Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt is an autistic self-advocate and father of two neurodiverse daughters. He earned a doctorate researching online education and writing instruction for students with autism spectrum disorders. His experiences living with physical and neurological differences shape his parenting. Dr. Scott consults with schools, businesses, and non-profit organizations on issues of autism, neurodiversity, and active inclusion. Parenting Neurodiverse children — those with ADHD, autism, sensory processing issues, and learning disabilities — presents challenges. As a diagnosed autistic person with ADHD and physical disabilities, Dr. Scott brings his experiences as a parent, researcher, educator, and Neurodiversity self-advocacy to an audience. He and his wife chose to be parents, fostering and then adopting two daughters. Audiences ask why an autistic person would want to be a father. Dr. Scott’s experiences and academic credentials empower him to advocate for their daughters in a school system that too often fails to provide reasonable support. Even well-intentioned parents, teachers, and researchers don't always understand what Neurodiverse minds and bodies experience. As a speaker with more than 150 regional and national appearances and 15 years of consulting experience, Dr. Scott discusses autism, parenting, and education from the autistic perspective. The Autistic Me blog was launched in January 2007 when he began working for others with special needs. He completed his doctoral studies in 2010 at the University of Minnesota. While a doctoral student, he conducted two grant-funded research projects on autism and instructional technology. He publishes in academic journals, co-edited a scholarly collection, and has presented numerous conference papers. Reflecting his passion for digital media, he completed a Master of Fine Arts in film and digital technology, a Master of Arts in English composition theory and rhetoric, and undergraduate degrees in English and journalism. You can learn more about Dr. Christopher Scott Wyatt at https://www.tameri.com/autisticme/about/, https://liberalarts.tamu.edu/english/profile/christopher-wyatt/, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EvdCzSe8zU.

Dr. Frank L. Douglas grew up in British Guiana. Despite being exiled from his home country and experiencing discrimination, his critical thinking and problem-solving skills have earned him international acclaim. His love of education earned him a Fulbright Scholarship. He worked at Ciba Giegy and Aventis and was involved in the pharmaceutical industry, where he spearheaded the research and development of drugs that treat tuberculosis, arthritis, diabetes, seizures, cancer, and pulmonary embolism, among others. He received the Global Pharmaceutical Research and Development Director of the Year Award in 2001 and 2004; the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers in 2002; the Black History Maker Award in 2007; the Geoffrey Beene Foundation and GQ Rockstar of Science, and the Odyssey Award from the Center of Medicine in the Public Interest in 2010; and the Caribbean Heritage Award for Entrepreneurship in 2011. He authored the book, "Defining Moments Of A Free Man From a Black Stream," to honor those who have helped him along his journey. He shares insights from his latest book originally entitled, "Addressing Systemic Discrimination By Reframing the Problem." He retitled the book, “Until You Walk in My Shoes: A Reframing Methodology to Overcome Systemic Discrimination. In this thought-provoking book, Dr. Douglas introduces three concepts crucial to addressing systemic discrimination - Focus on the Individual, Equity, Inclusion, and Individual Engagement (EIIE), and Safe Haven Dialogues (SHD) Reframing Process. Dr. Douglas also highlights the importance of Equity and Inclusion in creating a psychologically safe environment within organizations and presents the Equity-Inclusion Culture Matrix as a tool to assess these cultures. The book's second section features real-life case studies of individuals from diverse professions who have experienced systemic discrimination. Dr. Douglas uses the SHD Reframing Process to objectively determine the aspects of systemic discrimination depicted in these cases. The VIP panel, comprising Victors over Injustice in their Professions, reviews issues of Equity and Inclusion and seeks to find a Better Problem to Solve by Reframing the Problem. You can learn more about and follow Dr. Douglas at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-frank-l-douglas/ and https://www.facebook.com/BooksbyDr.FrankDouglas/.

Philip Blackett is an author, consultant, and entrepreneur with a rich background spanning prestigious roles at FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Chick-fil-A. He earned a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His career has been marked by sharing insights on esteemed platforms like Business Insider, Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and LinkedIn. In the books Disagree Without Disrespect: How to Respectfully Debate with Those Who Think, Believe, and Vote Differently From You and Future-Proof: How to Adopt and Master Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to Secure Your Job and Career delve into the art of respectful debate and the strategic use of AI in career security. His passion extends beyond business and technology to fostering growth—whether in God’s People, Businesses, or Kingdom. Philip is committed to reading, eating Chick-fil-A while drinking sweet tea, supporting his North Carolina Tar Heels, and raising his twin daughters with his wife of over eight years. You can learn more about Philip at https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipblackett/ and https://www.philipblackett.com/.

Marissa Levin chronicles her 30+ years of entrepreneurial experience and how she transitioned through this period. In 2012, she launched Successful Culture, a leadership consulting organization that helped CEOs master the 3 most critical aspects of business growth: leadership development, strategy formulation and execution, and corporate culture creation & improvement. She developed a global C-level coaching and consulting practice based on her successful experience building a multimillion-dollar consulting firm and her strength of connecting with leaders to help them move beyond the barriers impeding their personal and organizational growth. In 2012, she joined “Washington Business Report” on ABC as the region’s Small Business Expert, alongside anchor Rebecca Cooper. In her weekly segment, she addressed the challenges of small business growth and invited leaders to join her to share their business experiences. In 2023, she co-founded i5 Conscious Leadership, a leadership education, coaching, and consulting firm, with her long-time friend. Guided by a mission to elevate the world's consciousness through leadership, I5 Conscious Leadership bridges self-consciousness and organizational consciousness for leaders ready to embrace higher-level leadership to achieve exceptional employee engagement and business growth. I5 strengthens and elevates leaders throughout organizations to a higher level of presence, consciousness, and performance through developing and strengthening their Identity, Intention, Integrity, InSight, and Inspiration. Her inspirational for these life successes came through her dad’s inspiration. He passed at age 94 with a legacy of giving to and thinking of others. Marrisa is passing on that legacy to others through her coaching business. You can learn more about Marissa at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissalevin1/ and https://marissainternational.com/.

