Social Connections Summit 2025

Virtual event for late-identified Autistic & ADHD professionals and their allies to discover how to ask for what you need and still belong.

September 24 & 25

“You Belong”

Join now and get a free gift.

Build authentic relationships.
Advocate for your needs.
Create a workplace where you truly belong.

Tactical Workplace Talks

Scripts for Hard Conversations

Live Q&A With Experts

Short, Actionable Sessions

About the Summit

The Social Connections Summit is a virtual two-day event for professionals committed to building more inclusive, compassionate, and connected workplaces.

We’re centering the voices of late-identified Autistic, AuDHD, and ADHD professionals especially those who struggle to get accommodations, feel misunderstood, or find it hard to connect at work.

We also welcome leaders, mentors, and allies eager to support their teams but unsure where to begin.

Why I Created This Summit

I created the Social Connections Summit because I walked into a room of 200 people at my last corporate job and I’ve never felt more alone.

I tried to connect with my peers by performing, masking, and contorting myself to become what they wanted me to be. I’ve never felt lonelier.

This summit is the space I needed.

A place where I didn’t have to prove my worth.

A place where I can explore what I really need.

A place I am welcomed and not managed.

It is my sincerest intention to create a space where real people come together to learn with curiosity and care.

-Coach Lee Hopkins
Host, Social Connections Summit 2025
Founder, Patterns of Possibility

BONUS: You’re Also Getting the Must-Read Guide
”How to Say What You Need Without Feeling Like You’re Too Much”
FREE when you join the summit today

Day One: From Masking to Meaningful Connection

Keynote Speaker

Pasha Marlowe (she/they)
Global Neurodiversity Speaker, Author of Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion

Talk Title
Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion

  • Pasha Marlowe is a trauma-informed therapist turned global speaker with over 30 years of experience.

    Her work is trusted by leading companies like Microsoft, IBM, and SHRM, and her book Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion is used in organizations around the world.

    She brings depth, humor, and strategy to every stage, blending inclusive design, accessibility, and psychological safety into one clear message: we all deserve to belong.

  • Pasha introduces the powerful concept of neurobelonging—a shift from mere inclusion to full alignment.

    She’ll walk team leaders and decision-makers through best practices for building truly neuroinclusive environments.

    Her session gives practical tools, current language guidance, and a clear path toward workplace cultures where all minds and bodies can thrive.

  • Website: Pasha Marlowe

    Book: Creating Cultures of Neuroinclusion

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Interactive Session Coordinator

Eva Vega (she/her)
Founder of More Connected Humans™

Session Title
Empathy: Bridging the Gap

  • Eva Vega is the founder of More Connected Humans™, a practice rooted in the belief that healing-centered, inclusive communities are essential.

    With over 25 years of experience in DEIB leadership, facilitation, and coaching, Eva works across sectors to build workplace cultures where feedback, belonging, and transformation are real.

    She brings a unique framework of 18 interpersonal skills that help teams develop psychological safety and lasting connection.

    As a first-generation Latina and trained mediator, Eva leads with deep cultural awareness and practical wisdom.

  • Eva helps organizations move beyond theory into embodied leadership.

    Her session will show how intentional connection—when guided by courage, emotional intelligence, and reflection—can transform even the most strained workplace dynamics.

    She invites attendees to practice being fully human in spaces that often feel transactional or disconnected.

  • Website: More Connected Humans™

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Lightening Talks

Gwen Janssen (she/her)
Founder of the END Institute

Talk Title
Powerless Professional to Powerhouse Leader

Tyler Mitchell (he/him)
Strategy Consultant & ADHD Advocate

Talk Title
“I Didn’t Know I Was Masking”: A Late-Diagnosed Professional's Take on Belonging at Work

  • Tyler Mitchell is a Strategy Consultant and ADHD advocate who helps late-diagnosed professionals understand their brains—and unlearn the systems that taught them to hide.

    Diagnosed in his 40s while supporting his neurodivergent son, Tyler now speaks at national forums, creates relatable visual guides, and shares hard-earned insights through writing that blends honesty and humor.

    His voice resonates with professionals who’ve spent years performing success while feeling disconnected.

    As a father of five, several also neurodivergent, Tyler brings both deep empathy and grounded wisdom to every conversation about work, identity, and belonging.

  • Tyler offers a real-life lens on what it means to unmask mid-career.

    His talk traces the quiet unraveling of high achievement in systems that weren’t built for neurodivergent minds—and what happens when you start naming your needs instead of hiding them.

