Twenty-eight years ago, a small group of college students gathered around a simple idea: young people with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences — we hadn’t learned the word “neurodiversity” yet; that would come later — needed to see older versions of themselves succeeding in the world.

The original spark came from a suggestion by my friends David Cole and Jonathan Mooney: “We should mentor kids like us.”

So, without much of a plan, a half dozen somewhat unkempt students from Brown University walked down to Fox Point, Room 4, where an incredible teacher named Maureen Kenner gathered her students so we could share stories. We made art together, created a spectacular mess, and eventually bought Maureen a new rug as an apology.

But something special had begun.

We knew it when a student with chronic absenteeism rushed back to school the next morning to meet his mentor and see his artwork displayed in the hallway. The art represented more than a project. It represented his story, his connection to someone like him, and maybe, for the first time, a sense of belonging — and a community that had been hiding in plain sight.

None of us could have imagined what that small idea would become.

Today, The Neurodiversity Alliance serves students, families, and educators across the country, helping build a world where neurodivergent young people are recognized not for deficits, but for their strengths, leadership, possibility, and the radical idea that different minds make the world better.

And while so much has changed over the past three decades, one thing never has: we have always known who we work for — young people searching for confidence, community, and possibility.

After a great deal of reflection, I have shared with our staff and Board that this will be my final academic year serving as CEO of The ND Alliance. At the end of June, I will step into a new role as Board member and Founder-In-Residence, while turning more of my attention toward advancing neurodiversity in the workplace.

This decision comes with enormous emotion and deep gratitude.

Over the past 28 years, I’ve learned that the best organizations stay focused on the problem they are trying to solve, even as the solutions evolve. I’ve also learned that when neurodivergent young people are seen, supported, and challenged to lead, they consistently exceed expectations and change not only their own lives, but the world around them.

I have been a steward at best, and many times simply the happy chaperone witnessing real magic while stacking chairs and, yes, occasionally fundraising to replace a rug covered in paint — and stories.

Those lessons are part of why I know this is the right moment for a leadership transition.

I am thrilled to share that Jesse Sanchez will serve as the next CEO of The ND Alliance.

Jesse’s journey with this organization began as a student volunteer. Since then, he has served in nearly every role imaginable: mentor, one of our earliest staff members, donor, board member, and most recently, President — only our second President, following the incredible 18-year tenure of Marcus Soutra.

Along the way, Jesse also built an impressive career in technology and innovation at Google, LinkedIn, and beyond. But as he said when he returned to the organization several years ago, he was “coming back home.”

Most importantly, Jesse understands this community deeply and leads with integrity, compassion, and vision. He also understands something that has always mattered deeply to me: this work has never been about any one person. It has always been about building a movement where people grow, lead, and carry the mission forward together.

As for me, I’m not going far.

I remain deeply committed to this movement and excited for my next chapter focused on neurodiversity and the future of work. In the coming months, I’ll be sharing more thoughts, writing, and projects connected to that work, including my upcoming book, 20% Smarter.

Sign up to follow my journey here: Twenty Percent Smarter

Thank you for believing in this work. Thank you for believing in our young people.

The best chapters are still ahead.

With gratitude,
David Flink