Embracing Neurodiversity for a More Inclusive Workplace
Date/Time
Date(s) - January 31, 2024
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Location
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63112
Registration is now closed for this event. If you need to make changes to your registration, please contact Kayla Dix at kaylad@focus-stl.org.
In discussions of diversity, equity and inclusion, neurodivergence is one facet that often gets overlooked. Studies show that while 15-20% of the population is neurodiverse, these individuals face significantly higher rates of unemployment.
An inclusive work culture is one that not only creates a sense of belonging but also fosters diversity of thought and different approaches to work, innovation, and creativity. In this forum, presented in partnership with the Missouri History Museum, we’ll bring together experts, advocates and professionals to explore how embracing neurodiversity can contribute to a more inclusive workforce.
PANELISTS
- Moderator: Yoli Alovor, Ph.D., Director of Civic Engagement, FOCUS St. Louis
- Meg Bamford, M.Ed, M.S.Ed, Head, Miriam School and Learning Center
- Amanda Gioia, Vice President, Technology Risk Management, Mastercard
- Jonathan Lidgus, M.Ed., Director of UMSL Succeed Program, University of Missouri-St. Louis
- Michael Quinn, Ph.D., President & CEO, Autism Support Now
SCHEDULE
8:00-8:30 a.m. – Check-in and Networking
8:30-9:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion
COST
There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is required.
PARKING AND DIRECTIONS
This event will take place in the Lee Auditorium of the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. Parking is available in the museum’s lots or along the streets in Forest Park.
ABOUT OUR PANELISTS
Moderator: Yoli Alovor, Ph.D., joined FOCUS in 2023 as Director of Civic Engagement. Prior to FOCUS, she held positions with the St. Louis Symphony, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Rosemont College, Centene Corporation, the U.S. Department of Labor, and BFL Incorporated. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, an M.A. in Education from Wayne State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Texas Southern University. She also completed post-doctoral training from UC Berkeley’s Intercultural Leadership Program: Global DEI Practitioner Institute.
Meg Bamford, M.Ed, M.S.Ed, has spent her career committed to making a difference in the lives of students by working to provide effective special education programming and resources so students can optimize their potential. Meg worked in the inner-city, taught both elementary school and middle school with a focus on literacy, taught graduate classes for reading and writing specialists, and served as Director of Student Services for a school district in New England. Most recently she served as a Head of School for children with learning differences from infancy to grade eight in Maryland before moving to St. Louis for the privilege of running the Miriam School K-12 and Learning Center organization which served over 1700 children last year.
Amanda Gioia, a technology and communications leader, serves as Vice President, Technology Risk Management at Mastercard. Recognized for influential contributions, she is also a board member of the St. Louis Area Foodbank, Webster University School of Communications Advisory Board, Truman State Foundation Board and the global co-lead for ADAPT, Mastercard’s business resource group focused on supporting people with disabilities.
Jonathan Lidgus, M.Ed., began his career at UMSL in 2002, first in the Office of Student Life and then the Office of Residential Life. He began working with the UMSL Succeed program in 2012 and was promoted to Program Director in 2017. He holds a M.Ed. in Counseling and is working toward a doctorate in Education. His academic research interests are in the area of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in higher education. Jonathan’s role is instrumental in the planning and establishment of the Succeed Program at UMSL and its subsequent transition to the Office of Inclusive Postsecondary Education.
Michael Quinn, Ph.D., is President & CEO of Autism Support Now (ASN). He was previously the Chief Operating Officer for ASN where he focused on the day-to-day operations of ASN. Since becoming CEO, Michael has ushered in unparalleled improvements in every aspect of provision of care at ASN. He holds a Ph.D. from University College Dublin, Ireland, where he specialized in behavioral Intervention for children with developmental challenges. In his 15+ year career, Michael has held a variety of positions, all serving individuals and families impacted by autism and related developmental disabilities.