2023 Neurodiversity Summit
“Wired for Success"

Leah Smiley, CDE®, is president of The Society for Diversity, a global education technology firm specializing in next-generation management practices and professional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) certification. The Society was recognized on the 2022 and 2023 Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Midwest.With more than 15 years in DEI and 25+ years as a master of training and organizational development, Leah is a DEI thought-leader. Globally, she has presented to over 10,000 professionals and executives and consulted with over 100 organizations.Leah lives in Indianapolis, Ind., with her husband and their children. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampton University and holds a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® designation from the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)®.

Janet Jones‑Jordan, CDP® is responsible for conceptualizing and implementing programming that informs and engages diverse stakeholders and building trust across diverse communities while delivering Autism Speaks mission priorities. As a DEI professional, Janet leads the development of culturally sensitive content for outreach programs to support autism and neurodivergent diversity.Janet championed Autism Speaks’ faith-based initiative, Blue Blessings, which serves as a support for ALL faith communities to embrace people with autism by taking a fresh look at ways in which their faith community can commit to becoming more inclusive.Janet and her husband are blessed with a strong blended family including six children and two grandchildren. She enjoys advocating for people with autism, especially those in marginalized or low-resourced communities.

Kelly Green is a coach, consultant, and evangelist of all things personal and professional branding. A Howard University alumna and classmate of Sean "Diddy" Combs, her first big break in the music industry was interning for him at Bad Boy Records. Kelly worked her way up through the ranks of various record labels, culminating in 2005 as Senior Director of Marketing at Universal Records. She has had the privilege of working with such groundbreaking artists as Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and The Notorious B.I.G., and has won numerous awards and accolades.Following a successful 15-year career in music marketing, she launched her own brand strategy firm focused on growing small businesses and organizations. Inspired by her own personal journey living with multiple sclerosis, Kelly formed The Abilities WORKS! Project, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide job training, workshops, and customizable careers for people with disabilities. She is currently writing her memoir, Behind the SEEN, and works tirelessly as a disability advocate.

Since 1995 Julia Mendez Achée, CDP® has helped organizations understand Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action regulatory requirements and how to create a more inclusive workplace using fair employment practices. She enjoys training and working with HR professionals and managers on diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. As a neurodiverse individual with loved ones who are also neurodiverse, Julia is passionate about bringing awareness of what it means to be neurodivergent and breaking down the stigma and misconceptions that people often have regarding individuals with various disabilities. Julie received a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of New Orleans, a master’s in professional counseling from Liberty University, and a master’s in ministry leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is a Distinguished Fellow for BCG Institute for Workforce Development, and her professional certifications include PHR, Certified Employment Law Specialist, Certified Diversity Professional (CDP)®, Certified Affirmative Action Professional, SHRM-CP, and Certified Disability Recruiter.

At 35 years old, Eren Niederhoffer has nearly 10 years of autism advocacy under his belt, beginning as a volunteer while attending business school at Marshall University. He is a social media analyst and researcher for financial advisors and small business owners and seeks to continually improve his skills to remain useful in a complex world.

When not performing advocacy or at work, Eren enjoys engaging in fandoms or helping his friends set up socials so that all people in the autism community can feel included and happy.

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Leah Smiley, CDE®, is president of The Society for Diversity, a global education technology firm specializing in next-generation management practices and professional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) certification. The Society was recognized on the 2022 and 2023 Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Midwest.With more than 15 years in DEI and 25+ years as a master of training and organizational development, Leah is a DEI thought-leader. Globally, she has presented to over 10,000 professionals and executives and consulted with over 100 organizations.Leah lives in Indianapolis, Ind., with her husband and their children. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampton University and holds a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® designation from the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)®.

Dr. Delmar I. Lee, CDE® is a 22-year veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a superintendent of Training, Avionics Section Chief, and Master Instructor. He has provided DEI training and instruction for 10 years, designed and facilitated leadership and management consultation and training for more than 15 years, and facilitated post-secondary curriculum for more than 25 years.Dr. Lee is the past board president for The Society for Diversity and past lead faculty area chair for the University of Phoenix, Raleigh Campus. He holds a PhD in postsecondary and adult education from Capella University with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University. His passion for community includes mentoring youth ages 8-20 years old and educational coaching in postsecondary education.

As an inclusive workplace wellness advocate, Vivian Acquah, CDE® advises managers on how to keep team members engaged, energized, and safe in a sustainable manner. She makes workplace wellness and DEI topics accessible to everyone. She provides people with the right tools at the right time to embrace inclusive changes, motivates them to think consciously, and inspires action.Vivian’s mission is to help make the world a better place by creating thriving workplaces for EVERYONE. This is a promise not only to Vivian’s son, Orlando, and his generation but also to future generations.

Dr. Mary “MJ” McConner is the owner and founder of Inclusive Excellence Consulting. She is a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® who has worked in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and international education sectors for over 14 years.Navigating the workforce as a Black dyslexic woman who is hard of hearing has allowed Dr. McConner to experience firsthand the importance of centering equity, accessibility, and inclusion in organizational systems, cultures, and practices. She has dedicated much of her professional career to understanding the evolving challenges impacting different organizational cultures and how to best foster environments committed to equity and inclusive excellence. Dr. McConner's past professional roles include serving as vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion (chief diversity officer), chief of staff, executive director of inclusive excellence, multicultural student services director, social justice committee chair, international education advisor, and university instructor.​Dr. McConner's community involvement has been instrumental in her commitment to promoting DEI, community engagement, and social justice locally and nationally. It is servant leadership and her dedication to transforming community through education, collaboration, and inclusion that motivates her most.

Chris Grous supports senior people leaders on their diversity, inclusion, and accessibility journey. He is passionate about promoting equality and creating opportunity for all. Chris believes in a world where difference, disability, or language are no longer barriers.

Chris would be happy to contribute to a session around the topic of neurodiversity. Not only has he worked with global companies to help them create neuro-inclusive workplaces, but Chris is also neurodiverse. Through lived experiences and working with ADHD, Chris brings a unique perspective.

ABOUT TEXTHELP: At Texthelp we believe that everyone has the right to understand and be understood. CEO and Founder Martin McKay started the business in 1996, after watching his father struggling to communicate following a severe stroke. There wasn't much in the way of assistive technology, and Martin made it his mission to make a change. Fast forward 26 years, and today Texthelp is a world leading inclusive technology company supporting people to read, write and research with confidence - whether at school, college, or work. 

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Dr. Delmar I. Lee, CDE® is a 22-year veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a superintendent of Training, Avionics Section Chief, and Master Instructor. He has provided DEI training and instruction for 10 years, designed and facilitated leadership and management consultation and training for more than 15 years, and facilitated post-secondary curriculum for more than 25 years.Dr. Lee is the past board president for The Society for Diversity and past lead faculty area chair for the University of Phoenix, Raleigh Campus. He holds a PhD in postsecondary and adult education from Capella University with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University. His passion for community includes mentoring youth ages 8-20 years old and educational coaching in postsecondary education.

Leah Smiley, CDE®, is president of The Society for Diversity, a global education technology firm specializing in next-generation management practices and professional diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) certification. The Society was recognized on the 2022 and 2023 Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Midwest.With more than 15 years in DEI and 25+ years as a master of training and organizational development, Leah is a DEI thought-leader. Globally, she has presented to over 10,000 professionals and executives and consulted with over 100 organizations.Leah lives in Indianapolis, Ind., with her husband and their children. She received a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampton University and holds a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE)® designation from the Institute for Diversity Certification (IDC)®.