In research, in advocacy and in support of others, women lead the way. Across the country and over the years, mothers have been fierce advocates for their children, self-advocates have defied expectations, grandmothers have broken down barriers, and aunts, sisters, cousins, and friends have joined forces for change. This year, we are thrilled to honor Beth Pilchik, Managing Director of Doubet Consulting, special education expert, and a mother of two sons, one of which is on the spectrum.
Women Leading the Way: Navigating a Diagnosis
Join us for Women Leading the Way: Navigating a Diagnosis, an empowering panel discussion where leading women in the autism community will share their experiences and expertise in navigating an autism diagnosis. From understanding the emotional impact to accessing critical resources and building support networks, this conversation will provide valuable guidance and inspiration for individuals and families on their journey. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be empowered.
Beth Pilchik, 2025 Honoree
Marketing Strategist | Publicist | Neurodiversity Advocate | Special Needs Mom
Beth Pilchik is a marketing strategist, publicist, and advocate known for her expertise in branding, public relations, and business development, as well as her deep commitment to neurodiversity and inclusion. As the Managing Director of Doubet Consulting, Beth provides strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and mission-driven organizations, helping them elevate their messaging, expand their reach, and create impactful campaigns.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Beth’s work is deeply personal. As a special needs mom, she understands firsthand the challenges and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child. Her journey has shaped her advocacy, inspiring her to support families, educators, and businesses in building inclusive environments for individuals with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. Beth is widely recognized in the community as "Beth Would Know," a trusted resource for parents seeking guidance on education, therapies, and navigating the complexities of special needs support systems.
Beth’s lived experience fuels her passion for systemic change, whether she’s advising businesses on neuroinclusive hiring practices, collaborating with schools to enhance special education programs, or empowering parents with the tools they need to advocate for their children. She has worked alongside therapists, educators, and advocacy groups to ensure that neurodivergent individuals receive the support, resources, and recognition they deserve.
Her ability to blend professional expertise with personal insight makes her an influential voice in neurodiversity advocacy, workplace inclusion, and special education policy discussions. Beth’s mission is to bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring that families, organizations, and communities embrace and celebrate the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
Beth is honored to continue her work as both a professional and a parent, helping shape a world where neurodiverse voices are heard, valued, and empowered.
2025 WLW Panelists
Ariana Smilkstein, BCBA
Ariana Smilkstein is a certified Special Education Teacher, BCBA and LBA. She has dedicated more than a decade to the Special Education field, where her passion has deepened alongside her professional growth. Ariana has experience in various settings, including educational (public and private schools), home-based environments, and clinical environments which has helped shape her unique approach to therapy. She meets her clients where they are and uses a combination of therapeutic approaches to help kids emotionally, academically, socially and behaviorally. Her therapy is rooted in data and she strives to be a partner with her clients’ full teams to ensure a well-rounded and grounded approach.
Dr. Cynthia Martin, Psychologist
Dr. Cynthia Martin is an internationally recognized expert in autism who provides clinical services, consultation, and training to children, families, and professionals around the world. She earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Psychology from The Chicago School and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Pediatric Psychology and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Martin has held clinical leadership roles and academic appointments, including serving as the Early Childhood Psychologist at the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain (CADB) and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine. She later returned to Boston Children’s Hospital, where she worked in Developmental Medicine and led a clinical phenotyping core supporting research protocols focused on neurodevelopmental disorders. In 2019, she joined the Child Mind Institute and later served as the Senior Director of the Autism Center, where she led clinical services and contributed to cutting-edge research. Now based in Manhattan, Dr. Martin runs a boutique private practice offering neurodevelopmental evaluations, therapy, and professional training. She lives in New York City with her husband, two children, and two pomeranians.
Dr. Dimitra Robokos, Psychologist
Dimitra Robokos resided at International House from 1997 – 2000, where she served as a Resident Council Trustee, Resident Council Vice-President, and a Peer Counselor. She was involved in All Nations night and participated in numerous other programs. Dimitra is Greek-American, born and raised in New York City after her family immigrated to the USA. She speaks Greek fluently, and visits her home and relatives in Greece very often. She attained her Master’s degree at Teachers College, Columbia University in psychology and is now completing her doctorate in the same program. Dimitra studied at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain for a short while and speaks the Spanish language. She has worked for international organizations, such as UNICEF and conducts international research on children and education in Greece and the USA. Currently, Dimitra works full-time in a private school with young children diagnosed with various disabilities and is writing her dissertation.
2025 WLW Committee
Anne Wargo
Anne Wargo is an experienced consultant, with a strong background in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her career in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, where she has driven initiatives that elevate brand awareness and community impact.
Anne and her husband, Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks, are parents of two adult children, one of whom has autism. Their personal journey has deepened their commitment to the autism community. They have seen firsthand the transformative role Autism Speaks plays in enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy, research, and vital services.
Gina Proia
Gina was the 2024 NY Women Leading the Way Honoree recipient and is the Founder of Proluna Group and Chair of the Autism Speaks New York Executive Leadership Committee. Gina is a mother of a 16-year-old son on the spectrum and a true trailblazer in support of the autism community. She has advocated for inclusion in the workplace and in the community and was behind the lighting of the Empire State Building in April to recognize World Autism Day. Her walk team has raised thousands of dollars each year in support of the mission of Autism Speaks.
Nicole Yost
Nicole Yost Hammou is a dedicated advocate for neurodiversity and the proud mother of two boys, one of whom has profound autism. Since her youngest son’s diagnosis at the age of two, Nicole has been actively involved with Autism Speaks, working to raise awareness, funds for innovative research, and support for autistic individuals and their loved ones.
Nicole’s eldest son, Addison, earned his master’s degree during the COVID-19 pandemic and is now a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst. With six years of experience in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Addison has worked across school, home, clinic, and residential settings, supporting individuals aged 5 to 21.
Professionally, Nicole has built a successful career in luxury retail and currently serves as a Lugano Sales Executive in Greenwich, Connecticut. Lugano is renowned not only for its exquisite craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind jewelry, but also for its deep commitment to philanthropy. A natural fit for Nicole, Lugano proudly partners with over 120 nonprofits across the U.S. and U.K., focusing on four key areas: the arts, education, health and wellness, and community support.
Tara Stutzman
Tara Stutzman is an advocate for neurodiversity and the mom of 2 boys, one with autism. She has been involved in Autism Speaks for the last 8 years, first as captain of Team Finn's Friends for the NYC Walk, then as a member of the NYC Market Committee and most recently as Chair of the NYC Market Committee. She had a professional career in advertising having worked with clients like Google and Grey Goose and turned to advocacy when her son was diagnosed at 23 months old. As part of her advocacy, Tara also serves as the Co-chair of the neurodiversity committee at her younger son's public school and was recently elected to the School Leadership Team as well.
