Inclusive Impact Day: Empowering Neurodiversity in the Workforce
Drexel LeBow hosted its third annual Inclusive Impact Day on Wednesday, May 1, focusing on the theme “Hiring and Retaining Neurodivergent Employees,” supported by Donald Braun ’84 of Bernstein Private Wealth Management. The event aimed to address the need for overcoming stigma, fostering acceptance and establishing supportive infrastructure to combat exclusion faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workforce.
The day kicked off with a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Braun, featuring speakers from academia and industry. Panelists shared their perspectives on neurodiversity, emphasizing the evolving understanding of diverse cognitive processes and the importance of creating inclusive workplaces. The discussion highlighted the benefits of hiring neurodivergent talent, including enhanced productivity, cultural enrichment and improved workplace satisfaction. Matt Lerner, PhD, associate professor and life course outcomes program leader for the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, underscored the resilience, creativity and unique perspectives neurodivergent individuals bring to the table. “When you can create an environment and culture that is actively inclusive, that’s going to benefit others. It makes everyone’s workspace and work better,” Lerner said.
Next, participants engaged in interactive workshops aimed at creating positive and accepting work environments while equipping neurodiverse individuals and their families with the tools for success. Strategies discussed ranged from providing accommodations and mentorship to fostering open communication and flexibility in hiring processes. Speakers emphasized the need for education, awareness and proactive measures to ensure inclusivity and support for neurodivergent employees throughout their career journeys.
The afternoon featured a dynamic keynote dialogue between Ernie Dianastasis, founder and CEO of The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), and Mike Innocenzo, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Exelon. They established an employment program in 2017 that uses the talents from TPI’s neurodiverse workforce to tackle critical business needs across Delmarva Power and all of Exelon’s operating companies.
The conversation showcased a successful example of partnership between organizations and the neurodiverse community, emphasizing the transformative impact of inclusive employment practices. They highlighted the importance of creating supportive environments, providing tailored accommodations, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. “It’s made our employees think differently about creative solutions. Environment and process matters — it’s important to think differently about how the culture is conducive in order to maximize talent and how it reflects the communities that you serve,” said Innocenzo.
Their insights underscored the value of neurodiverse talent in driving business success and community development. “There’s such an incredible opportunity to transform lives. Sustainable, successful employment can create a life transformation for individuals and that’s our goal,” said Dianastasis.
The day concluded with an undergraduate case competition in which the finalists presented solutions to increase neurodiversity in the workforce. The competition submissions tackled topics like the interview process, setting employees up for success and ways to foster a supportive environment.
Throughout the event, participants heard recommendations and insights aimed at empowering neurodiversity in the workforce. From providing interview accommodations to promoting open communication and flexibility, the consensus was clear — creating inclusive workplaces requires proactive measures, empathy and a commitment to continuous improvement. By leveraging the strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals, organizations can drive innovation, foster inclusivity and create positive social impact.
