions and programs that enrich communities and serve the common good. The Foundation’s grant making focuses on local, national, and international organizations that support medical & healthcare research, education, mental health, intellectual and physical diversities, human rights & social justice, women & girls empowerment, and emergency responses.

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