The Neurodivergent Empowerment Program started as part of a one-year pilot project about Neurodiversity and Girls Empowerment funded by the Canadian Women's Foundation and its partners.

The program was for self-identified girls and gender-diverse youth in Grades 6-7 who are neurodivergent or curious about learning more— no diagnosis required.

The group ran once per week for 10 weeks, from mid-February to mid-May at the North Shore Women’s Centre. It was facilitated by Emily Nold and Nilou Abrishami.

This free, educational, social, and fun community-based program is a chance to make friends, learn new things, and connect with a community that values you just as you are! Whether participants have ADHD, autism, OCD, or other neurodivergent traits, this program offers a warm and inclusive environment.

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Project Coordinator - Emily Nold

As a queer and neurodivergent individual, Emily brings lived experience and a passion for inclusivity to her work, to create a program that celebrates neurodiversity, fosters self-confidence, and builds community. Emily grew up in Washington state, moving to Vancouver to obtain a bachelor's degree in marketing from UBC. She has experience working in the startup and non-profit space, alongside teaching preschool ballet classes in community centers across Vancouver and leading bicycle tours through Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown. Outside of work, she loves collecting books from thrift stores, spending time with her cat, and finding creative ways to reconnect people with art and history.