Neurodiversity Employment Network

Neurodiversity Employment Network member Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism Institute has a?new study focused on community engagement for #autistic adults! This study, the?Community Mobility and Participation of Autistic Adults Study (COMPAAS),?examines?how often people leave their homes, the amount of time they spend in the community, the places they go, and other factors associated with community participation. ? Their goal is to uncover insights that could significantly enhance the support systems for autistic individuals, their families, and service providers, enabling them to achieve their desired activities in the community. ? Learn more here: ?https://lnkd.in/e2JV_cek Contact Jordan Gifford, MPH for more info! jg3785@drexel.edu The Arc of Philadelphia Disability Pride Pennsylvania Drexel University Transition Pathways, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Disability Lead College Autism Network Nagapriya V. Krista Deguffroy M.Ed. Jamiel Owens Posibilidades Infinitas Special Olympics Pennsylvania Robert Naseef, Ph.D. Michael Hannon, PhD

Big things are happening at Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia! We’re launching into 2025 with bold ideas, new initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to expanding #neuroinclusive employment. Our first newsletter of the year took a little longer to arrive—because we’ve been busy making real change happen! Three key focus areas: Mapping the neurodiversity employment ecosystem in Philadelphia, fostering meaningful connections, and building strong partnerships. Three innovative programming tracks: Early Career Professional, Employer Evolution, and Think Tank—designed to ignite collaboration, tackle challenges, and create new pathways for neurodivergent talent. Now is the time to get involved! March through May will be packed with dynamic programming to spark innovation, empower professionals, and cultivate transformative partnerships in neuroinclusive employment. As we gear up for Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17-23) and Autism Acceptance Month in April, we encourage you to: ? Attend an event that aligns with your expertise/experience ? Connect with new partners ? Share NENPHL with organizations that can benefit from and contribute to this work Neuroinclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business imperative. Let’s build momentum together and make 2025 a year of action, growth, and impact! ?? Check out the March Newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eE22-x-K #NeurodiversityEmployment #InclusionAtWork #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek #AutismAcceptanceMonth #NENPHL Kevin Davis Matthew Roessler, MS HRD Cherie Fishbaugh Joseph Riddle Gretchen Rose, SPHR Kirsten Saraceni, M.S., BCBA, LBS Cait Russell (Rosica) Nikki Kuhn Saint Joseph's University Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support Alli Gatta MacNamara, M.S., LPC, NCC MEA - MidAtlantic Employers’ Association PSPS: Philadelphia Society of People & Strategy Philly SHRM Kaela Blanks, M.S., SHRM-SCP Jamiel Owens STACI BENDER EPSTEIN Vibha Agrawal The Main Line Chamber of Commerce The Society of Professional Women Amanda Lukof (Niederauer)

Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia has some pretty awesome event locations coming up in April & May! Executive Director Laura Sibbald, MA CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CYMHS was scouting out the spaces this week as part of the event planning process. Can you guess where our events will be from the photos below? ???? #InnovationandEntrepreneurshipSummit #FosteringInclusiveWorkplaces #EarlyCareerProfessional #EmployerEvolution #InclusionMatters #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #NENPHL Kevin Davis Evander Smith Christine DeLaurentis, CPS Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Villanova University Villanova School of Business Deborah Harris Jamiel Owens Kaela Blanks, M.S., SHRM-SCP Philly SHRM Cait Russell (Rosica) Abigayle Jayroe MBA Shelley Tanner (she/her) Niranjan Haridass Alberta Blum, CMVR, CDR Susannah Reimer

Early Career Professional Track Programming: Take Your First Steps to Financial & Holistic Wellness! Join us on March 27 for an engaging Early Career Professional Track event focused on building a strong foundation for both personal and financial well-being. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or early in your career, this event will provide practical tools to support your journey. ?? Location: DCAP – West Chester University ? Time: 3:30 – 5:00 PM (Hybrid Option Available) Event Highlights: ?? 3:30 – 4:00 PM | Physical wellness and nutrition session at DCAP led by EmpowerU Specialty Fitness & Fitness Factory WC ?? 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Financial Literacy Seminar led by Prudential Financial (Hybrid Format Available!) This session will offer insights into financial planning and holistic wellness—key elements for long-term success. This event is focused on early career professionals, students, individuals in employment transition. ?? Register today and take a proactive step toward a more secure and balanced future! https://lnkd.in/eg_wD5Qw #NeurodiversityEmploymentNetwork #NENPHL #EarlyCareerSuccess #FinancialWellness #HolisticHealth #ProfessionalGrowth #2025Programming West Chester University of Pennsylvania Emma Billingsley Sheba Simms Julia Ott Amy Z. Alli Gatta MacNamara, M.S., LPC, NCC Kevin Davis Evander Smith Christine DeLaurentis, CPS Cherie Fishbaugh Joseph DelViscio Jamiel Owens Susannah Reimer Larissa Berkowitz Amanda Machonis Weston Garton Amy Gillespie Beth Rosenwasser, PhD Bev Weinberg, OTD

