You're invited to the
2025 ION World Autism Awareness Day Global Broadcast: Advancing Neurodiversity & the UN SDGs
2nd April 2025, 2pm - 7:30pm UK London Time
(including a 1/2 hour break)
On April 2, we are hosting a global online broadcast, exploring how autism and neurominority inclusion aligns with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This event will feature expert speakers from around the world sharing insights in panel discussions and a fireside chat, as we dive into the following key areas:
- Inclusive healthcare & well-being (SDG 3) – Ensuring healthcare systems support autistic individuals
- Quality education (SDG 4) – Creating inclusive learning environments for all
- Workplace accessibility (SDG 8) – Unlocking the potential of a neurodiverse workforce
- Reducing inequalities (SDG 10) – Shaping policies that promote full societal participation
- Building inclusive cities & communities (SDG 11) – Designing spaces that work for everyone
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SD G16) – Importance of strong institutions for global inclusion.
Join is as part of our global family at 2pm -7:30pm, UK London time and be inspired to foster advocacy, and drive real change. Don’t miss it register your place today by completing and submitting the form. Once we receive your form, we will be in touch with the login details to watch over the internet.
Our Speakers
Prof. Charlotte Valuer, U.K - ION Founder
Charlotte Valeur is an Investment Banker and experienced FTSE Chair and Non-Executive Director with deep expertise in IPOs, M&A, and restructuring. She has served on boards including Blackstone Loan Financing, the UK Institute of Directors, FTSE250 Kennedy Wilson Europe Real Estate, FTSE250 Bankers Investment Trust, FTSE250 Digital 9 Infrastructure Plc, UK Industrial Fusion Solution Ltd and Laing O’Rourke Engineering Ltd.
A global authority on corporate governance and leadership, she is a professor and author of Effective Directors, Questions to Ask. A lifelong human rights advocate, Charlotte champions inclusion and equality, founding Board Apprentice and the global Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) to drive systemic change across industries and society.
Panel - The Global Perspective
Rashida Namulondo, Uganda
Rashida Namulondo is an award winning poet and applied theater practitioner. She is the founder of The Sophie Muwanika Institute of art for change, a non-profit organization dedicated to using theatre for peacebuilding and mental wellbeing. Her work promotes access, inclusion, and participation in the arts for marginalized communities in Uganda. Globally, She advocates and provides thought leadership on the role of arts in advancing sustainable development.
Through storytelling, Rashida fosters social and collective healing. Her work has gained international recognition, including being named a Laureate Global Fellow (2016) and One Young World Peace Ambassador 2017.
Minhaaj Rehman, Pakistan
Minhaaj Rehman is the CEO and Founder of Psyda, an AI-powered research agency specializing in business psychology, human personality assessment, and management consulting. His work intersects Psychometrics, Personality Psychology, and Machine Learning to create inclusive, data-driven solutions for education and workplaces, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).
As a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practitioner and an advocate for neurodiversity, Minhaaj is committed to leveraging AI and data science to foster inclusive hiring, personalized learning, and mental well-being. His global mentorship, training, and research—recognized by top-tier institutions and media—have empowered individuals and organizations to embrace neurodivergence as a strength. Through his podcast, The Minhaaj Podcast, he amplifies voices from neuroscience, AI, and psychology, advancing the conversation on innovation, inclusion, and human potential in the digital age.
Danielle Cahill, Australia
Danielle Cahill is a digital journalist. She has worked in digital news since 2006 for ninemsn, News Corp Australia, The Telegraph in Britain, The Irish Independent & REA Group. She currently works for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. She has been diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD, and auditory processing disorder yet self identifies as autistic.
Tony Fish, U.K
Tony Fish helps teams ask the critical questions they may not have considered, refining decision-making in uncertain environments. A neuro-minority leader, he is an expert in governance, sustainability, and foresight, with 30 years of experience across sectors. An influential speaker at 300+ conferences, he has authored six books on data, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Tony is a Visiting Fellow at Henley Business School, an Entrepreneur in Residence at Bradford School of Management, and teaches AI and Ethics at London Business School and LSE. He also advises as a European Commission expert on Big Data.
