As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024, it’s imperative to recognise the diverse contributions of neurodivergent women who are making significant strides across various fields. In this article, we highlight ten remarkable neurodivergent women whose innovative thinking, resilience, and unique perspectives are reshaping industries and inspiring change. From science to art, advocacy to entrepreneurship, these trailblazers exemplify the power of embracing neurodiversity and challenge conventional norms, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Join us in celebrating these influential women who are breaking barriers and redefining success on their own terms.
Dr Sharon Zivkovic
As the founder of Centre for Autistic Social Entrepreneurship, and Community Capacity builders, Dr Zivkovic addresses complex social, economic, and environmental problems through its research, programs, and advocacy. With a deep commitment to finding solutions, Dr Zivkovic, an autistic scholar-practitioner, spearheads initiatives like Community Capacity Builders, which promotes active citizenship and systemic social entrepreneurship programs.
Dr Zivkovic is a scientist, founder, Chief Innovation Officer, and social entrepreneur, with over two decades of experience collaborating with diverse community stakeholders on capacity-building projects.
She also actively contributes to academia, pursuing a Master of Autism at the University of Wollongong, informing her work in developing autistic social entrepreneurship programs. Dr. Zivkovic’s global impact extends through her roles as a Visiting Fellow in Social Entrepreneurship at Northumbria University and as a member of Emerald Publishing’s Impact Advisory Board, where her expertise in applied complexity theory is highly regarded.
Keeley Johnson
Keeley Johnson, founder of Keeley’s Cause in 2017 at age 13, stands as a beacon of compassion and change. Her journey, marked by personal struggles in traditional education, sparked her mission to bridge the gap for children with Autism or Intellectual Disabilities. Fuelled by determination, she provides iPads to non-verbal children, empowering them with communication tools.
Through Keeley’s Cause, she supports children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, offering tailored education plans. These efforts address critical gaps in government funding and NDIS assistance. Keeley’s commitment extends beyond education, aiming for a society where no child lacks support in education and integration.
Her remarkable efforts earned Keeley prestigious awards like the Princess Diana Award and the Gold Stevie Award. These accolades highlight her profound impact on creating an inclusive future, inspiring others to join her mission. Keeley continues to transform lives across Australia, empowering children and fostering equity.
Ellie Middleton
Ellie Middleton is a pioneering autistic and ADHD creator, writer, and consultant on a mission to reshape perceptions of neurodiversity. Diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD at 24 after a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, Ellie has since built a substantial online following of over 300,000 individuals. She founded the “unmasked” community, providing a supportive space for neurodivergent individuals to connect and thrive.
Collaborating with global brands like The Independent, Google, and LinkedIn, Ellie has spearheaded efforts to challenge societal norms and advocate for greater inclusivity. Her work extends beyond digital platforms, as she strives to change the narrative surrounding neurodiversity on a broader scale.
Ellie is dedicated to highlighting the strengths and positive aspects of neurodivergent minds while advocating for better accommodations in society. Through her consultancy work, she aims to guide undiagnosed individuals toward understanding and acceptance. She firmly believes that every neurodivergent person deserves the opportunity to embrace their identity and reach their full potential.
Mel Spencer OAM.
Mel Spencer is the driving force behind Different Journeys, transitioning from grassroots to a medium-scale charity. She has led the organisation since 2016, overseeing daily operations, strategy, marketing, and events, with initiatives boasting 1500 monthly attendees.
With a vision to combat social isolation and provide essential life skills for individuals with autism, Mel co-founded Different Journeys. Leveraging the lived experiences of committee members, many of whom are on the autism spectrum or have family members who are autistic, this approach has fostered a supportive community for those participating in Different Journeys’ programs.
Mel received the prestigious Order of Australia medal in 2023 for her outstanding contributions, thereby highlighting her dedication. Additionally, she champions inclusivity, actively promoting employment for autistic individuals and carers. Addressing diverse community needs through a trauma-informed approach, she ensures a comprehensive support system. Under her leadership, Different Journeys advances in creating a supportive society for autistic individuals and families.
Chenai Mupotsa-Russell
Chenai Mupotsa-Russell stands at the forefront of mental health innovation as the Founder and Director of Rainbow Muse Clinic, a visionary organisation offering a holistic approach to wellbeing. Combining art therapy, psychology, play therapy, and yoga, the clinic provides an inclusive haven that celebrates diversity. Chenai’s expertise as both a practitioner and an artist infuse the clinic’s ethos, fostering environments where healing and creativity intertwine seamlessly.
Renowned for her transformative work at Rainbow Muse Clinic, Chenai also leads Tandara Pa Rainbow. This not-for-profit initiative amplifies community-focused care. Furthermore, as an artist and illustrator, Chenai enriches TPR’s spaces with vibrancy and imagination. Additionally, her role as an advocate and speaker extends her reach, engaging audiences to drive positive change. Through Tandara Pa Rainbow, Chenai extends her mission to serve minoritised and intersectional identities, providing a platform for marginalised voices to be heard and valued.
