Emcee

• Robbin Simmons, Emcee
  Robbin serves on the UM CARD Constituency Board. Her autism journey began when she and her husband sought a second opinion for their youngest son, leading to a diagnosis at 18 months. A graduate of the University of Iowa and Northwestern University, she is an anchor and reporter at WSVN-TV.

Opening Program

• Commissioner Raquel Regalado, Miami-Dade County-District 7
  Commissioner Regalado, a longtime disability advocate and mother of two children on the autism spectrum, began her public service on the Miami-Dade School Board. There, she advanced inclusive education, launched the Autism Intensive Communication Academy, secured sensory rooms, and restructured transportation for students with disabilities. She also led a $1.2B bond to modernize schools and expand specialized programs. A former litigator and media voice, she continues to champion mental health, housing, and support systems for individuals with disabilities across Miami-Dade.
• Mary Partin, Chief Executive Officer, Dan Marino Foundation
  A nationally recognized neurodiversity advocate with 35 years in nonprofit leadership, Mary has championed AI and assistive tech to empower individuals with autism. Under her leadership, the Foundation launched Marino Campus, the Marino Autism Research Institute, and VITA-DMF, a mixed-reality job interview simulator. Through grants and global partnerships, she has expanded STEAM access and tech-based independence tools. Mary also leads Partin Solutions Group and is developing Life's Pilot, an AI-powered autism care app.

Keynote Address

• Andy Shih, Chief Science Officer, Autism Speaks
  Dr. Shih leads Autism Speaks science portfolio, including grantmaking, the MSSNG genomic project, and the Autism Care Network. Since 2006, he has spearheaded major initiatives and global collaborations, such as the Global Autism Public Health (GAPH) program and the 2008 UN resolution establishing World Autism Awareness Day. Under his leadership, Autism Speaks supports efforts in 70+ countries to reduce disparities and improve outcomes. Dr. Shih holds a Ph.D. in molecular cell biology from NYU and multiple patents in genetic diagnostics.
• Michael Alessandri, Ph.D., Executive Director, University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
  With more than 40 years of experience, Dr. Alessandri also serves as Assistant Chair for Community Outreach and Engagement. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Rochester, he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Psychology from Rutgers. His work has earned national recognition, including the Autism Society's Professional of the Year Award and the University of Rochester's Distinguished Alumnus honor in 2022.

Self-Advocates

• Tony Hernandez Pumarejo, Author, Motivational Speaker, Autism Response Team
  Tony, a bilingual author and speaker, advocates for autism acceptance, sharing his journey from a nonverbal toddler to college graduate and community leader with humor and hope.
• José Gregorisch, Fire Marshall
  José, diagnosed later in life and raising two sons on the spectrum, turns his neurodiversity experience into public service, proving autism sparks leadership, creativity, and purpose.

Part 1: The Airport and Airline Travel Experience
Featured Speakers:

• Juan Carlos Liscano, Vice President, American Airlines
  With 30 years at American Airlines, Juan Carlos oversees operations for Miami, the Caribbean, and Latin America. A civic board member, he holds degrees from Indiana University and Florida International University and is a proud father of four.
• Ralph Cutié, Executive Director and CEO, Miami International Airport
  With 37 years of experience, Ralph manages operations for M.I.A. and four regional airports, overseeing 52 million passengers and 2.7 million tons of cargo annually. He holds a Construction Management degree from FIU.
• Stephen Taber, Federal Security Director, TSA - Miami International Airport
  Stephen leads 1,800+ TSA staff. A U.S. Army veteran and former TSA executive, he brings operational and military expertise. He holds a Business degree and is a Federal Executive Institute graduate.

Part 2: Autism-Friendly Destinations, Accommodations and Transportation
Featured Speakers:

