Expanding the Ripple: Looking Ahead to October

Last Wednesday, we wrapped up our 2026 Ripples of Impact webinar series with Expanding the Ripple: Experts Advancing Neurodiversity & Workforce Inclusion with an exceptional turnout and a group of amazing thought leaders.

The conversation explored where neurodiversity and employment are headed, from emerging trends and evolving workplace practices to the collaboration still needed to create lasting change. Thank you to Danielle Meadows from JPMorganChase, Russell Shaffer from Disability:IN, Kirstie Wilson from PurpleSpace, and everyone who joined us for this important conversation!

The conversation could not have come at a better time. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), ADHD Awareness Month, and Dyslexia Awareness Month, giving us multiple opportunities to celebrate neurodivergent talent, elevate different perspectives, and continue pushing for workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

At BroadFutures, we know that lasting change starts with individual ripples, but expands and has impact when all of us carry that work forward. Stay tuned throughout October as we celebrate, educate, and keep building the wave toward a more inclusive workforce.

You Are Invited!

Our 2026 Fall Gala: Ripples to Waves is less than a month away! On October 17, we will gather at the International Spy Museum to celebrate the incredible community making waves for neurodivergent young people.

We are deeply grateful to the donors and sponsors who have already stepped forward to make this evening, and our work, possible. There is still time to join the wave! Support us through a sponsorship, purchase your tickets, or make a gift today and help us build a more inclusive future.

Meet Our Alumni Speakers

We are thrilled to welcome four BroadFutures alumni to the stage at this year’s Gala! Their journeys reflect the confidence, growth, and opportunity that your support helps make possible.

Megan Fuller | Winter 2026

A Virginia native, Megan is a graduate of Butler University where she majored in Strategic Communication and English. During her internship with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, she supported healthcare-based research and communications projects. For Megan, her BroadFutures experience permitted her to put the skills she learned into action as a full-time Marketing Associate at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, a longtime BroadFutures employer partner.

Cierra Garrison | Summer 2026

A DC native and Marketing major at ASU Local, Cierra interned with Easterseals, where she brought fresh ideas and her Gen Z perspective to projects including revamping the organization’s Shining Stars employee recognition program. Along the way, she strengthened her ability to advocate for accommodations, prioritize tasks, manage stress, and confidently ask questions in the workplace. Cierra is finishing up her degree with ASU and hopes to graduate in December.

Zahaan Riyaz | Winter 2025 & Summer 2026

A two-time BroadFutures participant, Zahaan first interned with IFC in Winter 2025 before returning to intern with the World Bank Group this summer. He contributed to research, data and accessibility projects while earning praise for his initiative, collaboration, self-advocacy, and fresh perspective. His impact did not end with the summer: Zahaan has extended his internship with the World Bank Group! At the Gala, he will help us honor the World Bank Group with our Champion Award.

Zoe Belkaid-Whalen | Winter 2020 & Winter 2025

Zoe is also a two-time BroadFutures participant, completing internships with then-Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s office in Winter 2020 and The Washington Chorus in Winter 2025. We were excited and fortunate to have Zoe apply her data skills to serve as an intern working directly for BroadFutures this past winter. Today, Zoe works as an Administrative Operations Coordinator at Research Data and Communications Technologies. At the Gala, Zoe will join us onstage to present our Champion Award to Raymond Caldwell.

We cannot wait for our community to hear from these incredible alumni on October 17!

A Toast to Our Alumni:

Gala Weekend Happy Hour

Before we gather for the Gala, we are bringing the BroadFutures alumni community together for a special happy hour on Friday evening, October 16!

Reconnect with old friends, meet fellow alumni from across the years, and celebrate the growing community that you have helped build. Come grab a drink, say hello, and kick off Gala weekend with the BroadFutures crew at Duke’s!

Do Not Miss These Upcoming Deadlines!

Ready to take the next step? Applications are open for two upcoming BroadFutures programs designed to help neurodivergent young people build skills, confidence, and momentum toward their career goals.

Winter 2027 DC Internship Program

Applications close October 30, 2026! Gain hands-on experience through a paid internship alongside professional training and individualized mentoring and support.

January 2027 Success Summit

Applications close December 1, 2026! Start the new year with an intensive career-readiness experience focused on building the skills and confidence to navigate the workplace and prepare for what comes next.

Know a neurodivergent young person who could benefit? Help us spread the word by sharing these opportunities with them!

BroadFutures Monthly Info Session

Want to learn more about our internship programs? Do not miss our last information session before Winter 2027 applications close! Join us on October 14th at 12:00 pm ET to hear how BroadFutures can help you achieve your goals.

Employer Spotlight

This month, we are excited to feature a new BroadFutures employer partner: National Museum of Women in the Arts! Located in the heart of Washington, DC, NMWA is the first museum in the world dedicated solely to championing women through the arts.

Educators Micah Koppl & Ashley Harris share,

“We were thrilled to host a BroadFutures intern for the first time this summer. It was a pleasure to work with LaRae who brought creative thinking, adaptability, and excitement to her role in the Education Department. Her contributions to the development of a social narrative and design of a hands-on artmaking activity are valuable and long lasting. Our colleagues at BroadFutures were supportive partners, and we hope to continue working together!”

Thank you to Micah, Ashley, and the entire NMWA team for setting a great example of neuroinclusion and accessibility!

Alum Spotlight

Meet Bailey, a BroadFutures alum from our Winter 2025 DC cohort and our Summer 2026 National cohort, where they interned with the American Association of People with Disabilities and The World Bank Group!

During their internship, Bailey put their computer science skills to work automating processes and creating documentation to help their team continue using those tools long after their internship.

One of Bailey’s biggest takeaways from BroadFutures was learning to navigate the unexpected:

“Nothing ever goes to plan, but things not going to plan isn’t the end of the world either.”

Their advice for other neurodivergent young professionals is just as important: use the resources available to you. Bailey reflected that asking for support or taking advantage of helpful resources can sometimes feel like “cheating,” but that mindset can become its own barrier.

“There’s a lot more help out there than you think.”

We love seeing Bailey carry forward the adaptability, self-advocacy, and communication skills that can make such a difference in the workplace!

Community Corner

Young neurodivergent people have limitless potential.

Let's unlock it.