    He’ll share subtle signs of masking at work, and small changes leaders can make that go beyond inclusion checklists.

  • Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Panelists

Discussion Topic: Making Communication Work for Every Brain

Neurodivergent people often spend extra energy "translating" how they think, speak, or write.
What would leadership look like if that burden shifted?

Genie Love (she/her)
ADHD & Autism Coach | Neurodiversity Consultant

Genie offers an ally’s perspective on how to foster real communication with autistic and ADHD colleagues.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Ambeka Khadse (she/her)
Founder of The Flourish Compass
Talent Development & Wellness Consultant

Ambeka invites us to reimagine leadership as a shared flow, not a solo performance.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Kendra Koch (she/her)
Founder of Divergently

Kendra will explore the barriers that keep neurodivergent women from thriving at work and in life—and how to remove them.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Dr. Janice Castro, Ph.D. (she/her)
Psychologist, Speaker, Podcast Host of Latine ADHD

Dr. Janice (ja-niece) Castro is a bilingual Licensed Psychologist, motivational speaker, and host of the Latine ADHD podcast.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

BONUS: You’re Also Getting a Powerful New Guide
”Say What You Need Clearly and Calmly Without Feeling Like You’re Asking for Too Much”
FREE with your summit registration

Day Two: Leading with Difference

Keynote Speaker

Scott Josephson
Mentor, Speaker, Tech Industry Veteran

Talk Title
Beating the Game of Social Anxiety

  • Scott Josephson brings over 15 years of experience in Big Tech, with a foundation in Education Technology and accessibility.

    He mentors women from underrepresented communities and has publicly shared his own story of navigating social anxiety, including in his TEDx Talk.

    His approach is rooted in empathy, psychological safety, and a deep belief that everyone deserves to thrive.

  • Scott will guide attendees through a 3-step method to move through social anxiety: manifesting, gamifying, and following up.

    Drawing from personal stories—from awkward adolescence to stand-up comedy to confident networking—he’ll show how a sense of play can unlock connection.

    Expect practical tools to build confidence, start conversations, and bring joy to interactions that once felt overwhelming.

  • Watch his TEDx Talk.

    Connect with him on LinkedIn.

Lightening Talks

Sarah E. Taylor
Neurodiversity Advocate & Founder of Next Level ASD Consulting

Talk Title
Should you tell your employer about your diagnosis?

  • Sarah E. Taylor is the founder of Next Level ASD Consulting, a DEIB consultancy focused on neuroinclusive leadership, psychological safety, and culture change.

    With over 20 years of experience as a mental health professional, psychometrist, and corporate trainer, Sarah equips leaders with real-world strategies to support neurodivergent talent.

  • Should you tell your employer about your diagnosis?

    What happens if you don’t?

    In this empowering session, Sarah E. Taylor will guide you through how to navigate disclosure decisions with clarity and confidence.

    You’ll learn what your rights are, how accommodations work, and how to advocate for support—whether or not you choose to disclose.

  • Website: Next Level ASD Consulting

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Kate Isichei (she/her)
Neuroinclusion Consultant | Executive Coach
Founder of Where To Look Communications

Talk Title
Harnessing the Skills of Neurodivergent Talent

  • Kate Isichei is a Neuroinclusion Consultant and Executive Coach who helps leaders build teams that thrive through awareness, flexibility, and clarity.

    As the creator of a bespoke online training program and a trusted advisor to corporate clients, Kate specializes in guiding managers to better understand how neurodivergence shows up at work—and how to support it meaningfully.

    Through her work with Where To Look Communications, she brings real-world strategies and communication tools to create truly inclusive environments.

  • Kate will share everyday workplace moments—like meetings, emails, and performance reviews—where communication breaks down for neurodivergent employees.

    Her talk reveals how to shift from default assumptions to flexible, informed leadership that draws out the strengths of every team member.

  • Website: Where To Look Communications

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Rebecca Block, PhD (she/her)
Neurospicy Coach &
Facilitator of Spicy Brains Get Stuff Done

  • Rebecca Block, PHD is an executive function coach, parent to two neurodivergent kids, and the creative mind behind Spicy Brains.

    With a background as a professor and nonprofit executive in inclusive education, she brings deep empathy, lived experience, and a refreshingly human approach to helping people get things done.

    Rebecca’s work spans neurotypes and generations, and she’s passionate about replacing shame and pressure with connection and meaningful strategy.