Alan Robinson, Argentina
Alan Robinson is an Argentine writer known for his delusions and hallucinations, which are forms of writing in his books. He has directed and written more than twenty theatrical performances. Many of his published books present universal human experiences related to the social perspectives of neurominorities.
Themes such as love, power, and human relationships appear in his literary work. He directs the online magazine “Locura en Argentina” (Lore in Argentina) about culture, diversity, and lifestyle. He publishes books with Editorial Los Hermanos. His work has contributed to the creation of a theoretical framework that accepts voice-hearing and visions.
In his teaching role, he teaches social psychology and personal finance. He advises the Argentine government on the use of clear language, pictograms, and accessibility to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating in education and cultural life. He is a founding member of the regional organization “RedEsfera Latinoamericana,” which he currently chairs.
Kim Shah, ION Canada
Kim Shah (She/Her) is a consultant in the financial services industry and the Canadian Country Lead for the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION). Identified with ADHD and Dyslexia, she advocates for neurodiversity in systems change, co-founding ION’s Canadian Chapter. Shah was a representative at the United Nations Summit of the Future, promoting inclusive practices and policies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She emphasizes neuroinclusion and works to break down systemic barriers. Her involvement in policy consultation promotes a shift in how society and organizations value human and social capital. Shah’s leadership and advocacy inspire neurodivergent professionals to achieve leadership roles and positively impact society.”
Session 1 - Good Health and Well-being (SDG3)
Moderated by Hazleen Ahmed, ION Singapore
Julio E Weiss, Paraguay
Julio Weiss was born in 1970 in Paraguay, during the longest military dictatorship in South America. He attended the Goethe Schule in Asuncion and studied economics in Brazil. He is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, English, German and Guarani, the local indigenous language. He worked as an economic analyst in Sao Paulo and New York City and in the Security Exchange Commission of Paraguay. He is trained in electrical engineering, advanced mechanics and radio transmission. He raced cars and motorcycles professionally for 35 years and now assists the volunteer firefighter department and animal rescue efforts from his farm in rural Paraguay.
Rafael Azuaje, Chile / Venezuela
Rafael Azuaje is a Venezuelan UX/UI specialist and web design expert who turned adversity into opportunity. In 2017, he emigrated to Chile, driven by the need to support his family and build a better future. His artistic soul has always guided him—drawing as a child and later playing guitar shaped his creative vision. This passion naturally led him to design, where he blends art and technology to craft seamless digital experiences. Founder of Celery Agency, he now collaborates with clients worldwide, proving that resilience and creativity can transform challenges into success. His journey is one of courage, art, and innovation.
Andrea Palacios, ION Panama
As a psychologist, Andrea Palacios has experience creating inclusion opportunities for vulnerable populations, youth deprived of liberty, and neuro minority’s. She is an affiliate researcher in the Educational Research Center of Panama (CIEDU) and a Community Solutions Program fellow and alumni. She is a published and recognized community leader by raising community awareness to build paths towards social, dignified, and equitable inclusion and rehabilitation. Andrea is working on the establishment of ION Panama as a Country head leader.
Erin Dekker, Canada
Erin Dekker (they/them) is a job coach and disability researcher. Their autistic identity and lived experience drive their passion for supporting the neurodivergent community in research and the workplace. They hold an MA in Disability Studies, along with degrees in HR Management and Psychology. Erin has conducted research on the topics of disability in healthcare, livelihoods, and mental health with participants in Canada and the U.S.
Audrie Chad, Canada
Audrie is the founder of My Outlet, a hub for neurodiversity providing programming, education, training and research. Coming from a neurodiverse household, Audrie is passionate about developing and celebrating the strength and spirit of children, youth and young adults.
Audrie is an accomplished fi nance professional, with extensive experience across corporate banking, risk management and sustainability. Over the last two years, Audrie has applied her knowledge, experience and expertise to developing research, leading education and advising executives, board members and leadership teams of Canada’s fi nancial institutions on critical matters and emerging risks related to sustainability, including social impact.
