Today is International Women’s Day. We really admire women in the public eye who work to create a better world for everyone, but today we wanted to give a platform to women who aren’t in the public eye. So we’re shining a spotlight on some of the women that we know who are doing brilliant things.
Liane Holliday Willey
Author, Asperger’s and Autism Consultant, and Advocate.
Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at 35, Liane holds a Doctorate of Education with a specialty in psycholinguistics and learning style differences.
The core message of Liane’s work is celebration of the individual, whether they have Asperger’s, Autism or otherwise. In 1999, Liane’s first book “Pretending to be Normal” was published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and in 2014 we had the opportunity to review the release of the Expanded Edition.
Liane works as an advocate and diversity trainer, speaker and all-around kickass empowerment figure. Her other books include, Safety Skills for Asperger Women: How to Save a Perfectly Good Female Life, Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence and Asperger Syndrome in the Family.
“Don’t give in to the self-wounding thoughts or behaviors that try to convince you your life is filled with too many roadblocks. The truth is, every single human ever born, has had their fair share of roadblocks. There is nothing unique about fighting an uphill battle, but there is something unique about you. Find that unique gem that makes you stand out from the crowd in whatever way that may be. Then polish that gem until it is radiant.
When all is said and done, rejoice in your world and know, really know, that a life enriched with good things, and a life well lived, is within your reach. Grab it.”
If you would like to find out more about Liane’s work, click here
Hannah-Rebecca Guscoth
Disability Consultant and founder of the Considering Disability Journal.
Hannah-Rebecca is the founder of the Considering Disability Journal, an entry-level peer reviewed publication for students, graduates and early-stage career researchers. Considering Disability promotes access for researchers at any stage of their career and promotes disability awareness, creating a platform for students and graduates to share their knowledge about experiences of disability around the world.
Find out more about Hannah-Rebecca’s work here, and to find out more about the Considering Disability Journal click here
Akua Wood
Founder and Owner of Shea Butter Cottage.
Akua Wood is an ethical entrepreneur who began selling her handmade toiletries in 2004, buying as many of the raw ingredients from farmer co-operatives as possible.
Sheabutter cottage have a set of commitments that include ending world poverty, buying fair trade, supporting sustainable farming methods and providing farmers co-operatives with financial support. They are against animal testing, the use of chemical additives, and the use of child labour.
A percentage from each sale is donated to help strengthen the co-ops and projects that Shea Butter Cottage and Akua Wood support. Akua’s company has helped to provide public facilities in Ghana; financing 2 Shea co-ops, building a public place of convenience for the Gumu community, and funding the installation of water filters and new classroom windows in Askasu Primary School in the Eastern Region of Ghana, to name but a few things that this amazing company has done.
If you would like to read more about Akua’s company, Shea Butter Cottage, please click here
“Empowerment may sound like a typical buzz word but we have seen it. Sheabutter Cottage is planting the seed of vision and ideas and hopefully passing on a few tools of the trade to allow them to run on their own because we believe that education is a great gift that can be given to anyone.”
Hannah Belcher
Author, Research and Autism Advocate.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Hannah last year. Hannah is the author of Aspertypical and is currently undertaking her PhD in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Hannah also has Asperger Syndrome and was diagnosed when she was 23.
Last year Hannah produced the documentary, “Changing the Face of Autism: Here Come the Girls”, which looked at the unique profile of females with Autism. One of the areas of Hannah’s research is finding ways to better identify the hidden populations of females with autism. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon and the reality is that incorrect treatment and / or support can be traumatic. By shining a light on this hidden population, Hannah’s research has the potential to change the face of Autism.
To find out more about Hannah’s work, click here
Margo Comeau
Author and Autism Advocate.
Margo is an Autism advocate, author, and blogger who is dedicated to promoting Autism awareness. Her work asks the reader to question what “normal” really is and, after years of living in the neurotypical world, it invites readers into both her world and the neurodiverse world.
“The autistic brain is the most untapped resource in the world, it has evolved in ways that most neurotypicals don’t understand, yet. I will paint the world blue by shedding more light on the vast, all-encompassing autistic spectrum. Supporting neurodiversity is the pathway to co-existing in harmony. “
To find out more about Margo’s work, click here
To every other woman doing – or aspiring to do – amazing things. Keep at it. The impact that your work will have, will be deeper than you can imagine even if it may not seem that way at times. You are our inspiration. One day, we hope that all women will have the opportunity to follow their dreams and build the life that they have imagined. #OneDayIWill
Let us know who inspires you.