In addition to her impactful community work, Chenai is a dedicated PHD candidate in community psychology and autism research. Her groundbreaking research aims to decolonise mental health practices and create new narratives for individuals often pathologised for their differences. With a keen focus on challenging existing paradigms, Chenai’s academic pursuits complement her practical endeavours, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in reshaping mental health discourse and practice for the better.
Anita Aherne
Anita Aherne is a groundbreaking neurodivergent entrepreneur who is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals and their families. She understands the challenges that families face when they support and advocate for their loved ones’ needs. Anita proudly established Living on the Spectrum, which is Australia’s first autism directory and media hub in 2019. This initiative filled a crucial gap by providing timely access to resources and education for individuals and families seeking support.
Furthermore, aside from her entrepreneurial feats, Anita fervently champions neurodivergent individuals, both online and offline. Acknowledged as an Inside Small Business Top 50 leader and international award recipient, she ensures that the needs of neurodivergent individuals are acknowledged and addressed. Additionally, Anita is a sort after speaker and writer. Anita raises awareness about neurodiversity in all facets of employment, education and carer support. Additionally, she facilitates neurodiversity training across Australia.
Anita’s journey, driven by personal experiences, embodies steadfast determination to effect change. Her visionary leadership and advocacy demolish barriers, fostering a more inclusive society. Through her endeavours, Anita leaves an enduring legacy of acceptance and empowerment, shaping a brighter future.
Sukhjeen Kaur
Sukhjeen Kaur, founder of Chronically Brown, advocates for South Asians with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Her journey commenced with a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, igniting her advocacy. Spearheading the #desiabled campaign, she promotes disability inclusion within the community.
In addition to her role at Chronically Brown, Sukhjeen’s advocacy has garnered recognition from media outlets like Huffington Post. Contributing to magazines, she shares insights on disability and neurodiversity. Invitations to speak at conferences demonstrate her commitment to amplifying voices and breaking barriers.
Sukhjeen’s journey is deeply personal, marked by struggles with isolation due to her health conditions. Through Chronically Brown, she creates a community celebrating diversity and empowering individuals.
Elly Desmarchelier
Elly Desmarchelier, a proud disabled and neurodivergent woman, leads the advocacy for disability rights in Australia. Transitioning from personal to public, her fierce advocacy extended to the national spokesperson role for the Defend Our NDIS campaign during the 2022 Federal election.
Her influence extends further into high-level decision-making forums, including engagements at the Prime Minister’s Jobs and Skills Summit. Beyond politics, Elly’s voice resonates on national television programs and prestigious publications, amplifying her message of inclusivity and accessibility.
When not advocating, Elly cherishes time with her partner and dogs in Brisbane. Her commitment to inclusivity drives ongoing efforts to ensure individuals with disabilities have a voice in shaping policies.
Annie Crowe
Annie Crowe excels in human rights law and neurodiversity advocacy, balancing her roles as a lawyer and CEO of NeuroAccess. With over a decade’s experience, honed in the Australian Public Service and a premier law firm, Annie adeptly simplifies complex ideas, captivating her audience.
Beyond speaking engagements, Annie is sought after as a Neurodivergent Coach, empowering individuals toward self-advocacy. Through coaching and her NeuroAccess Network, she supports autistic and ADHD adults in navigating a neurotypical world.
Moreover, Annie’s influence extends beyond her roles. As a neurodivergent woman, mother, and advocate, she launched the Princess and the Pea Podcast, celebrating highly sensitive individuals. Additionally, she founded Eating Disorders Neurodiversity Australia (EDNA), integrating neurodivergent perspectives into the National Eating Disorder Strategy.
Charlie Hart
Charlie Hart, Assoc.CIPD, affectionately referred to as ‘Ausome Charlie’, is a dynamic professional speaker and HR consultant. Charlie specialises in neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Their journey weaves through diverse identities. Proudly, they embrace being a ‘Queer AuDHDer’ and navigate the intersections of multiple neurodivergences (Autistic, ADHD, cPTSD).
With over two decades of experience in Human Resources, Charlie is dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures. Furthermore, they prioritise psychological safety and embrace the diversity of minds. Their expertise lies in neurodiversity, intersectionality, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy, drawing from personal experiences to offer profound insights and transformative solutions.
Additionally, Charlie’s influence reaches beyond typical speeches, advocating for marginalised communities via influential social media. Their mission, deeply personal, aims for a world where everyone, including their own neurodivergent teenagers, feels understood, accepted, and supported. Through resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication, Charlie embodies the essence of positive change and meaningful inclusion.
The continued celebration of Neurodivergent women
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us not only acknowledge the ten extraordinary neurodivergent women featured here but also recognise the countless others whose stories may yet be untold. Their resilience, creativity, and unique perspectives are not only enriching our understanding of neurodiversity but also reshaping the very fabric of our society. Let’s continue to uplift, empower, and amplify the voices of all women, regardless of their neurology, as we strive towards a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone. Together, let’s pave the way for a future where diversity is celebrated, and every woman is seen, heard, and valued for exactly who she is. Happy International Women’s Day!