• Rolando Aedo, Chief Operating Officer, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau
  Rolando leads strategic operations and marketing at GMCVB, overseeing 1,100+ partnerships and promoting Greater Miami for tourism and events. He holds an MBA in International Business, is a Certified Destination Management Executive, and promotes Miami as a Certified Autism Destination.
• Mutluhan Kucuk, Complex Managing Director, Loews Hotels & Co.
  Mutluhan leads Miami Beach and Coral Gables properties, fostering a culture of hospitality and inclusion, where guests feel welcomed and community is a core value. He's currently guiding an upcoming guestroom renovation at the Miami Beach location and holds degrees from Hawaii Pacific and Nova Southeastern University.
• Victor Garcia, Director of Public Affairs, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Tri-Rail
  Victor has 23 years at the agency, coordinating smart-growth strategies, public transportation, and employee development. He oversees marketing, outreach, and customer experience, chairs the SFRTA Marketing Committee, and holds a B.A. in Urban Planning.
• Javier Correoso, Director, Head of Public Policy & Communications, U.S. South, Uber
  Javier leads government affairs and communications for Uber in the U.S. South and Southwest. A former political strategist, he brings expertise in public policy and media relations, holding degrees in Communications and Political Science.

Moderator

• Christa Stevens, JD, MAT, Director, State Government Affairs, Autism Speaks
  Christa directs State Government Affairs at Autism Speaks, advocating for autism policy nationwide. With a J.D. from UNT Dallas College of Law and a master's in teaching, she combines legal and educational expertise.

Panelists

• Tom Whitehurst, C.F.P.®, Ph.D., Co-founder, Casa Familia
  Inspired by his son's diagnosis, Tom co-founded Casa Familia and Work for America, advocating for autism and IDD communities. He's a PhD, NSF Fellow, and Managing Director and Senior Vice President at Raymond James.
• Deborah Lawrence, Housing Consultant, Kensington Builders, Inc.
  Deborah, a construction professional with 20+ years of experience, co-founded a successful company before becoming a dedicated autism advocate. She now works to develop an inclusive community for individuals with IDD in Miami-Dade.
• Mike Melind, Head of Commerce Real Estate Credit, Bank of America
  Mike, with 35+ years in banking, oversees loan origination, underwriting, and tax credit equity production. A former JPMorgan and Bank of America leader, he specializes in credit strategy and real estate finance.

Moderator

• Darrenn Cadet, Manager, Employee Initiatives, Autism Speaks
  Darrenn promotes inclusive employment and workplace accessibility. With experience at Best Buddies International and Nova Southeastern University, she advocates for environments where individuals with disabilities can thrive in education and workforce development.

Part 1: The Agency-Workplace Collaboration

• Jorge de Moya, Executive Director, The de Moya Foundation
  Jorge oversees meaningful employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He draws inspiration from his experience as the older brother of a young adult with a developmental disability. He holds degrees in Film Production and Entertainment Business.
• Keema Adams, People & Culture Generalist, Frost Museum of Science
  SHRM-CP certified, Keema champions accessibility and inclusion through initiatives like Just for Me. With a background in HR and employee engagement, she fosters inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent individuals and volunteers with empathy.

Part 2: Champions of Neurodiverse Employment

• Rita Hernandez, Founder, ASPIKA
  With 40+ years in media, Rita is a multi-Emmy and Clio Award winner and a pioneer in branded content. As ASPIKA Global leader, she champions neurodiversity across 45+ countries, driving growth and innovation.
• Loden Coleman, Assistant Manager of Employment Programs, Els for Autism Foundation
  With a Master's in Social Work and a certificate in Early Childhood Mental Health from University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Loden designs evidence-based employment programs, creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with autism.
• Stephanie Seltzer, Vice President and Regional Marketing Manager, Fifth Third Bank
  Stephanie oversees marketing and PR across eight South Florida counties. With 15+ years in marketing and event production, she specializes in storytelling and philanthropy, earning multiple community leadership awards.
• Voncara Henry, Retail Staffing Specialist, Publix Super Markets
  Voncara manages staffing for 200+ Central Florida locations. With experience at Target and RJ Reynolds, she's passionate about helping individuals develop job skills, inspired by her sister.
• Tom D'eri, Co-Founder, Rising Tide Car Wash
  Tom, a Forbes 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur, employs over 90 individuals with autism. In 2025, he will expand Rising Tide's inclusive model with a franchise and is the author of The Power of Potential.

Moderator

• Candi Spitz, Executive Director, Autism Speaks Florida
  As the mother of twin boys with autism, Candi brings a personal lens to her 15+ years in nonprofit leadership, driving statewide efforts in engagement, fundraising, and corporate partnerships.

