Mental Health

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Neurodiversity Mental Health Judging Panel Disability

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Hillary Wool

Partner

Hillary Wool is a Partner at Boston Consulting Group, an agency-signed model, a paratriathlete and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion. She co-founded BCG's AccessAbility@BCG Network in 2019, which has grown to over 1,700 members worldwide, focusing on disability, chronic illness, mental health, and neurodiversity. Through AccessAbility, Hillary has helped advance mentorship, educational campaigns, and access to accommodations; she has organized and moderated events with prominent advocates like Ali Stroker and Lolo Spencer. As lead author on BCG's 2023 disability workplace inclusion report, Hillary has presented insights at global forums, including the Disability:IN Conference and M-Enabling Summit, and secured coverage from major outlets like Forbes, the New York Times, and CNBC. Outside of BCG, she has modeled for brands like Target and Amazon to increase disability representation, and serves in roles with adaptive sports organizations Achilles International and Dare2Tri. Hillary's journey reflects her mission to elevate disabled talent across business and society.

April Paulyn R. Pascual

Lead Editor, Editorial, Design & Publishing

April Pascual is a Lead Editor at S&P Global and a champion of DEI disability inclusion in the Philippines. In 2022, she co-founded and led the Philippine chapter of REACH, a people resource group within the company dedicated to advancing opportunities for employees impacted by disabilities. Under her leadership, REACH Philippines launched several important initiatives, including disability sensitivity training sessions, discussions on workplace accessibility with the National Council on Disability Affairs and the Philippine Business and Disability Network, and collaborations with organizations such as the Autism Society Philippines, Best Buddies Philippines, and Virtualahan. These efforts have promoted inclusivity and support for diverse abilities in the workplace and beyond. As a local DEI advocate and a Filipina contending with a mental health disorder, April understands the unique barriers faced by people with disabilities in a developing country and remains committed to fostering representation and awareness to inspire change across communities and industries.

Jonathan Andrews

Associate

Jonathan Andrews is an Associate at Reed Smith and is passionate about driving inclusion for people with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and wider society. Jonathan actively advocates for neurodiversity and disability inclusion, having reached 30,000+ people, and as a former trustee of Ambitious about Autism and youth council chair he initiated Ambitious About Autism's first employment campaign, securing £100,000+ in funding and creating job opportunities for hundreds. Jonathan has served on UK Government's Expert Advisory Board for disability employment, and has co-authored key DEI reports and served on international councils (including the Diversity Council of the International Trademark Association) to advance inclusion. Recognized as one of the UK's most influential disabled individuals, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of role models and the need for supportive environments for neurodivergent talent, advocating for employment and career progression. His personal experiences underscore the benefits of openness and authenticity in the workplace.

Madhur Batra

Senior Quality Practice Manager

Madhur Batra is a Senior Quality Practice Manager at AKQA and a passionate advocate for quality, inclusivity, accessibility, and mental health. He collaborates with AKQA leadership to embed inclusivity in strategic processes and is instrumental in creating support frameworks for neurodivergent and disabled individuals through the AYbl_AKQA community. Leveraging AI and automation, he advances web accessibility frameworks while prioritizing mental health by encouraging work-life balance and supportive line management. Drawing on personal experiences with neurodiversity in his family, Madhur promotes empathy and a non-judgmental culture in his teams, ensuring all feel empowered to contribute their best. A speaker on accessibility and inclusivity, he contributes to initiatives like Web Accessibility Awareness Month and mentors team members through professional and personal challenges. His commitment spans AKQA's global studios, reinforcing equality in diversity and helping build a more inclusive and understanding workplace.

Melissa Beresford-Dempsey

Bid Consultant

Melissa Beresford-Dempsey is a Bid Consultant at Aviva and a dedicated co-lead of the Ability Engagement team. A strong advocate for accessibility, she champions change through events and creative initiatives, including the globally recognized Me, You, and Taboo podcast, which opens discussions on often-overlooked workplace topics. Melissa organizes and hosts sessions to increase awareness across departments and collaborates with external organizations to expand the impact of Aviva's Ability network. Drawing from her experience as a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, she is actively involved in making Aviva's Sheffield site accessible and designs content for the company's intranet to foster inclusivity. With her unique perspective and resilience, Melissa uses her lived experience as a strength, helping reshape perceptions of disability in the workplace and beyond. Grateful for her support network, she's committed to advancing her career at Aviva, where she continues to make a meaningful difference.

