Strength in Difference: Neurodiversity in Women

Brain-Healthy Workplace Consultant, Trainer, and Applied Neuroscientist

Naomi transforms brain science into practical hacks, tools, and strategies that work in the real world. Honoured to be described as a thought leader, she has delivered expert keynotes and workshops for organisations such as Google, the NHS and Westminster Insight.

Specialising in neuroinclusion, women’s workplace health, and brain optimisation, Naomi designs workplaces where brains can thrive. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Neuroscience from the renowned Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience at King’s College, London where she is a Guest Lecturer in Brain Health.

Naomi is also a faculty member at the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (USA), teaching on their latest Brain Longevity Training Course. Through her firm, Neuro-Informed, she and her expert team provide consulting, training and brain health gyms.

Catherine Millan is a trailblazing advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), transforming education and business landscapes with her bold and innovative approach. As the Founder and Company Director of Be What You See Consultancy Ltd, she has spent her career breaking barriers, challenging discrimination, and empowering individuals to become champions of inclusion.

With a global footprint in designing and leading groundbreaking discrimination prevention programmes, Catherine has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of marginalised communities. Her work goes beyond advocacy—she is a true changemaker, driving systemic shifts that create lasting impact.

Her passion for empowering young people and adults has led to the creation of award-winning initiatives that challenge bias, dismantle barriers, and foster true inclusion. From revolutionising curricula with diverse children’s books to launching industry-leading EDI training, Catherine is relentless in her mission to create spaces where everyone belongs and thrives.
A visionary leader, speaker, and educator, Catherine knows no limits when it comes to fighting for equal rights. Her work is a catalyst for real change, inspiring individuals and organisations to take meaningful action towards a more just and inclusive world.

Kirsty is a teacher of more than 20 years who moved into SEND provision in 2022 with the hope of providing a purposeful and engaging environment for students with neurodiversity and disabilities who can, very often, be let down by mainstream provision. Passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion Kirsty has been a UK delegate to the UN Conference on the Status of Women for the last two years. Kirsty is also founder of ‘Renewed Narrative’ a fledgling women’s group which seeks to empower women through community, asking the questions that get to the heart of patriarchal overreach and providing space for women to gather and share their wisdom and experience.

In her current role, the focus is developing digital skills in ND interns, removing barriers to work and promoting good mental health. This involves creating partnerships with employers across Manchester who share the values of DISC and are keen to change the employment landscape for students with SEND. As an ND individual herself and raising sons with ND, the work is important personally and professionally.

Gunita Maskalane is a PhD researcher and Human Resource Management tutor at Manchester Metropolitan University, specialising in autism and inclusive recruitment practices through a biopsychosocial lens. Her research is deeply personal, rooted in lived experience and a drive to challenge conventional hiring norms. Gunita represents doctoral students on the University’s Doctoral College Advisory Group and teaches with a hands-on approach. With over 14 years in hospitality and fast food leadership—where she ran one of the UK’s top-performing stores for two years—she brings real-world grit and insight to conversations around neurodiversity, inclusion, and equitable work environments.