Neurodiversity Impact & Insights Luncheon

Thursday, October 8th

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Denver Zoo - 2300 Steele Street

The Neurodiversity Impact & Insights Luncheon, presented by Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), is a powerful gathering of business leaders, changemakers, neurodivergent professionals, and advocates committed to building a more inclusive and innovative Colorado economy.

Hosted at the Denver Zoo, this year’s luncheon will bring our community together for meaningful connection, conversation, and a look at how we can collectively build a stronger neurodiversity ecosystem across Colorado. We are grateful to the Denver Zoo for hosting us and to SSA Group for generously sponsoring our lunch.

The event will kick off at 11:30 AM with Networking & the CNDCC Member Showcase, featuring businesses and organizations making an impact within the neurodiversity community. Lunch and the featured program will follow, taking attendees through the Chamber’s journey, the impact being created today, and our vision for what comes next.

Hear From CNDCC Leadership

Leslie Espinoza, Executive Director, will share highlights from CNDCC’s journey over the past year, the impact and growth we are seeing across Colorado, and a look ahead at where the Chamber is going next.

Attendees will also hear from Dr. Amanda Kelly, Chair of the Board, who will share a Board leadership perspective on CNDCC’s growth, impact, and why the Board believes in where the Chamber is going.

The program will also put a special spotlight on two areas of CNDCC’s growing work:

Workforce Impact — Ellis Blevins, Workforce Chair
Highlighting how CNDCC is working to help employers move beyond hiring toward creating workplaces where neurodivergent employees can thrive, including the impact of our workforce initiatives and NeuroForward employer training.

Policy & Advocacy — Vikki Ortiz, Policy Chair
Sharing how CNDCC is building a stronger voice for neurodiversity through policy, advocacy, education, and relationships with leaders across Colorado.

Featured Impact Conversation:

Building Colorado’s Neurodiversity Ecosystem

A highlight of this year’s program will be a dynamic conversation bringing together three perspectives from across Colorado’s neurodiversity ecosystem:

Culture Business Partner, Blue Federal Credit Union

Neil will share his insights as a corporate employer, including Blue Federal Credit Union’s neurodiversity employee resource group, what they’ve learned along the way, and what it takes to move neuroinclusion from intention into workplace practice.

Founder, NeuroForte Strategies

Neurodivergent

Sindra will share her insights as a neurodivergent entrepreneur and business coach, including her lived experience navigating the business world, what neurodivergent professionals and entrepreneurs need to thrive, and where barriers and opportunities still exist.

Strategic Business Partnerships Lead, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Jeff will share his insights from the workforce and public-sector perspective, including how employers, neurodivergent talent, and workforce systems can work better together to create stronger pathways to employment and long-term workplace success.

Together, the conversation will explore what neuroinclusion looks like in practice, where gaps remain, how employers and workforce systems can better support neurodivergent professionals, and what becomes possible when different parts of Colorado’s neurodiversity ecosystem work together.

Closing Remarks & Explore the Denver Zoo

Jo Donlin, Director of Community and Government Relations at Craig Hospital, will close out the luncheon on behalf of Craig Hospital.

Thanks to Craig Hospital’s generous sponsorship, every Impact & Insights Luncheon attendee will receive complimentary Denver Zoo admission following the program. Jo will officially send us off to explore the zoo, giving attendees an opportunity to continue connecting, enjoy time with their teams, and experience the Denver Zoo together.

Schedule

11:30 AM — Networking & Member Showcase
12:30 PM — Lunch
12:45 PM — Impact Luncheon Program
1:55 PM — Closing Remarks
2:00 PM — Explore the Denver Zoo!

Accessibility Features: Earplugs will be available for sensory comfort, along with a dedicated sensory area for attendees who need a quieter space.

Parking: Free parking is available.

Choose Your Experience

Each ticket includes complimentary admission to enjoy the Denver Zoo after the event.

CNDCC Members: One Ticket: $60

Non-Members: One Ticket: $80

Enjoy a dedicated table for your group with guaranteed seating together during the luncheon.

CNDCC Members: $480

Non-Members: $560

Support CNDCC’s Impact Luncheon and help advance neuroinclusion and economic opportunity across Colorado while showcasing your organization’s commitment to workplaces where neurodivergent individuals can thrive.