Panelists

• Daniel Morgalo, Assistant Chief of Police, Miami Beach Police Department
  With 30+ years in public safety, Chief Morgalo leads with integrity, prioritizing trust, wellness, and innovation. As a parent of a child with autism, he champions inclusive, data-informed community policing.
• Scott Poritz, Investigator, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
  A veteran officer and investigator, he has served in crisis response, crime prevention, and community policing. He created PBSO's autism outreach event and leads the agency's tracking device program.
• Alejandro Fernández, Department of Emergency Management, Miami-Dade County
  Alex has 30+ years of frontline experience, managing emergency response, logistics, and recovery. He's responded to hurricanes and other emergencies, ensuring support for health, safety, and vulnerable residents.
• Katie Wentley, Water and Wandering Program Manager, Autism Society of America
  Blending compassion with expertise, Katie promotes water safety in the autism community through Safety on the Spectrum™, drawing from her background in adaptive recreation and love of the outdoors.
• Claudia Gomes, TBAM Swim Coach, Temple Beth Am
  Claudia brings 30 years of experience supporting children with autism through swim programs, promoting regulation, coordination, and confidence while advocating for movement-based interventions.

Moderator

• Hannah Tomkovicz, Director of Adult Services, Autism Speaks
  With degrees in Autism Behavioral Studies and Applied Behavior Analysis, Hannah brings clinical insight and academic experience to advancing meaningful outcomes for autistic individuals across education, employment, and independent living.

Panelists

• Carlos Aguila, Attorney and Founder, Aguila Law
  Carlos specializes in guardianship, probate, and estate planning for families with developmental disabilities. A Miami native and godfather to a child with autism, he combines legal expertise with heartfelt advocacy.
• Susan Morantes, Executive Administrative Director, Dan Marino Foundation
  For over 20 years, Susan Morantes has advanced The Dan Marino Foundation's mission. As a mother of an autistic adult, she offers trusted guidance, advocating for lifelong support and meaningful opportunity.
• Natasha Poulopoulos, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Jackson Health System
  Dr. Poulopoulos, a pediatric psychologist at Holtz Children's Hospital, advocates for inclusive mental health systems. A published scholar and Harvard-trained fellow, she's recognized for leadership in pediatric psychology and LGBTQ+ wellness.
• Victoria Aprano, Financial Advisor
  Victoria is a financial advisor with 10 years of prior experience in therapy and behavioral analysis. Inspired by her mother, she helps families create tailored financial plans for long-term stability and success.
• Bob Davila, Board Member, The Rising Start Foundation
  Bob Davila is a cross-sector leader with experience in investment banking, private equity, media, and co-founding educational programs. He is committed to advancing inclusive opportunities for neurodiverse populations in South Florida and the Caribbean.

Moderator

• Patrick Salisman, Administrative Director, Office of Educational Services and Exceptional Student Education, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
  Patrick is Administrative Director at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, overseeing Transition programming for students with disabilities. He supports students in planning and achieving their postsecondary goals within the district.

Panelists

• Krystal Sutherland, Director of Education and Employment Services, Florida International University - Embrace
  Krystal has more than a decade of experience in program development, focusing on inclusive education and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with leadership experience in the Caribbean and U.S.
• Mercy Macrina, Director, ACCESS Disability Services, Miami Dade College
  Mercy ensures equal academic opportunities for students with disabilities, providing accommodations like sign language interpreters, adaptive technology, and the MEED program, while advocating for success and equity across MDC campuses.
• Commissioner Raquel Regalado for Kendall Learning Academy
  Commissioner Regalado launched the Kendall Learning Academy at Miami Dade College in 2023, offering neurodivergent students a 20-credit certificate in business and data analytics, with internships and academic accommodations.
• Dr. Ericka Caldwell-Clinch, Director, Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College
  Dr. Caldwell-Clinch leads Robert Morgan, advancing inclusive career pathways since 2014. She launched Project TOPS and exceeded national benchmarks in accreditation and outcomes.
• Dr. Vivian Vieta, Program Director, TOPS Program, Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College
  Dr. Vieta leads Project TOPS at Robert Morgan, guiding students with intellectual disabilities through inclusive instruction and transition support. She develops graduate courses in assistive technology and universal design.
• Brenda Lampon, Senior Advocate and Engagement Manager, Office of the Mayor, Miami-Dade County
  With 20+ years of experience, Brenda leads community-driven initiatives in mental health, accessibility, and aging. She advocates for older adults and people with disabilities and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Services.