Maureen Cuddy

Editor

Maureen Cuddy, Editor at S&P Global Ratings, is a lifelong advocate for disability inclusion, dedicating over 53 years to advancing access and equality. As an ambassador for S&P Global's Reach group that champions people with disabilities, she has led global initiatives to establish 10 active disability chapters worldwide, helped to develop a multi-country internship program for students with disabilities, and fostered job-readiness workshops for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Maureen has conceptualized, facilitated, and furthered key accessibility initiatives, such as developing a UAT team for digital accessibility and kickstarting the streamlining of accommodation processes, while also organizing insightful webinars and trainings on disability etiquette and intersectionality. Beyond work, she rallies hundreds of volunteers annually, supports disability-focused organizations, and has raised significant funds through the S&P Global Foundation. A former special education teacher who holds a juris doctorate, Maureen's lifelong commitment reflects her mission to empower people with disabilities across both personal and professional spheres.

Sabrina Bouraoui

Middle East Administrative Services Senior Manager

Sabrina Bouraoui, Middle East Administrative Services Senior Manager at Boston Consulting Group, is passionate about accessibility and inclusion, particularly in mental health and neurodiversity. As the Accessibility@BCG lead for Dubai, Sabrina facilitates support for new members, mentors colleagues, and contributes to the AccessAbility@BCG Focus Group, openly sharing her experiences with depression, anxiety, and ADHD to foster a supportive workplace. She founded ADHD@BCG for Women, a global group that connects women facing similar challenges. Sabrina is a frequent panelist and speaker who leverages her story to break the stigma around mental health and neurodiversity, inspiring others to seek help. With over seven years in management, she values listening and creating safe spaces for open dialogue. Based in the UAE, Sabrina's leadership impacts inclusion locally and globally, underscored by BCG awards for integrity and lasting impact.

Yosr Hamza

Director, Legal & Compliance - Middle East

Yosr is a lawyer, disability rights advocate, and proud mother to a son with Lissencephaly, a rare condition that includes dystonia, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Inspired by her caregiving journey, Yosr works tirelessly to advance inclusivity and disability rights in policy and workplace environments. At Gartner, she advocates for disability-friendly policies and accommodations, fostering an accessible and equitable workplace. She collaborates with policymakers to strengthen disability rights in legal frameworks, creating a more inclusive world for those with visible and invisible disabilities. As a mentor, Yosr has inspired her mentees to advance their careers and achieve remarkable milestones, including guiding three mentees make it onto the Modern Counsel 35 Under 35 list. Her advocacy also extends to developing the Yusr app, a platform designed to unify and simplify resources to empower caregivers and people with disabilities, furthering her commitment to a world that celebrates diversity and equity for all.

Will Hairsine

Executive Manager

Will Hairsine, the Executive Manager at Redbay Ltd and former Royal Marines and Royal Navy servicemember, is a committed advocate for mental health awareness, especially for veterans. After 20 years of service, 16 deployments, and being medically discharged due to burnout, PTSD, and depression, he has transformed his challenges into a platform for change. Will emphasizes that mental ill health often goes unseen, and he uses his story to encourage open conversations about mental health in the workplace and beyond. As chair of his firm's mental health pillar within their DEI network, he promotes active listening and support for those struggling. Will is also deeply involved in the veteran community, ensuring that veterans feel heard and valued. His mission is to show that mental health challenges are not a barrier to success and to dismantle the stigma for veterans transitioning into civilian life.

Yelena Vinnikova

Senior Talent Development Specialist

Yelena Vinnikova, Senior Talent Development Specialist at EPAM, passionately advocates for ADHD awareness and women's empowerment. This year, she founded an ADHD support community that offers empathy and practical resources to individuals and families. Through talks, personal stories, and articles on research and AI tools, Yelena's community breaks down myths and guides managing ADHD. Additionally, she leads women's circles and serves as a regional lead for the women's community, working to inspire and connect women of diverse backgrounds. Inspired by her own journey navigating mental health challenges during COVID, Yelena began to explore ADHD and autism, finding purpose in raising awareness and supporting others. With DEI leadership training and collaboration across multiple countries, Yelena's initiatives foster inclusivity and understanding, helping others recognize and value their unique experiences.