Nothing made sense in Micah Marshall’s life until he discovered he was on the spectrum when he was 22 years old. You might relate to that if you have been diagnosed late as well. Several tests were done when he was three due to some behavioral symptoms without explanation. Micah’s mission is to help everyone know they are deeply valued and discover their potential through personal growth and success! For Micah, autism isn't a different way of seeing the world: it's a marring of the human brain and psyche that produces a traumatized life experience. There are many good things we, people on the spectrum, can still pull out of our experiences. In this context, disability is only a mindset. Micah formerly owned and operated Marshall Health Insurance to help anyone and everyone find the right coverage. He dissolved that business because of reaching burnout. As a John Maxwell Certified Team Member, he speaks to autism professionals, parents with kids on the spectrum, and business leaders across the United States. He is writing the book Growing on the Spectrum, which is projected to be released in August 2025. It will be the first-ever personal growth book for kids and adults on the spectrum! The book will include topics on neurodiversity, faith, personal growth, and mental health. Micah also blogs regularly about neurodiversity, positive attitudes, and mental health. He is a pioneer for personal growth and success for those on the spectrum. You can learn more about Micah at www.micahmarshall.com

Alan Lazaros is a business coach, consultant, trainer, and speaker specializing in helping businesses maximize their growth, impact, and profitability online. He believes in a heart-driven approach to inspiring, motivating, and educating others on what is required to reach the next level. When he was two years old, his father passed away in a car accident. At age 26, after getting into a nearly fatal car accident himself, he questioned everything he was doing in life. It was a moment of comprehensive introspection to determine his worth and direction. He asked who he was and the choices he was making and had made. He was at an all-time low. Filled with regret, he searched for answers and found two of the brightest lights he had ever seen. The first bright light was a book by Bronnie Ware entitled, “The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying,” and the second was a Ted Talk by Tony Robbins. These resources helped him find his way and guided him to go ALL IN on self-improvement to design a life of meaning and purpose. On this self-improvement journey, he has learned to believe in a heart-driven approach to inspiring, motivating, and educating others on what is required to reach the Next Level. Today, he proudly says his mission is to help others create a life of success and fulfillment. He learned the hard way how empty success without fulfillment is and how to limit fulfillment without success as well. You can learn more about Alan at https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/.

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD, is a high-energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients. He is proud to serve the Gifted community as a consultant, a professor, an author, and a researcher. He has spoken over 400 times worldwide about supporting neurodivergent people. Dr. Zakreski graduated from Widener University’s Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology (IGCP) in 2016. He co-founded The Neurodiversity Collective, which provides therapy, IQ testing, coaching, and consulting. You bring your brain with you wherever you go, whether you're a student in school, a professional adult, or someone trying to determine your way in the world. But rarely do we get enough information to understand and process what our brains do for us and how they manifest in the world. Dr. Matt is one of the world's foremost experts in neurodivergence for people with different brains (think ADHD, Giftedness, Dyslexia, Autism, etc.) and how to meet their needs socially, professionally, and emotionally. He combines neuropsychology, clinical practice, and meaningful exercises to make educational, inspirational, and entertaining content. The Neurodiversity Collective (NDC) has been a long-time dream of this "grown-up gifted kid." Under Dr. Matt's leadership, NDC stands out as a group of informed, compassionate, and skilled specialists prepared to serve unique needs. There is a neurodiversity employment network headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. You can reach them at https://neurodiversityemploymentnetwork.org/. Auticon is an IT consulting business and social enterprise that exclusively employs adults on the autism spectrum in permanent roles as IT consultants. They are at https://auticon.com/. Aspiritech focuses on neurodiverse teamwork. Aspiritech’s donors allow that nonprofit to provide the essential support and programs that make us a leading provider of meaningful employment for autistic adults. If you can, please support our mission today. You can learn more about Dr. Matt at https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/ and https://ghfdialogue.org/author/drmatt/.

Dr. Fidele Sebahizi grew up in a poor African village, living and surviving an ethnically motivated massacre in a United Nations refugee camp of Gatumba in Burundi, Africa. Fidele overcame life obstacles as an immigrant in the United States to achieve the American dream. He became the first immigrant to join and work for the Abilene Police Department (APD) in Texas as a police officer and the first member of his ethnic group, the Banyamulenge, in the United States to serve the American community in such a capacity. While working for the APD, Fidele earned multiple degrees: a B.A. in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University in New Hampshire, an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University in Texas, and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice — Homeland Security from Liberty University in Virginia. A father and a husband, Fidele likes to listen to country music during his free time. His book - Creating a Life from the Ashes: A Memoir, will be available for purchase in October 2024. will be available for sale in October 2024. You can learn more about Dr. Fidele Sebahizi at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidele-sebahizi-1376671b6/ and https://x.com/fidele_sebahizi?lang=en.