Lisa Lopez

My work is deeply connected to expanding opportunities for adults with autism, a mission that is often underrepresented unless you have a family member or someone you know closely with autism. I focus on bringing greater awareness to the challenges these adults face after high school, when all of the services that used to support them are gone and there's really nothing more out there. Through my work with our small nonprofit in Orlando, I'm trying to figure out ways, as a community, to find solutions that could be working elsewhere. I believe that increasing visibility leads to stronger partnerships, employer engagement, and community support, all of which directly impact the outcomes for our students. This could be a way to bring education to employers who may be hesitant or nervous about hiring people with autism. It's been a topic that a lot of people are purposely avoiding, and I don't want our population to be that forgotten one. I'm hoping to amplify our message beyond my local circle and contribute to larger conversations around workforce development, inclusion, and opportunity.