Rob Hollman, ION USA
As a third-generation Angeleno, Rob Hollman’s grandparents instilled a strong sense of responsibility towards giving back to the community. They were founders of
Los Angeles’ Music Center and County Museum of Art (LACMA), Rob learned early the importance of being involved with charitable organizations.
A graduate of Bennington College, Rob continued on to Cornell University receiving a Masters in Hospitality Management. He considers himself to be a lifelong learner and has lectured on topics like altruism in the workplace and modern day stoicism.
Rob lives with his wife, Stacee, and their two children, Eugene and Chloe, in Valley Village, California.
Dr. Theresa Haskins, USA
Dr. Theresa Haskins is a globally recognized leader in neurodiversity, inclusive leadership, and organizational change. An award-winning researcher, USC professor, TEDx speaker, and neurodiversity consultant, she bridges research, strategy, and lived experience to drive workplace inclusion. She co-leads ION’s U.S. expansion and hosts the Think Differently podcast. A neurodivergent leader and parent of twice-exceptional children, she brings a unique perspective to talent management and accessibility. Her work challenges organizations to embrace adaptive, strengths-based leadership that fosters innovation, resilience, and success.
Session 2 - Quality Education (SDG4)
Catherine Guimard, ION France
A woman, mother, hard worker of many talents-eccentric and analytical—upholding my values integrity, truth, joie de vivre. Through my coaching business, I rebalance cellular chemistry for your transformation in unique ways, orator hors pair I inspire your teams to give the best of themselves. At +50, discovering I was a neurominority reshaped my life. Joining ION in 2021, I became France’s lead, then Global Steering Group, Lead Country Developer. Ignitor of small orgs that become global ‘Veggie pride’ (5 in Paris 1999… millions globally 2024), many in gestation, I make history & leave you the torch!
Maisa Obeid, UAE Jordan
Maisa Obeid, CPACC, is an accessibility specialist managing Expo City Dubai’s accessibility programme. She is the UAE Country Representative for G3ict, advocating digital access for persons with disabilities. A trained optometrist, she transitioned into vision rehabilitation and broader accessibility. Maisa holds a PhD in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning from Lancaster University, a master’s in Vision Rehabilitation from the German Jordanian University, and a bachelor’s in Optometry from the Jordan University of Science and Technology. With over a decade of experience, she is dedicated to ensuring inclusive infrastructure, services, and digital access for all.
Pallavi Mallick, India
Ms. Pallavi Mallick is an expert in the field of Inclusive Education and has been in the field of special education since 16 years and since 2014 in Dubai. She is also NEASC visitor . She completed her Masters In Special and Inclusive Education from University of Roehampton, London and had also Been Awarded Roehampton 2025 scholarship among five students across the world.
Her expertise lies in Early intervention, Dyslexia, Autism and various neuro-developmental disorders and is passionate about working with all age groups. She believes in removing barriers and has also developed a case study for Text Help Read& Write Gold. She has also worked in many curriculums including Indian, British, IB and American across India, UK and Dubai.
Ayanwole Joshua Boluwatife, ION Nigeria
Ayanwole Boluwatife Joshua is a leading Neurominority Advocate and Neurodiversity expert in Africa, championing awareness and inclusion for neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism, ADHD, and Twice Exceptionality (2e). As a pioneer of the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) – Nigeria, he has worked to promote Autism awareness and support neurodivergent individuals across Africa. A seasoned speaker, advocate, and writer, Boluwatife has authored numerous articles, sharing his expertise globally. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, he collaborates with organizations and stakeholders worldwide to drive awareness, aiming to create positive change and improve the lives of neurodivergent individuals globally. |
Alia Booley, ION South Africa
Alia Booley is an Autistic woman diagnosed later in life, who has held various positions in the corporate IT sector. As a mother of two Neurodiverse sons, she champions Autism awareness and inclusion. A steering committee member of ION South Africa, she is pursuing a BA Honors in Islamic Studies at the International Peace College South Africa (IPSA), where she is researching Neurodiversity within Cape Town’s Muslim community. Through her writing, speaking, and personal experiences, she aims to challenge existing policies and advocate for inclusion in society, workplaces, and education, ensuring that Neurominorities and marginalized groups can thrive. |
Natasha Van Staden, South Africa
Natasha van Staden is a change strategist, leadership coach, and the founder of Future People. A key figure at ION South Africa, she possesses over 25 years of experience driving transformation across various sectors. With a background at KPMG and EY, a degree in Psychology, and an Executive MBA, she develops adaptive, future-ready leaders.