Kevin Davis with EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants is hosting an insightful Lunch & Learn at Life Sciences Pennsylvania on March 18 from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM: EPIC Culture, Compliance, and Compassion – What Your Business Needs to Know. This event will dive into three essential pillars of a thriving business: building a strong, inclusive culture, navigating compliance with confidence, and leading with compassion to create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia encourages those invested in inclusive employment to attend and engage in this important conversation. Take advantage of this opportunity to gain expert insights, connect with professionals, and explore strategies that drive meaningful workplace impact. Register today! https://lnkd.in/g486BHR4 #NeurodiversityAtWork #InclusionMatters #InclusiveEmployment ClimeCo Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., EOS, MAI Capital Management, Wellworks For You

?? Member Spotlight: Without Limits at Radian! ?? We are thrilled to announce that Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia's Member Outreach Committee has selected Without Limits, Radian’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), for this month’s Member Spotlight! ?? On February 19, Without Limits at Radian hosted our Quarterly #Connect Event, where Darin Schemanski delivered an insightful presentation on how to start and sustain an ERG. As a relatively new ERG—launched just over a year ago—they have already made a significant impact by highlighting the importance of retaining and supporting the progression of neurodivergent talent in the workplace. A huge congratulations to Without Limits for their dedication to fostering an #inclusive workplace! We are grateful for your contributions to the Neurodiversity Employment Network and look forward to seeing your continued impact. #NeurodiversityEmploymentNetwork #WorkplaceInclusion #ERG #WithoutLimits #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters Kevin Davis Amanda Machonis Amy Gillespie Larissa Berkowitz Weston Garton Cherie Fishbaugh Gretchen Rose, SPHR Michael Ghesser Cait Russell (Rosica)

Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia member The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support is expanding its employment offerings by launching a new program for college graduates designed to provide support with job searching, onboarding, and job retention. The Post-College Employment Program entails a structured weekly or biweekly meeting with an assigned counselor in order to help degree-holding job seekers meet their professional goals. They are currently accepting applications for programming beginning in May 2025. Check out more info here! https://lnkd.in/dGJXY2a8 #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters #Employment #NeurodiversityAtWork Alli Gatta MacNamara, M.S., LPC, NCC Mary Ann Newell Kevin Davis College Autism Network Christine DeLaurentis, CPS Amy Gillespie Sarah Louise Hale Hill Top Preparatory School Delaware Valley Friends School Woodlynde School Julia Dugan Zack Hulings

Introducing NENPHL’s 2025 Programming Tracks! At Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia, we’re committed to fostering meaningful conversations and opportunities in #neuroinclusive employment. To streamline and enhance our programming, we’re introducing three specialized tracks to ensure content is tailored to the unique needs of our community. Whether you're an early career professional, an industry leader, or an employer looking to evolve, there’s a space for you! ?? Early Career Professional – Designed for neurodivergent individuals in the early stages of their careers or navigating job transitions. Sessions will focus on career readiness, self-advocacy, and workplace success strategies. ?? Employer Evolution – Helping businesses at any stage of their neuroinclusion journey with practical guidance on recruitment, onboarding, and workplace culture. Learn from colleagues and experts to build a workplace where neurodivergent professionals thrive. ?? Think Tank – A space for experts, advocates, and stakeholders to collaborate on innovative, systemic solutions for neuroinclusive employment. Through research, discussion, and action-oriented sessions, we’ll drive real change together. Event sizes and locations will vary, ensuring a range of opportunities to engage, explore, and evolve with us. Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved; Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ecQxAAHc Which track resonates most with you? Let us know in the comments. #NeurodiversityEmploymentNetwork #NENPHL #InclusiveWorkplaces #CareerDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #Neurodivergent Kevin Davis Joseph Riddle Cherie Fishbaugh Evander Smith Krista Deguffroy Christine DeLaurentis, CPS Michael Ghesser The Main Line Chamber of Commerce Villanova University MEA - MidAtlantic Employers’ Association West Chester University of Pennsylvania Fitness Factory WC EmpowerU Specialty Fitness Jamiel Owens Children's Hospital of Philadelphia A.J. Drexel Autism Institute Kirsten Saraceni, M.S., BCBA, LBS

Attending the The Society of Professional Women event hosted by the The Main Line Chamber of Commerce this afternoon was an exciting opportunity to explore Leveraging AI in Communications with Beth Brodovsky! The discussion highlighted how emerging technologies can enhance #inclusion and #accessibility in the workplace. It was great to connect with with fellow Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia members and forge new business relationships with local organizations. Conversations like these drive #innovation and open doors to meaningful employment opportunities for #neurodivergent individuals. Looking forward to applying these insights and to seeing new connections at upcoming NENPHL events! Vibha Agrawal Madeleine Herringa Bev Weinberg, OTD Mary Ann Newell, LPC, NCC The Radnor Hotel Sagets formal wear Comcast Business Main Line Health 1847Financial Closets By Design Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support Saint Joseph's University Nothing Bundt Cakes

Celebrating the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) for renewing their membership with Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia! OVR’s continued commitment to providing individualized support for people with disabilities aligns with our mission to advance #neuroinclusion in the workplace. Together, we are expanding access to meaningful employment opportunities. Learn more about OVR’s impact: https://lnkd.in/eb-AxpAd #NeurodiversityEmployment #InclusionMatters #VocationalRehabilitation PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Disability Pride Pennsylvania The Arc of Philadelphia Kevin Davis Evander Smith Michael Ghesser Cherie Fishbaugh Shari Brightful Kaitlin Salvati