What happens when neurodivergent leaders disclose?
Join our NDC Mentorship chat + research share with V Garcia on July 11 from 4-5:30 pm ET / 1 - 2:30 pm PT
Drawing on original research with 45 Autistic and AuDHD leaders, as well as their own experiences as a non-profit executive and researcher, V Garcia will explore the complex realities of neurodivergent leadership, workplace disclosure, career advancement, and recovery after discrimination.
You’ll learn about what neurodivergent leaders reported needing in order to feel safe disclosing, how disclosure affected their health and wellbeing, and why there is no single "right" way to disclose at work. The session will also examine the often-overlooked social dynamics that can emerge when neurodivergent professionals advance into leadership roles, including workplace bullying, ostracism, and misconceptions about communication styles.
The goal is to help you walk away with a deeper understanding of the risks and rewards of authenticity, strategies for evaluating workplace culture, and insights into building a career that aligns with your values and neurodivergent identity.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ask V questions and meet people also interested in neurodivergent leadership.
The Plan
Hellos (10-min):
We’ll welcome folks into the space and let folks get settled in. Expect some cozy music and casual conversations.
V’s talk & research share (30 min):
V will introduce themself and share about their journey as a neurodivergent leader
V will share findings from their original research on neurodivergent leadership, with actionable takeaways
AMA (30 min)
We’ll have an interactive Q&A, where you can ask V about their career, tips, and perspectives in a low-pressure environment
Meet people & close (20 min)
For anyone who'd like to stay on and meet other attendees, we'll use this as an opportunity to open up breakout rooms with prompts to help you connect
Prompt 1 - what brought you here?
Prompt 2 - will be determined based on areas of interest that emerge during the interactive chat with V
Note: The first hour of this event will be recorded. Recordings of the event will be made privately available to ND Connect members and hosted under the "resources" page of the ND Connect platform.
Purpose of ND Connect's Mentorship Hours
Join us to expand your network in a genuine way, learn through experience sharing, and get actually helpful advice - from people who understand what it’s like to be neurodivergent and build careers and lives that work for them. These live AMAs are your chance to connect authentically with neurodivergent professionals, creatives, founders, and leaders who can offer valuable tips and industry insights.
About V
V Liwai Garcia (they/them) is a researcher, speaker, and former nonprofit executive with more than 17 years of leadership experience spanning operations, communications, fundraising, events, strategy, and program development. Their research explores what happens when Autistic and AuDHD leaders disclose their diagnoses in the workplace. Their pilot study, Disclosure Should Not Be a High-Risk Calculation, examines the experiences of leaders across seven countries and thirteen industries and was presented at the 2026 Neurodiversity Foundation Science Conference. A graduate of the Making Space Ascend Fellowship for disabled professionals, a Neurodiversity Foundation Research Fellow, and a Disabled Leaders Network Advanced Leader, V is committed to translating research into practical insights that help build more equitable workplaces and communities.
Much of V's work is rooted in lived experience. After facing discrimination, trauma, and job loss following their own autism disclosure, they chose to transform those experiences into research and community-building that help other neurodivergent professionals. An Autistic, queer, multiracial Native Hawaiian and Japanese professional, and mobility aid user, V brings both personal and professional perspectives to conversations about disability, leadership, belonging, and systemic change. They have dedicated their career to creating spaces where disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, women, veterans, and other historically marginalized groups can thrive. Their Native Hawaiian name, Liwai ("cold water that makes you shiver") honors ancestors who navigated the Pacific by the stars. When they're not researching, speaking, or volunteering in the community, you'll likely find them reading, planning their next cosplay project, or spending time with the people and causes they care about most.
Connect with V on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-liwai-garcia/.
Accessibility notes
Please show up in the way that best meets your needs. You're welcome to keep your camera off or on, participate out loud using the raise hand feature or in chat, stim, fidget, take breaks, have a snack, etc.
Our community guidelines apply in this space
Let us know if there is anything else we can do to support you by emailing us at support@ndconnect.app