Beyond work, she’s a life partner, sister, dog mom, and “momtie”, blending warmth with impact. Known for challenging norms and driving innovation, she specialises in stakeholder engagement, leadership development, and change management, helping teams navigate transformation with agility and confidence.
Hazleen Ahmed, ION Singapore
Hazleen Ahmad is an Impact Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Founder & CEO of NeuroPower World, President and Chair of Institute of Neurodiversity Singapore. She champions neuroinclusive leadership and redefines success with kindness, neuroscience, and neuro technology. With 20 years of experience in communications strategy and policy influence, she has worked with global giants like EMAAR Properties and Gulf Finance Investment Group.
Hazleen co-founded NeuroPower World with her daughter to ensure every mind thrives through applied neuroscience research, strategic investments, and policy-driven action. A lived experience with ADHD and mother to neurodiverse children, she advocates for awareness, accessibility, and equity, empowering neurominorities and supporting women-led businesses, to drive real-world impact.
Session 3 - Accessible Workplaces (SDG8)
Jeremy Nagel, Austrailia
Jeremy is an AuDHD (autistic + ADHD) software developer turned startup founder. He is passionate about helping other neurodivergent people thrive at work and study. His startup, Focus Bear, is an executive functioning enhancement system for people with ADHD and autism.
Katie Adriano, Philippines
Katie J. Adriano, ACC is an ICF-credentialed coach specializing in team development, diversity coaching, and workplace inclusion. She partners with organizations to foster neuroinclusive cultures by identifying barriers, facilitating critical conversations, and guiding leaders toward meaningful change. As an Instructor Partner with Thrive Neurodiversity & Mental Health, she delivers awareness programs across the APAC region. Grounded in both lived experience and professional expertise, Katie is committed to transforming workplaces where neurodivergent professionals are valued, supported, and don’t just survive but truly thrive.
Anjaneya Sharma, ION Singapore
Anjaneya Sharma, 18, is a final-year student at Dunman High, Singapore. Diagnosed with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder at a young age, he faced challenges in understanding non-verbal cues and making friends. Now a youth ambassador for the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION) Singapore, AJ actively raises awareness and fosters understanding of neurodiversity.
A self-taught coder with a strong interest in technology, he also expresses his artistic side as a pianist, using music to unwind. Constantly pushing beyond his comfort zone, he embraces new connections and skills, turning personal challenges into opportunities for growth.
Ipshita, ION India
Ipshita Sen is the co-founder and MD of Neuropower MENA, an initiative bridging neuroscience, innovation, and inclusion to create opportunities for neurodiverse individuals. As a neurodistinct leader, she is committed to challenging traditional workplace narratives and driving meaningful change.
With a career in global communications spanning MENA, the UK, and Southeast Asia, she has held multiple senior leadership roles across corporate and agency environments. Beyond Neuropower, Ipshita has championed diverse talent as the founder of Engendered and the India chapter of Global Women in PR. A sought-after speaker, she shares insights on leadership, inclusion, and business transformation.
Madiha Fuad, Malaysia
Madiha is an international speaker and entrepreneur recognized for her contributions to mental health and neurodiversity in healthtech. She was awarded the Global 50 Rising Stars in ESG, ASEAN Women Entrepreneur, and National Social Entrepreneur Award for her impactful work. As the Founder & CEO of PlusVibes Group, a mental health platform with over 60,000 members, her focus is to offer resources to help individuals reframe thoughts and manage stress through PlusVibes app and her speaking engagements. She conducts transformative workshops for multinational companies, and global forums, including the Korea APEC Forum and China-ASEAN Summit, advocating for inclusive well-being and mental health strategies for parents with neurodiverse children.