Emily Coupland

General Counsel - AXA UK & Ireland

Emily Coupland, General Counsel for AXA UK & Ireland, is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, both personally and professionally. As a mother to two neurodiverse teenage sons, she is driven to foster a world that values diverse abilities. This passion led Emily to serve as Executive Sponsor for AXA's ABLE network, where she tripled membership and fostered a safe, supportive space for colleagues. Now, as Executive Sponsor for Inclusion and Belonging, Emily collaborates with employee networks to advance AXA's inclusion goals across ethnicity, gender, disability, neurodiversity, and social mobility. She also participates in AXA's global Generation Valuable program, advocating for disability inclusion worldwide. Emily ensures her team's diversity, supporting neurodiverse colleagues and engaging with underprivileged schools to inspire young people of ethnic backgrounds to pursue careers in law. Her 23-year journey at AXA reflects her determination to drive meaningful change and foster belonging for all.

Elizabeth Harvey

Global Resource Approvals Manager

Elizabeth Harvey is the Global Resource Approvals Manager at Fidelity International, with personal experience in mental health challenges stemming from various traumas and living with arthritis. She has actively contributed to employee wellbeing initiatives as a Mental Health First Aider for two years. In August 2023, she became the UK Wellbeing Champion co-lead, organising activities including yoga, walking groups, and meditation to foster community across two sites. Elizabeth was appointed Co-Lead of the Global Wellbeing Community in April 2024, overseeing a Community that spans 27 regions. She manages activities including webinars on topics such as grief, suicide, and burnout, and shares awareness communications on key dates via internal platforms. Passionate about mental health advocacy, Elizabeth is a member of the Mindforward Alliance and promotes various wellbeing initiatives, aiming to create a supportive environment for all employees.

Silvia Saviotti

Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst at Aviva, Silvia is dedicated to delivering automations that simplify workflow, drive accessibility, and deliver inclusive processes. Leveraging her experiences with various learning disabilities and mental health challenges, she joined Aviva’s Ability Community as Co-lead in 2023, helping expand its membership from 55 to over 200 members. Silvia established a working group of divergent individuals, co-hosts a podcast on neurodiversity, joined the global accessibility champions, and mentored Canadian champions that are helping educate colleagues. Joining the Reverse Mentorship Program in 2024 as a Mentor, she raised awareness among executives about neurodiverse abilities and accessibility. Silvia is a workplace ambassador for Made by Dyslexia and advocate of “NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US" and the Accessible Canada Act. Silvia's journey from being misunderstood to leading initiatives for change fuels her commitment to empowering others and showcasing the potential of individuals with diverse abilities.

Jennifer Holohan

Head of Transfer Agency, UK & Ireland

Jennifer Holohan is the Head of the Transfer Agency for the UK and Ireland at Fidelity International, where she actively champions diversity and inclusion. Since May 2022, she has been a critical member of Ireland's diversity hiring and retention program, significantly enhancing diverse talent acquisition and fostering a culture of inclusivity. As Events Lead for the Global Enable Network, she has organized impactful celebrations like Positively Purple, raising awareness and sharing stories of employees with disabilities. Externally, Jennifer has volunteered with Special Olympics for over 20 years, is passionate about establishing sustainable integrated sports clubs and serving on the Board of Directors to promote inclusivity in sports. She has also led mentorship programs for athletes, emphasizing skill development and personal growth. Driven by her experiences with mental health challenges, Jennifer advocates for open discussions on health and well-being in the workplace, believing that diverse perspectives enrich organizational culture and drive meaningful change.

Mark Goldstein

Partner

Mark Goldstein, a Partner in the Labor & Employment group at Reed Smith, is a prominent mental health advocate in the legal industry. Since first sharing his personal mental health journey in The American Lawyer in 2019, he has championed greater acceptance and support for mental health and neurodiversity in workplaces. In 2020, Mark co-founded and now leads Reed Smith's global Mental Health Task Force, pioneering initiatives like the annual Mental Health Summit and a Law Student Mental Health Summit to raise awareness and drive change. Under his leadership, Reed Smith has implemented significant programs, including on-campus "Break the Stigma" events, Mental Health First Aid Training, and the #StopTheStigma campaign. His impactful contributions have earned him honors as a "Trailblazer" by The American Lawyer and "Human Storyteller of the Year" by TLC Lions. Mark also serves or has served on the ALM Media/Law.com Mental Health Advisory Board and the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law Board.

