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Aspiritech is proud to introduce our newly reformed Advisory Board. This highly dedicated group of leaders shares our passion for embracing and uplifting neurodiversity at work and in life.
With these changemakers comes a wealth of lived experience and professional insight that will aid our nonprofit in expanding our impact and furthering our mission to empower autistic adults through meaningful employment opportunities.
Aspiritech has gotten to where it is today thanks in large part to our strong network of allies who have gone above and beyond to spread our vision of a world that embraces neurodiversity by valuing talents, supporting challenges, and welcoming differences.
Originally started as a group of enthusiastic believers from Aspiritech’s startup days, past iterations of the Advisory Board have always included supporters of autism-focused causes. This included famed film and television actor Ed Asner, whose family has continued his legacy of autism advocacy since his passing in 2021 at the age of 91.
Aspiritech is grateful for the hard work and commitment of our champions and community members past and present. In recreating our Advisory Board and adding fresh faces into the mix, we are drawing on these collaborators’ collective knowledge to help further our cause and expand our potential.
Our new Advisory Board members come from a range of backgrounds, including but not limited to:
“The Aspiritech Board represents people who are passionate, energetic, and committed to making a difference,” Aspiritech CEO Tara May said. “I feel lucky to work alongside them to create a world that embraces neurodiversity and all differences.”
Aspiritech is also building a Junior Advisory Board to give a voice to the next generation of autism and neurodiversity advocates. These young individuals are helping shape the future of employment, and their unique insights and experiences will help guide us in making the right decisions toward crafting more welcoming communities and company cultures.
We know we’re stronger together, and there is still much work to be done to create truly inclusive workplaces. With the allies on our Advisory Board poised to offer guidance, champion neurodiversity initiatives, and help connect Aspiritech with new opportunities for collaboration and growth, our future is brighter than ever.
In addition to our new Advisory Board, Aspiritech is also thrilled to welcome two new additions to our Board of Directors, Gary Walter and Scott Summerville.
Gary Walter joined the Board in January 2024 and is a dedicated advocate for disability employment and neurodiversity in the workplace, as well as a seasoned leader in the tech space. Throughout his career, Walter has held pivotal roles in various SaaS and data companies, including Verisk, where he has driven significant innovation and growth. His unique blend of industry expertise and passion for social impact makes him an invaluable asset to Aspiritech’s leadership team.
Scott Summerville, a leader in manufacturing and industrial automation, joined Aspiritech’s Board of Directors in November 2024. As President & CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. since 2019, he has driven a customer-centric approach to solution development, manufacturing, and commercial operations. His leadership spans key roles at Omron Microscan and Rockwell Automation, where he served as President of the Asia Pacific region.
“Our Board of Directors is a brilliant, committed group of people,” May said. “I am grateful to have their guidance and support as a north star for Aspiritech’s future. Gary and Scott are exceptional additions to a stellar roster.”
The members of our Advisory Board and Board of Directors are committed to driving real change in neurodiversity employment and acceptance. Their expertise spans multiple industries, bringing fresh perspectives on how businesses can foster positive shifts in neurodiversity inclusion. By lending their voices and strategic insights, these trusted leaders help shape the future of the workplace, ensuring neurodivergent professionals receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.
As we continue to grow, we invite others to be part of our movement. If you are passionate about neurodiversity inclusion and want to contribute to meaningful change, we encourage you to consider joining our Advisory Board.
To learn more or express your interest, please reach out to Aspiritech CEO Tara May at tara.may@aspiritech.org or call 224-468-2755.
“We hired them for the mission. We’ve kept them because they are excellent.”
