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Racers for Autism with Jordan Modiano

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Jordan is a race car driver, business owner, motivational speaker, and proud Autism Super Dad. He is the founder of Racers 4 Autism, a nonprofit using motorsports to drive awareness, inclusion, and acceptance for individuals on the spectrum. He also leads two Express Employment Professionals offices in Upstate NY, where he brings his passion for leadership and purpose-driven work to life. He speaks across the country about resilience, leadership, and the lessons learned from raising a daughter with autism, running a business, and racing full throttle—both on the track and in life.

Critical Adjustments for Employment Opportunities with Ricki Macken-Chilvers

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Ricki’s education in marriage and family therapy, and her 25 years of experience working in mental health services with children and disability services for adults, has influenced her vision to run an agency that meets the needs of the clients served by, as well as the employees who work at, Pleasantview Industries. With significant nonprofit and social services experience, Ricki is now learning about the world of business with the hope of helping businesses see the opportunities they have in connecting with one of the least accessed workforce resources across the nation – individuals with disabilities.

Human-Centered AI with Derek Crager

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Derek Crager is a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD professional who spent a lifetime misunderstood — until he found his voice in technology. With a background in industrial reliability and a mind wired for pattern recognition, Derek turned personal struggle into purpose, founding Practical AI and the community hub AIforAutistics.com.

Through his work, Derek helps neurodivergent individuals harness AI not just to cope — but to create, earn, and thrive. His flagship tool, Pocket Mentor, offers voice-powered guidance in industrial settings, proving that AI can be both human-centered and practical.

Toastmasters, Public Speaking and Making Connections with Judi Uttal and Dr. Sasha Zeedyk

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Judi Uttal is president of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group, a nonprofit organization improving the quality of life for individuals and families dealing with high-functioning autism. She is a member of several organizations, all working to support the neurodiverse community. In 2022, Judi founded the Autism in Entertainment Workgroup to help support inclusion in the entertainment industry. She is the mother of a 33-year-old son who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three.

Dr. Sasha Zeedyk is an Associate Professor at California State University in Fullerton. Her research is mainly focused on the social and behavior skills of youth with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities across the course of development. She is interested in understanding how behavior problems and social skills relate to social, mental health, and academic outcomes for these youth, as well as how these skills impact their parents’ psychological well-being. Recently, she has begun to study postsecondary outcomes for youth with ASD who attend college.

Animation, Creativity, and Love on the Spectrum with Dani Bowman

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Dani is a young and talented animator, artist, and entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is dedicated to inclusion and diversity, and passionate about using her skills to help others. Despite being diagnosed with autism at age 3 and being nonverbal until the age of 6, Dani has overcome these challenges to become accomplished in her field and an inspiring speaker. She founded her own company, DaniMation, when she was just 14 years old, and later DaniMation UK in 2019.  Dani has taught animation to over 3000 students with autism and premiered 14 short films at San Diego Comic-Con. As a national speaker and cast member of Love on the Spectrum, Dani uses her platform to inspire and mentor others.

Career, Determination and Animation with Jorge Gutierrez

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Emmy and Annie Award-winning Jorge R. Gutierrez is a Mexican animator, painter, voice actor, writer and director. A CalArts Experimental Animation BFA & MFA graduate, Gutierrez has completed various films, cartoons, and paintings exploring his love affair with Mexican pop and folk culture. He was the Director & Co-Writer of the Guillermo del Toro produced animated feature The Book of Life, which earned him a 2014 Golden Globe Award nomination. Along with his wife and muse, Sandra Equihua, they created the multiple Emmy Award-winning animated series El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, for Nickelodeon. Gutierrez most recently created, wrote, and directed the event series Maya and the Three for Netflix which won 2 Annie Awards, and 4 Emmys. Gutierrez is currently writing and directing a Netflix animated feature named I, Chihuahua with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias.

Employment and Social Security Benefits with Judi Uttal

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Judi is president of the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group, a nonprofit organization improving the quality of life for individuals and families dealing with high-functioning autism. She is a member of several organizations, all working to support the neurodiverse community. In 2022, Judi founded the Autism in Entertainment Workgroup to help support inclusion in the entertainment industry. She is the mother of a 33-year-old son who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. 

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Utilizing Self-Direction with Molly Morris

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As a leader in self-directed services policy and implementation, Molly brings over a decade of experience working with states, participants, and provider organizations to enhance and expand self-direction programs nationwide. Through her work, she has shaped policy initiatives, developed critical resources, and built partnerships that advance self-determination for individuals with disabilities and serious mental illness. Molly is a co-founder at The Self-Direction Center.

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Optimizing Your Brain Potential with Dr. Ali Lankerani (Dr. L)

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Dr. L is a Family Advocate, a consultant to the United Nations, a clinical neuroscientist, and a children’s performance optimizer. He is the creator of Role Model Maker, founder of the Amazing Parents’ Network, and director of Foundation for Optimal Beginnings. 

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Supporting Siblings of People with Disabilities with Emily Holl

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Emily Holl is the Director of The Sibling Support Project at Kindering, the first national program dedicated to supporting siblings of people with developmental and health concerns. As a social worker and a sibling herself, Emily has published her research and written in blogs, magazines and books. She co-edited “The Sibling Survival Guide: Indispensable Information for Adult Brothers and Sisters of People with Disabilities.” 

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