Jonathan Mok, Hong Kong
Jonathan Mok, diagnosed with ADHD and ASD at 37 in 2019, became a neurodiversity advocate, transforming his life. He speaks at events like the Davos Neurodiversity Summit and TEDxCUHK, and leads workshops to promote inclusive workplaces. Featured on Hong Kong’s TVB Pearl and Yahoo Hong Kong, he inspires self-acceptance. Recognised by Hong Kong’s SENsational Foundation and the UK’s Inclusion Practitioners, Jonathan’s work aligns with the SDGs, advancing equitable education and reducing inequalities to foster a more inclusive society for neurodivergent individuals.
Session 4 - Reduce Inequalities (SDG10)
Aditi Sowmyanarayan, India
Aditi Sowmyanarayan is an award winning writer and an avid blogger. She is 19. Her novel, Thus She Rose, opened at No. 1 in new releases on Amazon US. Her fiction novella , Gobble Thy Prejudice, won the Best
Manuscript award at JK Auther Awards season 4, 2022-23, presented by JK Paper and The Times of India . Aditi’s collection of short stories, Small Stories Big Thoughts , was launched on February 11, 2023 to positive
reader reviews from many quarters including the Stanford Neurodiversity Project.
An autistic self advocate, Aditi writes blogs for Avaz Megaphone, India Autism Center and Sol’s Arc to promote awareness and inclusion of non-speaking autistics. She was adjudged the Fellow of the Fellowship at
YLAC Artivist Fellowship 2023 and was recently conferred the Sabal Changemaker Award by Tata Steel Foundation, for her impactful work in raising awareness and promoting autism acceptance.
Tarun Paul Mathew, India
I am Tarun Paul Mathew, a 19-year-old non-speaking autistic adult from Kochi, India who types to communicate.
I consider myself to be a free thinker, and a totally peace-loving individual. I enjoy everything connected with music. Something that interests me a lot is studying Math. Poetry is another fascinating hobby. I am a keen observer and student of the natural world and love watching nature documentaries especially about life underwater. I am passionate about advocating for my community of non-speaking autistics (Purple Ambassador, Autism Conclave, National Trust, New Delhi; Panellist, India Inclusion Summit, Bangalore; Co-author, ‘Talking Fingers – Voices of Non-Speaking Indian Autistics’. I was selected for the international HundreED Youth Ambassador program in 2024.
Gayatri Vathsan, India
Gayatri Vathsan is a postgraduate in Physics, a writer, and foremost, her son’s mother. She gave up her corporate career as an instructional designer to be a full-time mother when her son was diagnosed at 4 to be autistic.
Today, Gayatri walks with her son as he navigates life and teaches her to love, give, and be her joyous self. She helps other autistic parents on the same journey and is a passionate autism advocate.
Elizabeth Bonker, USA
Elizabeth Bonker is the Executive Director of Communication 4 ALL, a nonprofit with the mission to ensure nonspeakers with autism have access to communication and education. Elizabeth is a 2022 Rollins College graduate and her valedictorian commencement address went viral with 4 billion impressions propelling her mission onto a global stage. Elizabeth’s advocacy work includes a 2011 book, I Am in Here, and a 2022 music album. She gives keynotes around the world and her story is featured in the documentaries SPELLERS and Understanding Autism. Elizabeth is a member of Autism Society’s Council of Advisors and Autism Society of Florida Board.
Session 4 - Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Jacobs Engineering
We welcome Jacobs Engineering as they host this session on sustainable Cities and Communities
George
George has 25 years experience in the regeneration of global cities, having delivered major projects in Shanghai, Riyadh, Singapore, Toronto, Milan, Dublin and London. Originally an architect, he has designed many award-winning public buildings, taught at the Royal College of Art, Central St Martins and other London Universities, and is passionate about the connectivity between industry and academia, also being part of the team that set up the new London School of Architecture. He has served three design review panels for local authorities over the past 15 years and programmed events at design biennales in London, Toronto and Chongqing and at the Royal Academy. He leads the Cities team at Jacobs and is part of the leadership of the ACE employee network for disability, neurodiversity and care giving.