Jess Gosling

Head of Bilateral Projects, International Strategy

Jess Gosling is a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity, disability inclusion and intersectionality within the British Government. As a founding member of her department's neurodiversity network, she organises support sessions, advocacy meetings, and workshops that highlight the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Her impactful work has earned her the DSIT Super Hero Award for Valuing People. Formerly a co-chair of the UK Civil Service Neurodiversity Network, Jess collaborated with senior leadership to challenge biases and led a campaign reaching over 3,000 people, amplifying the stories of neurodiverse colleagues. Recognised as one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women in 2022, she founded "The Standard Brain" to address biases against underrepresented groups (one of LinkedIn's most popular newsletters) and "Yogi Bants" to foster inclusion in wellness. Jess's work empowers individuals while promoting diversity as an asset.

Julio Ceaser Roman

Executive Director

Julio Roman is the Executive Director of Pacific Pride Foundation and author of *OUT OF SPACE: Creating Safe Spaces in Unlikely Places* (2022), a memoir and leadership guide. Formerly the National Director of Gay, Bi, and Trans Programming at the Latino Commission on AIDS, Julio champions inclusion for LGBTQ+ communities, integrating mental health support and fostering accessible programs. His journey in creating LGBTQ+ safe spaces informs his advocacy, giving him insight into the stigma and barriers individuals face. Through open dialogue, he creates supportive environments and works to break down barriers with national organizations like the National Harm Reduction Coalition, Julio pushes for systemic changes to benefit LGBTQ+ individuals, including those affected by HIV. His regional and national organizing of public health LGBTQ+ leaders amplifies voices of lived experience, promoting understanding and acceptance. Julio is dedicated to creating spaces where all feel seen and valued.

Puneet Singhal

Co-founder

Puneet Singhal is the Co-founder of Billion Strong and serves as Chief Discovery Officer, championing global initiatives for disability, neurodiversity, and mental health inclusion. With a background as a DEI Practitioner at NASA, he implements inclusive policies and conducts training to foster a supportive workplace for employees with disabilities. His advocacy extends to assistive technology consultancy with the International Disability Alliance, where he promotes solutions that enhance accessibility and independence. Born into poverty and facing domestic violence, Puneet lives with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and stammering, experiences that fuel his passion for advocacy. He leads workshops and mentorship programs, addressing intersectional issues related to disability, climate change, and social justice. Recognized by Forbes for his efforts in workplace inclusion, Puneet was also honored with the Commonwealth Innovation Awards 2023 for his contributions to disability inclusion worldwide. His commitment seeks to empower marginalized communities and create accessible environments for all.

Charlotte Crewe

Content Production Strategy Director

Charlotte Crewe is the Content Production Strategy Director at Hogarth and a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity, accessibility, and mental wellness in the workplace. Open about her experiences, she is a visible example of negotiating accommodations to thrive in her role. Charlotte authored the article "Could Embracing Neurodiversity Be a Catalyst for Innovative Marketing?" on LBBOnline, challenging perceptions of neurodivergence in the advertising industry. She founded and leads Access All Areas, a global employee resource group focused on neurodiversity, mental health, and disability, organizing events and resources across 15 offices. Charlotte also initiated The Originals, an international internship program promoting diversity through an anonymous application process. Diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD, she emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health nuances and fostering inclusivity, guiding others to embrace their authentic selves.

Gordon Geraghty

Performance Manager

Gordon Geraghty is a Performance Manager at EssenceMediacom Australia, specializing in Performance Media, where he has achieved significant performance improvements for clients. Passionate about inclusivity, he is part of the agency's Disability Action Plan committee, advocating for better management of neurodiverse staff and promoting a more inclusive hiring process. As a Mental Health Ally and advisory group member for the Autism organization AMAZE, Gordon initiates industry change to enhance workplace inclusivity. He actively participates in panel discussions and media engagements, sharing his personal journey raising awareness about neurodiversity. Gordon's commitment to fostering a supportive environment has earned him recognition, including being shortlisted for the Emerging Leader award from AdNews Australia. Originally from Ireland, he settled in Australia after completing a master's in marketing. He has organized TED talks to empower others to share their stories. Gordon's multifaceted efforts exemplify his dedication to driving meaningful change in the workplace and beyond.

