Meet the inaugural members of Team NEXT, NEXT for AUTISM's first official TCS NYC Marathon team!
Holly, Michael, Elizabeth, and Eric have signed on to help raise funds to support NEXT's mission and to raise awareness of the unique needs of autistic adults. Together, they will run a collective 104.8 miles to benefit what's NEXT for autism.
Please join us in supporting their marathon efforts as they tackle the iconic 2026 TCS NYC Marathon!
Meet Holly: Holly is the Founder and CEO of Wable, a social app designed for neurodivergent people to find dates, friends, and jobs.
Inspiration to Run with Team NEXT: My personal and professional mission aligns with NEXT for AUTISM to support and empower the autistic community. Every mile I run is for progress, for inclusion, and for building a future where neurodivergent individuals have greater access to meaningful opportunities and support.
Thoughts on Tackling a Marathon: I've run half marathons, but this will be my first marathon (and it falls on my birthday)!
Meet Michael: Michael is the president of Inter Contracting Corp and the father of an amazing son.
Inspiration to Run with Team NEXT: I am drawn to the mission of NEXT in providing services for adults with autism, which is clearly an overlooked but urgent need in the community. I am the father of a 7-year-old autistic child. Before his diagnosis, I knew nothing about autism. Now, I continue to learn about more and to fill the critical needs in the lives of these individuals.
Thoughts on Tackling a Marathon: While I haven't run an organized marathon yet, I train extensively and have run numerous half marathons.
Meet Elizabeth: Elizabeth is a senior consultant with Mercer (a Marsh business).
Inspiration to Run with Team NEXT: My older sister has autism. Watching her resilience, kindness, selflessness, and the way she moves through a world that wasn't really built for her has quietly shaped most of my adult values. NEXT's work feels personal to me. I'm honored to support NEXT's mission and create awareness.
Thoughts on Tackling a Marathon: I've been an endurance athlete my entire life--swimming, rowing, and running. I currently run 25+ miles a week and am excited to commit to 26.2!
Meet Eric: Eric is a consultant with Version X Solutions and joins us from Toronto, Ontario.
Inspiration to Run with Team NEXT: Watching his sister navigate and succeed in the workplace as a neurodivergent adult has inspired Eric. It became clear to him that she more than had the skills; she just needed someone to open the door. He reached out to NEXT due to our commitment to advancing opportunities for autistic adults in the workplace.
Thoughts on Tackling a Marathon: No problem! Eric has already completed three marathons (PB of 3:05) and one Ironman!
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