•  Kelly Blakeslee from Autism Alliance of Michigan will share information about neurodiversity and disabilities in the workplace, including facts and statistics, along with accommodations. 
• Dayna Ryan from Grand Traverse Industries will share what they do and how they work with local businesses currently to meet their workforce needs and help them with DEI goals. 
• We will hear from Austin who will share his story about being an individual with a disability in the workplace. 

• Kelly Blakeslee - Autism Alliance of Michigan

Kelly Blakeslee is the Development and Consultative Services Manager at the Autism Alliance of Michigan. In this role, Kelly provides professional coaching to job seekers and consultative guidance to organizations. With over a decade of experience in disability and autism support, Kelly is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and empowering neurodivergent individuals to achieve their career aspirations. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Sciences, and Disorders from Michigan State University and a master’s in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and a licensed professional counselor (LPC). Early in her career, Kelly demonstrated her expertise by developing and executing successful autism hiring pilots within Fortune 500 companies. She placed and supported neurodivergent candidates in diverse workforce settings, showcasing her ability to create inclusive environments. Her experience partnering with government agencies, non-profits, businesses, and communities to promote DEIA values has led to significant improvements in equity and inclusion for neurodivergent employees in the workforce.

• Laurel Buck - Autism Alliance of Michigan

Laurel Buck currently serves as the Statewide Employment Advocacy Leader with the Autism Alliance of Michigan. In this role, Laurel serves as lead for a statewide employment coalition centered on the landscape of employment for people with disabilities with the goal of making Michigan a leading state for disability inclusion.  A majority of Laurel’s professional career was held as a workforce development leader at Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids before transitioning into human resources pursuing a passion for talent acquisition and professional development.  During this transition, Laurel achieved and continues to hold her Society of Human Resource Management-Certified Professional accreditation.  In addition, Laurel is currently pursuing a disability recruitment certification to increase advocacy and access in this space. Laurel obtained a Master’s Degree from Grand Valley State University in Public Administration. She currently serves on the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force focusing on community engagement and is the Workforce Readiness board chair for the Association of Human Resources in Grand Rapids. Her passion lies in leveraging relationships to create collaboration leading to a greater collective impact. Laurel’s goal is to use this passion in her current advocacy work so individuals of all ability levels can contribute to their communities through inclusive employment.  

• Dayna Ryan- Grand Traverse Industries

Dayna Ryan is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a Traverse City resident working primarily in the social services fields advocating with people with disabilities for over 25 years in the Grand Traverse region.  Dayna has served on numerous non-profit organization boards and is currently a board member of The Zonta Club of Traverse City. Dayna is the Director of Operations at Grand Traverse Industries focusing on the Community Employment Department, fund development, and community outreach efforts. 

• Austin Darga- Grand Traverse Industries - self advocate / spokesman

Austin Darga is a Traverse City native and is employed by Grand Traverse Industries (GTI) as their Official Spokesperson.  Austin has always had a strong interest in public speaking and radio communication and has developed his craft presenting to local school groups, civic organizations, business groups and often can be heard on local radio stations.

Austin was invited to represent GTI this past fall at the nationally based Source America Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.  Austin is a staunch self-advocate for himself and those who may not be able to share

their voice pertaining to disability advocacy related topics. 

Join Austin as he shares his views on his very own podcast, "The Way I See It" located on social media networks and where you find your podcasts.