Embracing Neurodiversity – Building Inclusive Workplaces through Allyship
Hosts: Southern GWN in collaboration with INDIGO
Venue: Online
Attendance: Approximately 180
Date: 11 April 2025
Panel Facilitator: Fiona Baker
Panellists: Bethany Garland, Alex Bengree (Ngāti Porou), Alice Chisnall-Kalonuiviti
Embracing Neurodiversity - Building Inclusive Workplaces through Allyship
The Southern Government Women's Network partnered with INDIGO (Including Neurodiversity in Government Organisations) to host this online event on 11th of April. Over 300 people registered, and 184 attended online. The event featured a Q&A panel discussion with INDIGO committee members.
About the speakers
Fiona Barker
Fiona is a committee member of the Southern Government Women’s network, and strong believer in the importance of allyship to effect equitable work environments. She is also a member of INDIGO and a proud mum to an ASD teenager. Like our panel Fiona has firsthand experience of intersectionality and the difference effective allyship can make.
Bethany Garland
Bethany stepped into her INDIGO co-chair role after being the co-secretary and co-lead for events when INDIGO was being stood up. She wanted to step into a space where she could support people across public agencies to have their needs met when it comes to work, as well as build awareness and knowledge about what it means to be neurodiverse. Bethany is currently exploring her neurodiversity. She came into this space being a neurotypical ally and has since learnt she is neurodiverse herself. She loves being part of INDIGO’s journey so she can give what she can to the community.
Alex Bengree (Ngāti Porou)
Alex has been involved with INDIGO from the very early days and has been Co-Chair since the formation of the working group in 2024. She identifies as having what she lovingly refers to as “Mental Health BINGO” – a mix of things that includes late-diagnosed ADHD. Alex has always been passionate about mental wellbeing awareness, and now proud to champion the kaupapa of INDIGO to boost the understanding of neurodiversity throughout the public
Alice Chisnall-Kalonuiviti
Alice, a Principal Advisor and Registered Nurse, holds degrees in journalism and nursing, with postgraduate qualifications in tertiary teaching, professional practice, and sociology. With over 20 years in Māori and Pacific health, she has expertise in public and primary health, government policy, and education. An iTaukei Fijian/Scottish AuDHD solo mother of two, Alice is passionate about neurodivergence, access to education, and health literacy, bringing lived experience and professional insight to her work. Outside of work, she plays hockey, attends Armageddon in full cosplay, and collects ridiculous Hawaiian shirts.
Terminology
Neurodivergent
A term for individuals whose brain function differs from what is considered typical. This includes (but is not limited to!) hidden disabilities not uncommon in our workspaces such Autism, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, dyslexia, dyspraxia and audio processing disorder.
Neurotypical
A term for individuals whose brain function is considered typical or ‘normal’.
Neurodiverse
A term for groups that includes people who are both neurodivergent and neurotypical. Many of our teams will be neurodiverse, but it may not be obvious on the surface!
Neurodiversity
A concept that recognises and respects the wider variety of neurological differences between people.
Intersectionality
A framework that acknowledges how various aspects of a person's identity—such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, and more—intersect and interact.
Allyship
In the work context involves actively supporting and standing with colleagues who may be part of a minority group that you yourself are not a part of.
Key takeaways
The high level of engagement during the event was evident from the numerous comments in the chat. These included questions around workplace accommodations, using AI, how to talk with your managers and avoid burnout. The outstanding feedback received highlights the need for more information on neurodivergence and underscores the importance of hosting more educational events like this. The engagement and questions from members will be responded to and sent out to participants with other post event resources.
Special thanks to Fiona for facilitating, Kirsty for managing the tech, and our amazing INDIGO panel for sharing their heartfelt experiences. Your contributions have helped us all gain a deeper understanding of how we can better support and lead neurodiverse individuals in our everyday lives and workplaces.