Georgia Oliver

Audit and Compliance Manager

Georgia Oliver is an Audit and Compliance Manager at Capgemini and the Founder and Co-Chair of NeuroAbility UK, the company's first neurodiversity network in the UK. In under eight months, she grew the community to over 500 members, fostering support and awareness through initiatives like panel virtual events and specialized groups for parents and neurodivergent colleagues. Georgia draws from her lived experiences as a late-diagnosed autistic woman with ADHD, fibromyalgia, and depression, advocating for inclusivity in a neurotypically designed society. She promotes the use of generative AI to enhance accessibility and has played a crucial role in neuro-inclusive initiatives, advising on internal communications and supporting autistic colleagues during anxiety at work. Her commitment to accessibility extends to organizing events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week and creating educational resources. NeuroAbility UK has been shortlisted for Outstanding Ability Network at the European Diversity Awards 2024, showcasing her dedication to raising awareness.

Lee Brown

Head of Data Risk

Lee Brown is the Head of Data Risk at Lloyds Banking Group and co-chair of its Neurodiversity and Disability network, focusing on neuro-inclusion. His motivation stems from personal experience, his son Louis was non verbal and diagnosed with autism at eight, leading Lee to confront the alarming employment statistics for autistic adults—only 25% are employed. Under Lee's leadership, the network has launched numerous initiatives this year, including 13 regional Neurodiversity Hubs, a young persons' community, toolkits for line managers, a bespoke career development course and a private community/resources to support parents/carers of ND children. As a charity trustee for a mental health organization, Lee also advocates for the rights of others externally too. He aims to change society for the better, believing that diversity of thought is not just the right thing to do from a people perspective, it’s the right thing to do from a business perspective too.

Nikki Jamieson

Technology Project Manager

Nikki Jamieson is a Technology Project Manager at NatWest Group, where she additionally serves as the Education/Awareness Lead for the Disability and Neurodivergence Employee-Led Network. She founded "A Friend Like Me" (AFLM) in 2022, a peer support initiative that has grown to over 600 members/group leaders, and expanded to support all disabilities, reaching more than 70,000 people Groupwide. Nikki champions a culture of inclusion through various roles, including Mental Health First Aider, Inclusive Interviewer, and Coach for Neurodivergent people. Her late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD has fuelled her passion for advocacy, transforming her personal challenges into community support. Nikki has also worked with the MS Society and writes about her experiences with Multiple Sclerosis to help others navigate similar journeys. Recognised as a role model, she is committed to fostering open conversations about disability and neurodivergence in the workplace, creating an inclusive environment for all.

Daniela Lopez Carrera

Senior Digital Experience Strategist

Daniela Lopez Carrera is a Senior Digital Experience Strategist at AKQA, where she plays a vital role in promoting accessibility and inclusion. She helped establish the internal resource group, AYbl, to support people with disabilities and neurodiversity and serves on its leadership team. Daniela has created training resources and collaborated with colleagues to enhance understanding of accessibility and improve implementation processes. Her advocacy extends to flexible work arrangements, which she believes are essential for disabled and neurodiverse communities. Recently featured on the podcast Beyond Barriers, she discusses accessibility and shares her personal journey with anxiety and ADHD to destigmatize these conditions. Daniela's passion for accessibility emerged from her background in advertising and media, and her focus on empathy-driven solutions has transformed how her organization approaches accessibility. Through her work and advocacy, she inspires others to prioritize inclusion and understand the diverse needs of individuals.

John Walmsley

Vice President

John Walmsley is a Vice President at Capgemini and co-chair of CapAbility, the company's global disability Employee Network Group. He was pivotal in launching the UK CapAbility network in 2017 and has since focused on expanding it across Capgemini's 340,000 global workforce. In 2023, he began collaborating with DE&I colleagues and local leaders to develop networks encompassing disability, mental health, neurodiversity, and caregiving, now present in over a dozen countries with thousands of members. John facilitates connections among national network leaders to foster collaboration and strengthen initiatives. Through CapAbility, he provides valuable policy input on reasonable adjustments for colleagues with disabilities and long-term health conditions. His personal experience with mental health challenges fuels his commitment to improving the workplace for others. As an INvolve Enable Role Model, John aims to elevate the visibility of CapAbility and support its growth while championing inclusivity at Capgemini.

