Panel event: Careers on the spectrum

The Jewish Professional Women’s Network (JPWN) is hosting an important and timely conversation on April 28 at 6:45pm, examining how neurodiversity shapes women’s careers, leadership, and workplace experiences.

As awareness grows around neurodivergence, including but not limited to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive and acquired differences, many women are recognising aspects of themselves in conversations that have historically focused on men and boys. Yet, women’s experiences often look different, shaped by expectations around communication, leadership, emotional labour and the pressure to adapt or “mask” in professional and social environments.

For many, this can mean navigating school and early careers without understanding why certain environments feel more challenging, or why their strengths may not always be recognised in traditional workplace settings. Women may discover their neurotype throughout all phases of life.

JPWN’s upcoming panel aims to unpack these realities through an engaging discussion that blends lived experience, scientific research and practical workplace insights.

The panel will feature Natalie Phillips-Mason, who draws on more than 30 years of corporate change leadership alongside lived experience to help organisations build more inclusive environments.

She is joined by Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich, Clinical Neuropsychologist at Monash University and Deputy Director of the HER Centre Australia. Gurvich’s research focuses on women’s mental health and cognition, including how neuropsychological function can shift during key life stages such as menopause. Another panellist is Sarah Mote, a Senior Product Designer and community advocate, who brings an industry perspective on how neurodiversity shows up in creative and technology environments.

The discussion will be moderated by Jacqueline Kallman GAICD, who will guide the conversation across both professional and personal dimensions of neurodiversity.

The event aims to create a space for reflection and connection, where women can better understand their own experiences and hear perspectives from both scientific and workplace viewpoints.

JPWN, which brings together Jewish professional women across Melbourne, continues to focus on conversations that support career growth, leadership, and community connection.

“Careers on the Spectrum” reflects a growing need to better understand how neurodiversity shapes modern professional life.

To book, visit: www.trybooking.com/DJGXG