PRIDES Learning Series Session 9:

Leadership: Leading Without Conforming

The Neurodiversity Community faces huge challenges in employment and community engagement. Historically we have focused on ground floor engagement, as our community grows we recognize opportunities for leadership. However leadership models and values are often in conflict with neurodiversity authenticity. To gain equitable inclusion we need to have neurodiverse leadership! Join Jillian Nelson to learn about how we can reframe leadership theories and lean into neurodiversity as a valuable tool for leadership rather than an impairment.

Jillian Nelson is a Queer autistic adult from Saint Paul, MN and is the full time Policy Director for the Autism Society of MN (AuSM). Jillian is passionate about disability justice and teaching others to advocate for themselves, as well as reforming existing systems through legislation and advocacy to create a more equitable and accessible society for people with all types of disabilities. She is passionate about diversity and intersectionality and how that unfolds in the mosaic experience of people with disabilities. She also enjoys exploring new places, theater, and the Minnesota Lynx, as well as spending time with her partners.