LINC’s quarterly DEI roundtable, held on August 23, 2024, brought panelists together to explore Neurodiversity in the Workplace. What is neurodiversity? How does neurodiversity show up in the workforce? How can employers support their neurodivergent employees? Panelists shared first-hand experiences as neurodivergent professionals. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives, and insights into the day-to-day experiences of neurodivergent professionals, fostering an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue. This conversation reminded us to center our humanity and recognize that employees and teams are more successful when everyone can show up as their authentic selves. We appreciate the thoughtful contributions of our panelists and the active participation of our audience. Join us in October for our final roundtable of 2024, and continue to advance conversations on workplace inclusion and belonging. Register here.
DEI Community members can login to LINC’s DEI Resource Portal and rewatch anytime.
This event is sponsored by: CAI
Meet our speakers!
Moderator- Marci Martinez-Howey (she/her), Associate Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Marci Martinez-Howey is a seasoned leader with over 24 years of experience, including eight years in the nonprofit sector, where she has made significant strides in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As the first Associate Vice President of DEI at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Marci has driven impactful initiatives and co-created an equity fellows program. Her dedication to mentorship, particularly for Latinas, and her extensive community involvement underscore her commitment to fostering inclusive environments.
A sought-after speaker and advocate, Marci’s influence extends beyond her organizational role, actively participating in panels, workshops, and keynotes on DEI topics. Her dedication to fostering inclusive communities has earned her several accolades, including the 2023 Women
of Influence Circle of Excellence Award. Marci continues to be a respected figure in her community, known for her commitment to driving positive change
Panelists –
Anthony Pacilio (He/Him), Vice President of Neurodiverse Solutions, CAI
Anthony Pacilio, is recognized domestically and internationally, as an expert in neurodiversity employment and currently serves as Vice President, Neurodiverse Solutions at CAI. Pacilio specializes in advancing neurodiversity programs and leads the global expansion efforts of CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. As the previous Vice President and Global Head of Autism at Work for JPMorgan Chase & Co., Mr. Pacilio brings a wealth of experience to CAI Neurodiverse Solutions. He has expertise in managing neurodiversity recruiting efforts, developing
candidate pipelines, and ensuring best practices for onboarding support, training, and organizational success. Throughout his career, he has served in a variety of technical and commercial roles in the banking, finance, and healthcare industries with roles at MBNA America, Bank of America, and CIGNA.
As an author, speaker, and lecturer, Pacilio has been speaking on the topic since 2015. He has given over 200 presentations at conferences, universities, non-academic organizations, and student groups around the world. Disability:IN, Asperger/Autism Spectrum Education Network (ASPEN), ISACA, UiPath, Diversity Research Inclusion Conference, India Autism At Work Summit and the Association of Corporate Counsel are key organizations that have featured Pacilio as a speaker and leading expert in neurodiversity.
Bonaia Rosado (She/Her/Ella), Senior Program Manager, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation
Bonaia Rosado is PATF’s Senior Program Manager. She assists and oversees in the underwriting activities associated with PATF’s loan programs, including financial education. She helps educate applicants and their families about available community and funding resources. She is fluent in Spanish. Bonaia, a graduate from the Delaware College of Art and Design, is also a comic book colorist producing work for Sourcebooks, Mirage Publishing, TOKYOPOP, Penguin Books and Scholastic. She and her spouse live in “Small Wonder” Delaware with their children, Taylor, Penelope, and dog Rosie.
Robin Gow (it/fae/he & él y elle), DEI Consultant, Educator, Author
Robin Gow is a trans poet and community educator. It grew up in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, and lives with his partner Rain and their menagerie of animals on unceded Lenape land also called Allentown Pennsylvania. Over the last five years, Robin has trained over 3,000 people on LGBTQIA2+ Inclusion and Equity and Neurodiversity/Disability justice topics. He serves on the Board of Eastern PA Trans Equity Project and Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living and is a founding organizer of Queer & Trans Lehigh Valley. Fae is also the author of critically acclaimed poetry books and LGBTQIA2+ young-adult and middle-grade novels including Dear Mothman and A Million Quiet Revolutions, earning starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, and more.