Rachel Duncan

Vice President, Regional Management Americas

Rachel Duncan is the Vice President of Regional Management Americas at Deutsche Bank and serves as Chair of dbEnable US, an Employee Resource Group focused on fostering an inclusive workplace for individuals impacted by disabilities, including mental health and neurodiversity. Rachel pioneered the first mental health panel focused on men and the financial services industry. She is a Mental Health First Aid volunteer and the Well-being Pillar lead for the Investment Bank Americas. Rachel successfully re-launched the Autism Internship Program, achieving a 100% conversion rate to full-time roles, and is working to pilot direct hiring programs for autistic candidates. A personal advocate for mental health, she actively shares her journey with anxiety and depression to promote empathy and connection. Rachel was recognized as the Future Human Leader of the Year at the 2024 TLC Lions Americas Awards for her commitment to creating a more human working world and driving culture change.

Kate Grannell

Data Project Manager

Kate Grannell is a Data Manager at Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) and is a passionate driver for neuro-inclusion. Inspired by her experiences as a neurodivergent adult and parent, she leads the LBG Neurodiversity Hub in Chester, providing a safe space for colleagues to discuss neurodivergent conditions, share experiences and drive inclusive change. Kate organizes coffee sessions, mentors colleagues, inclusive events and has shared her own neurodiversity journey with over 2,000 colleagues to promote open conversations about inclusion. Outside of work, Kate runs a not-for-profit children’s Lego Club and is also a Parent Carer Forum School Rep Lead for Cheshire West, hosting coffee evenings for parents of neurodivergent children. Her initiatives have been recognized for their positive impact, and she aims to inspire others while driving change.

Reena Parmar

Counsel

Reena Parmar is Counsel at Freshfields and a passionate advocate for disability inclusion within the legal profession. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top 100 Legal Influencer for Q2 and Q3 2024, she uses social media to raise awareness. She actively engages in public speaking, participating in podcasts like Thomson Reuters' The Hearing and LawCare's The Legal Mind, and addressing numerous panels on disability inclusion. Reena collaborates with organizations to advance disability and neuro-inclusion, representing disabled solicitors and aspiring solicitors as Chair of The Law Society of England & Wales Disabled Solicitors Network. She has received accolades, including Champion of the Year at the Inspirational Women in Law Awards 2023, and she features on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list 2024. Driven by her experiences, Reena aims to serve as a role model, fostering a sense of community and encouraging open dialogue about disabilities to empower others in the legal field.

Luke Adebiyi

Director

Luke Adebiyi is a Director at Exchange Capital Partners, recognized for his advocacy for mental health and diversity. He has contributed to Unmind's line manager training, reaching companies like Virgin Media and the NHS. He has shared his mental health journey at events, including the Institute of Directors and Global Gaming Women. As a former trustee of InspireUK, he supported mental health initiatives in London. He currently serves as an ambassador for Reboot, a group promoting positive dialogues about race in the workplace. Luke is also a Strategic Advisor for the Be Free Campaign, which aims to reduce mental health stigma. With 13 years of experience in banking, he has held various roles at Lloyds Bank International and Capital International Bank. His accolades include being featured as a 2021 Outstanding Future Leader Role Model and a recipient of the Storyteller Award at the InsideOut Awards, reflecting his commitment to workplace well-being and diversity.

Tim Crook

Product Manager

Tim Crook is a Product Manager at GSK and co-led the Disability Confidence Network UK (DCN UK) for two years, where he champions disability and mental health awareness. He was pivotal in two "Change The Narrative" campaigns that showcased employees' lived experiences, promoting an inclusive environment at GSK. His initiatives include upgrading the Hearing Audio Induction Loop system at the Stevenage site and supporting the Workplace Adjustments for Neurodiversity & Disability (WAND) passport initiative. Drawing from his mental health struggles, Tim advocates for open dialogue about men's mental health, challenging the stigma associated with it. By sharing his story in internal communications, he aims to encourage others to seek help, believing that such openness is vital for saving lives. Tim is committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and inclusivity for all employees.

