S2, E2: Difference Maker – Mackenzie Thorpe

Mackenzie Thorpe

Mackenzie Thorpe creates art with heart. Actor Tom Hardy, author JK Rowling, and Queen Elizabeth II, to name a few, have collected the English artist’s sculptures and paintings, which combine tenderness and ardor through his unique depictions of animals and children. Yet, from early on, Thorpe endured having his heart torn apart by those who Read More…

S2, E1: Difference Maker – Daymond John

Daymond John

From running a business in his basement to starring on a hit reality television show, Daymond John has embodied the word “entrepreneur” and is now inspiring others to pursue their goals and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives. Diagnosed with dyslexia himself, John has been open in sharing his entrepreneurial journey, through Read More…

S1, E11: Difference Maker – Victor Villasenor

Victor Villasenor

Author Victor Villaseñor has written 65 stories and nine novels, and his memoir Burro Genius, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, shares his experiences as a youth. Not bad for someone who remembers school in his youth as a nightmare, which led to him becoming a bed wetter. That was coupled with years of Read More…

S1, E9: Difference Maker – Dr. Temple Grandin

Dr Grandin Temple

Though not diagnosed with autism until adulthood, as a child Dr. Temple Grandin quickly learned that she processed things differently than her neurotypical classmates — only developing speech skills when she was nearly four years old. Drawn to STEM-related activities like electronics and rocketry, she was encouraged to pursue a career as a scientist by her peers and a former teacher and mentor.

S1, E7: Difference Maker – John Crossman

John Crossman

Meet nationally renowned real estate executive John Crossman, who learned later in life that the successful real estate career he built was constructed upon a foundation of dyslexia.

S1, E6: Difference Maker – Willard Wigan

Willard Wigan - micro sculptor

Willard Wigan is a micro sculptor, creator of the world smallest handmade micro art in history, who grew up with undiagnosed autism and dyslexia. In 2007, he was honored by Queen Elizabeth II with the distinction of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire award, for his services to art. In 2018, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick in recognition of the significant contributions he has made to art and sculpture. He also holds two Guinness World Records.

S1, E5: Difference Maker – Quinn Bradlee

S1, E5: Quinn Bradlee —  Quinn Bradlee is a filmmaker, author and advocate for improving the lives of disabled individuals. He is the author of A Different Life: Growing Up Learning Disabled and Other Adventures and the founder of Friends of Quinn, an online community for individuals with learning disabilities.

S1, E4: Difference Maker – Dawn Prince-Hughes

Dawn Price-Hughes

Dawn Prince-Hughes is an anthropologist, primatologist and author who has studied gorilla (and other apes’) cultures. Through personal experience juxtaposed with academic study, she’s become an expert in autism spectrum disorders. She has published extensively including the national bestseller “Songs of the Gorilla Nation.”

S1, E3: Difference Maker – Jhillika Kumar

Jhillika Kumar

Jhillika Kumar — Jhillika Kumar is a social impact entrepreneur, Diversity & Inclusion community builder, and Grace Hopper Celebration keynote speaker as an advocate for disability empowerment. She is an Assistant Vice President focusing on Accessibility at Bank of America and the CEO & Founder of Mentra, a startup focused on enabling individuals on the autism spectrum to find meaningful careers by activating their talents.