Shawn became a successful executive and entrepreneur after being diagnosed with Asperger's at age 42. He found success in his professional career only after he was afforded the opportunity, as an executive in the healthcare industry, to exercise a great deal of autonomy in his role. Shawn's propensity for detail, hard questions and divergent solutions produced millions of dollars in both new revenue opportunity and cost-savings for his employer.
His innovative approach to the complexity of healthcare data laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial company, Prevalent Health, where he left corporate America behind, hired nearly 150 employees and created his own "neurodiverse workplace culture".
Shawn found that by cultivating an environment dependent upon open, honest, dialogue, clear communication, and vulnerability, the workplace culture was more supportive and accommodating of everyone's needs.
People were happier, more productive, and turnover rates were 0 after nearly 15 years. Shawn sold his company to private equity in 2019 and has dedicated his life since then to embracing neurodiversity and the powers it unlocks, through thought leadership, personal security, and self-esteem in one's uniqueness.
Shawn founded the Neurodiversity Foundation in 2016 in hopes of removing barriers and changing the narrative around neurodivergence in all professional fields and social environments. Shawn aims to drastically improve quality-of-life for neurodivergent individuals through the Neurodiversity Foundation's goals to facilitate self-efficacy, acceptance, connection, and strengthen our communities and workforce.
Sandi Drucker Wright is Founder of Bespoke Impact Advisors, a social impact advisory firm that works with companies, individuals, and foundations. She is also Director of the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change at Columbia Business School where she has been part of the senior leadership team for more than 15 years. Sandi has nearly 30 years of experience in business development and marketing across different sectors, with an underlying passion for finding connections and creating high-impact partnerships.
At Columbia Business School, Sandi built and managed the Nonprofit Board Leadership Program, a highly successful experiential learning program in its 18th year that trains MBA students to play effective roles as members of nonprofit boards upon graduation. In addition, Sandi works closely with alumni and students who are interested in social entrepreneurship as well as in engaging with the New York City nonprofit community. She is co-host of the podcast, MoreMPE.
Her commitment to neurodiversity advocacy began during her time advising Autism Speaks at its inception, working alongside its founders, Bob and Suzanne Wright. Over time, Sandi became a dedicated advocate for neurodiverse individuals, championing their inclusion and highlighting their unique strengths.
Sandi holds a BA with honors in Education from Colgate University and a MA from Teachers College, Columbia University in Education and Technology.
Sharena Rice, PhD, is a systems neuroscientist, cybernetician, and storyteller. Her positively contagious personality and perspective on life make her a highly sought-after partner and collaborator.
Diagnosed with autism at 9 years old, Dr. Rice wrote a 45-page documentary on human behavior in middle school and volunteered in the emergency room and medical/surgical unit of the Simi Valley Hospital in high school.
As an undergraduate, Dr. Rice studied biochemistry, philosophy, and psychology. She then moved to the University of Michigan, where she researched synaptic plasticity in cell cultures as a post-baccalaureate (NIH R25) and brain rhythms and neural circuits as a graduate student (Rackham Merit Fellow, NIH T32 recipient in Hearing Balance, and Chemical Senses, and Alternates List, NDSEG Fellowship).
Sandi Drucker Wright is Founder of Bespoke Impact Advisors, a social impact advisory firm that works with companies, individuals, and foundations. She is also Director of the Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change at Columbia Business School where she has been part of the senior leadership team for more than 15 years. Sandi has nearly 30 years of experience in business development and marketing across different sectors, with an underlying passion for finding connections and creating high-impact partnerships.
At Columbia Business School, Sandi built and managed the Nonprofit Board Leadership Program, a highly successful experiential learning program in its 18th year that trains MBA students to play effective roles as members of nonprofit boards upon graduation. In addition, Sandi works closely with alumni and students who are interested in social entrepreneurship as well as in engaging with the New York City nonprofit community. She is co-host of the podcast, MoreMPE.
Her commitment to neurodiversity advocacy began during her time advising Autism Speaks at its inception, working alongside its founders, Bob and Suzanne Wright. Over time, Sandi became a dedicated advocate for neurodiverse individuals, championing their inclusion and highlighting their unique strengths.
Sandi holds a BA with honors in Education from Colgate University and a MA from Teachers College, Columbia University in Education and Technology.
The Neurodiversity Foundation promotes diverse perspectives for innovation and creativity. Our key objectives include empowering neurodivergent individuals, advocacy for awareness, and fostering inclusive environments.
Empowering Neurodivergent Individuals
Advocacy and Awareness
Fostering Inclusive Environments
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Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to get involved, the Neurodiversity Foundation is committed to providing the resources and support you need.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (979) 317-6300
Address: Neurodiversity Foundation,15002, Lakefair Drive
Suite 103, Richmond, Texas 77406
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(979) 317-6300
Neurodiversity Foundation
15002 Lakefair Drive
Suite 103
Richmond, Texas 77406