Eric Jorgensen

Director of Beneficiary and Advisor Services

Eric Jorgensen is the Director of Beneficiary and Advisor Services at Visible National Trust, focusing on enhancing disability planning and accessibility. He hosts the "ABCs of Disability Planning" podcast, spotlighting organizations like New Disabled South and The Autistic People of Color Fund to raise awareness and expand their reach. Eric is an active member of an employment working group sponsored by Parent 2 Parent USA and the National Disability Institute, working to improve job outcomes for individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity. He connects various organizations in the disability community to foster collaboration and amplify their impact. Through his role, he simplifies disability benefits information for financial planners, ensuring clients understand available resources, which promotes community inclusion and meaningful employment opportunities. Eric's personal experiences, including a diagnosis of antisocial personality Disorder and potential autism spectrum traits, fuel his commitment to advocate for justice and equity in disability services.

Millicent Wenlock

Chair

Millicent Wenlock is the Co-Chair of The Care Experienced Movement CIC and a passionate advocate for disability, neurodiversity, and mental health. Drawing from her experiences as a disabled and neurodivergent individual, Millicent works with Ambitious About Autism and BBC Children in Need emphasises amplifying young autistic voices and empowering youth-led initiatives. Millicent has spoken at events like the (Not Just) London Calling Student Panel and spearheaded the delivery and creation as a co-producer of the Joined Up Summit with UK Youth for over 550 delegates advocating for inclusivity and support for young people such as the wellbeing space for neurodiverse people. She also serves on multiple advisory boards and founded the All of Us Employment Group with over 1000 members. Millicent's commitment to intersectional approaches to inclusion aims to create a more accessible world for individuals of all abilities.

Emma Holliday

Senior Consultant, Front-End Development, Avanade Experiences

Emma Holliday is a Senior Consultant in Front-End Development at Avanade and Co-Chair of the Europe chapter of DiversAbility, the company's disability and neurodiversity inclusion network. Emma champions members to share their ideas and fosters collaboration across employee networks to ensure initiatives meet the diverse needs of her network. Under her leadership, DiversAbility has organized over 12 events, including the inaugural celebration of Disability Pride Month. Emma actively represents her members' voices within Avanade and externally, including addressing neurodiversity challenges in the London office and advising the UK government on the Buckland Review of Autism and Employment. As a mental health ally trained with Mind Charity, she supports colleagues in accessing well-being resources and advocates for mental health support in her community through training with Zero Suicide Alliance and NSPCC. Emma emphasizes that even small contributions have a meaningful impact, empowering others to participate in inclusion efforts.

Avashna Ramnarain

Founder and CEO

Avashna Ramnarain is an innovative edu-preneur and the founder and CEO of Mindful Masterminds (PTY) Ltd, based in Johannesburg. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and e-commerce at a leading global tech company, Avashna has excelled in driving market share in Nigeria and Southern Africa. Her commitment to education and mental wellness led her to leave her corporate career in October 2023 to focus on developing transformative educational initiatives for children. Avashna is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, having served on the Africa Women Impact Network and the Women in Leadership Council of a major retail organization. Her contributions to the field have earned her numerous accolades, including the Mental Health Advocacy Leader award at the Female Founders Initiative Global 2024 and nominations for several other prestigious awards in diversity, leadership, and education.

James Harris

VP of strategy and planning WPP

James Harris is the VP of Strategy and Planning at WPP, where he champions neurodiversity and its benefits within the organization. He has played a pivotal role in establishing a partnership with Neurodiversity in Business, the first of its kind in the advertising sector, and actively shares his experiences with ADHD and ASD to promote mental health awareness. James aims to elevate neurodiversity as a central topic in client discussions, with aspirations of winning a Cannes Lion for WPP in recognition of these efforts. He regularly writes articles about his journey, receiving positive feedback from colleagues who appreciate his openness. Motivated by a desire to normalize discussions around neurodiversity, especially among senior leaders, James seeks to create a more inclusive workplace for his two neurodivergent children and future generations. His commitment is rooted in making the work environment enjoyable and supportive.