  • Rebecca will reframe procrastination as an emotional challenge.

    It’s not just a time management issue.

    Attendees will learn how to identify what’s really driving their avoidance and how to choose the right support based on that root cause.

    From overwhelm to boredom to shame, her talk offers clear tools and a connection-based approach to moving forward.

  • Website: Rebecca Block, PHD

    Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Talk Title
No, It’s Not About Better Calendaring: How to Manage and Reduce Procrastination

Panelists

This Shouldn’t Be Normal! Calling Out Everyday Harm at Work

Microaggressions, isolation, favoritism, and tone-policing often go unnoticed by leadership but not by the people experiencing them. Let’s talk about what they look like, and what to do about them.

Brigitte Shipman (she/her)
Autism Mom Coach & Founder of Mother's Guide Through Autism

Brigitte shares her story as a roadmap to help others transform stress into gratitude, shift negative self-talk, and connect through strengths rather than limitations.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mercedes Swan (she/her)
Career Love Coach, HR & DEI Strategist, Founder of The Career Love Community

Mercedes brings her lived experience of unmasking ADHD through workplace burnout, and her bold belief in liberation as a career strategy.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Heather Wallander (she/her)
Founder of JustiProof

Heather will name the subtle signs of workplace discrimination and how they uniquely show up for neurodivergent people.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Rebecca Prejean (she/her)
CEO and Founder- E.B. Graphics and Consulting

With 12+ years in instructional design, branding, L&D, multimedia, and accessibility, Rebecca creates engaging, inclusive learning experiences and digital content for all.

Connect with her on LinkedIn.

BONUS: You’re Also Getting the Must-Read Guide
”How to Say What You Need Without Feeling Like You’re Too Much”
Plus additional tools to support your belonging.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Social Connections Summit runs for two days, September 24–25, 2025. Each day offers four immersive hours of learning and connection.

  • There is no cost to join.

  • It’s for late-identified autistic and ADHD professionals, team leaders, HR and DEI advocates, allies, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. Anyone navigating difference in work or life will find value here.

  • No.

  • Not at all. Participate in ways that feel most aligned with your energy levels.

  • You’ll hear from keynote speakers, panel discussions, and short 15-minute lightning talks. Each one blends lived experience with practical tools.

  • Themes include belonging, leadership, communication, ADHD productivity, job search strategies, and anxiety at work. All content is practical and designed for real-world use.

  • Yes. Breakout sessions are built in so you can share your own voice, learn from others, and practice real strategies.

  • Yes. Everyone has 48 hours replay access. VIPs get 30-day access.

  • VIP gets you instant access to Vulnerability Matrix PDF, 30-day replays, two bonus sessions, the Supportive Connections Course, access to Coach Lee’s private community & more.

  • VIP is $33. You can also unlock it for free by referring three friends to the summit. Learn more.

  • VIP helps the learning stick. You get extra time with the content, deeper conversations with speakers, and tools to keep building connection after the summit ends.

Save Your Spot at the Social Connections Summit 2025

→ Discover practical tools to build authentic relationships

→ Advocate for your needs

→ Create a workplace where you truly belong

→ Get updates & behind-the-scenes previews

→ Receive early access to bonuses for the Social Connections Summit including 20% off of all Adulting with Autism merchandise for the first 30 people to claim it.

→ Get a powerful resource right away:
“3 Scripts for Asking What You Need — Without Feeling Like You’re Asking Too Much”

→ Access to all the replays for 48 hours after the event ends.

📌 Got Questions? Check Out Our Frequently Asked Questions.

Register now to get instant access to the Summit.

WANT DEEPER SUPPORT?

You’ll get A PRE-SUMMIT BONUS, LIVE BONUS CALLS, PRIVATE COMMUNITY ACCESS, AND A POWERFUL COURSE ON CONNECTION with VIP registration!

Can’t get time off? We’ve got your back.

Download our justification email & key benefits list to help your manager see why this summit is worth attending.

Social Connections Summit Sponsors

Our sponsors make this event possible. Please support them by clicking on their logo to visit their website.

Champion Sponsor

Featured Giveaway Sponsor

Leader Sponsors

Giveaway Sponsors

Advocate Sponsors

Become A Sponsor

We’re holding space for brands that walk their talk.

If your values align with this vision of workplace belonging, we’d love to feature your support.

Contact:
Jordan Rivera
Sponsorship Coordinator
socialconnectionssummit@gmail.com