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Letter from the Founder
Greetings Inaugural Cohort,
It is my esteemed pleasure to welcome you to the NeurodivURGENT Fellowship Program. This project is the fulfillment of a dream long deferred and many answered prayers. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this opportunity to share the lessons that I’ve learned over the years in hopes that they inspire you to soar beyond your wildest dreams. As you will see during our semester-long journey, I have assembled a team of professionals from a plethora of fields to pour into each of you so that your individual dreams start to take shape in a carefully crafted, socially responsible, and fiscally-sustainable manner.
Given your impressive accolades, I recognize that there are a host of other programs that you could have chosen, and I don’t take it lightly that you’re here. That being said, it is our goal to do everything we can to make this experience the best possible. I encourage you to take advantage of all of the opportunities that you will be afforded to learn, share, network, and design in a way that positively impacts neurodivergent youth and families and empowers you to confidently launch with an approach and flare that is uniquely yours.
With sincerest gratitude,
Nichelle N. Cook, Esq., MA
Meet Our Fellows & Graduate Assistant
Fall 2025 Lecturers
Check back for updates as they become available.
Nichelle Cook, Esq., MA (Session 1)
Attorney, Educator, and Neurodiversity/Disability Advocate
Founder of The NeurodivURGENT Project
Title: "Setting the Stage for Exploring and Strengthening the Neurodiversity Ecosystem"
Abstract: The goal of this program is to fully embrace and appreciate the intricate nature of the "Neurodiversity Ecosystem" and actively engage in the necessary steps to make it work effectively and efficiently. To do so within a world designed to not foster the inclusiveness necessary for all to thrive, we must not only understand what we need but what other unique minds need as well. This non-monolithic approach requires innovativeness and empathy beyond our typical societal worldview.
The NeurodivURGENT Fellowship strives to harness the strengths of its participants in a manner that aids each fellow in maximizing their respective lane on the path toward shifted paradigms and ultimately the creation a world where "excellence [is] more accessible to all." This session welcomes each fellow to this space and provides an overview of what our unique and highly intentional fellowship process entails.
Hannah Francis, PhD (Session 2)
Assistant Professor
Department of Africana Studies
University of Rhode Island
Title: "Revising History and The Intentional Shaping of A Partial Past"
Abstract: History is considered an objective study of things that occurred in the past using records, especially written records in archives. However, history can and has been at times manipulated into biased historical narratives. This talk, “Revising History and Shaping a Partial Past,” will discuss how records and archives are created and then used by historians. Additionally, the presentation will examine prominent examples of instances of contorting the past such as Julius Ceasar’s record keeping. “Revising History and Shaping a Partial Past” will conclude with suggestions for preventing revisionist and incomplete histories.
Chris Ongaro, EdD (Session 3)
Head of School (The Robert Louis Stevenson School NYC)
Adjunct Asst. Professor, Teachers College - Columbia University
Title: "Complex Learners and Support Beyond the Silos"
Abstract: One of the key elements of effective strategic planning, especially from an interdisciplinary angle, is the identification and prioritization of key issues alongside various community assets that are already in existence. The purpose of this interactive discussion/lecture is to assist fellows in the creation of structured approaches toward building capacity to implement their respective capstone projects. By developing plans to leverage existing resources, build collaborative partnerships, and design infrastructural supports that are cost-effective, practical, and sustainable, fellows will position themselves for success within their professional lives and beyond.
