Wired Differently, Working Brilliantly: What My AuDHD Taught Me About Building Inclusive Workplaces
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Day 2
Time
12:40 pm CDT
Location
Pathways Auditorium
Category
Keynote
Track
—
Format
Hybrid
ceu(s) available
SHRM
About this session
This keynote explores the experience of neurodivergent professionals in the workplace and practical strategies for creating environments where they can thrive. Drawing on both lived and professional experience, the session examines Steve’s journey from diagnosis and navigating barriers, biases, and setbacks to building understanding, advocacy, and leadership. Attendees will also learn about initiatives implemented at Alaska Air Group and leave with actionable steps they can apply in their own workplaces immediately.
presented by
Stephen J. Nelson, MSOL
Director, Culture & Belonging
Alaska Airlines
Steve Nelson is an AuDHD senior leader serving as Director of Culture and Belonging at Alaska Airlines, where he built the airline industry’s first full-service Disability Office. He holds a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and certificates in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Ethical Leadership. Before Alaska Airlines, Steve spent years on the Walt Disney Company’s worldwide accessibility team and coached more than a dozen companies on inclusion and accessibility, including work with the 2016 Invictus Games and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. He serves as Board President of Disability:IN Washington State. Conde Nast Traveler and TravelAbility named him a top accessibility leader in travel. Adding to Nelson’s professional expertise is his own lived experience as an AuDHD leader with an autoimmune illness, which drives his commitment to inclusion for people whose experiences often go unheard.