Rachel
Rachel is the Head of Inclusive Design at Jacobs, leading the team on high-profile schemes around the world. She is a Chartered Building Engineer (C.Build E FCABE), Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI), and Inclusive Design (NRAC) Consultant, with over 20 years of experience working in consultancy, local and national government settings. She is an industry leader in the field of Inclusive Design, was a SpAd to the House of Commons women and equalities select committee, a member of the Building Regulations and Advisory Committee, and has been involved in standards making for the last 17 years- currently chairing the British Standards committee responsible for BS8300.
Maria Dominique
Maria Dominique is a Bridges & Structures Engineer and the Global Neurodiversity Lead for Jacob’s Disability network. Within Bridges, Maria Dominique is a Sustainability Activator with a passion for designing and maintaining structures with sustainability at the heart of decision making and is working towards her chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers. In her Neurodiversity Lead role, Maria promotes an inclusive environment that recognises and celebrates the unique talents of neurodiverse employees.
Session 5 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
Thorkil Sonne, Denmark
Thorkil Sonne is a pioneering social entrepreneur from Denmark, renowned for founding Specialisterne in 2004 and Square Foundation in 2008. His work is inspired by his autistic son and has enabled opportunities for hundreds of employers to celebrate the many benefits of neurodiverse work environments where everyone can benefit from being different and together. He is working with partners to enable neurodiversity in minds and systems and has worked with ION and UN DGC promoting the UN World Autism Awareness Day around the world. Thorkil is an Ashoka Fellow and a World Economic Forum Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur.
Fireside Chat
Flavia Callafange, Chile/Brazil
Flavia Callafange is a Brazilian mother of a 15-year-old autistic girl, and had always experienced challenges faced by prejudice, lack of empathy, and systemic barriers in daily life.
Flavia is Latin-American Director of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Project, and actively participates in awareness campaigns, workshops and conferences. She was a speaker in Zero Project Latin-American 2024 and expert for the 2025 Global Award in Zero Project in UN Vienna.
Through her work, she aims to educate communities, empower families, and inspire change, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their disability—is treated with dignity and kindness
Maureen Dunne
Maureen Dunne, PhD is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to expanding opportunity pathways for neurodiverse talent in higher education and the workforce. A seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and board director, she brings a distinguished career spanning government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors. A former National Science Foundation Fellow, Rhodes Scholar, and Kauffman Entrepreneur Fellow, Maureen is also a Paul Harris Fellow and a Women 2.0 “Founder to Watch.” As CEO, bestselling author of The Neurodiversity Edge, and a keynote speaker, she is a recognized expert in neurodiversity, social enterprise execution, and inclusive leadership. She is also a YPO member.
Thorkil Sonne, Denmark
Thorkil Sonne is a pioneering social entrepreneur from Denmark, renowned for founding Specialisterne in 2004 and Square Foundation in 2008. His work is inspired by his autistic son and has enabled opportunities for hundreds of employers to celebrate the many benefits of neurodiverse work environments where everyone can benefit from being different and together. He is working with partners to enable neurodiversity in minds and systems and has worked with ION and UN DGC promoting the UN World Autism Awareness Day around the world. Thorkil is an Ashoka Fellow and a World Economic Forum Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur.
Closing Plenary
Silvan Ruthenberg, Germany - ION Global Lead
Silvan Ruthenberg is a seasoned polymath with over 15 years’ global experience spanning strategic consulting, social entrepreneurship, communications, investment banking, and technology. His diverse professional roles include keynote speaker, freelance consultant, meditation coach, and business linguist, collaborating with high-profile organisations such as the UN, LinkedIn, getAbstract, and SWISS. Silvan currently serves as Global Lead for the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), where he drives strategic initiatives, international advocacy, and global community-building. Known for innovative leadership, Silvan frequently speaks at global forums on neuroinclusive workplace strategies, inclusive communication, organisational neurodiversity policies, capacity-building, and fostering sustainable social impact.
