Meet Judi Uttal

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Judi Uttal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Judi below.

Hi Judi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

When I was in third grade, they raised the price of milk from 5 cents to 6 cents. That day, if you only had a nickel you could buy milk for a nickel. But if you had a dime, they charged you the full 6 cents. I brought a dime and was outraged that I had to pay a different price then the kid in front of me. I had plans for that nickel, as there was a store on my walk home where I planned to purchase a candy bar. I went to the administrative office and complained that it was unfair that they charged different prices. That they should have given us notice of the price change. The principal claimed ( I did not believe him, though) that the faculty was making up the difference. And he would not give me the extra penny, because “If he did it for me, he would have to do it for everyone.”

I was outraged. But learned a valuable lesson. I will come to see and experience many unjust situations. My view is to confront them and work on solutions. When I do, I choose not just to solve it for me but for the community. And to do it in a way that is kind and positive.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I retired in 2018 from a career as a high-tech marketing executive. However, retirement is not about playing bridge and pickle-ball. For me, retirement gave me the opportunity to do good for our community. My focus has been helping teens and adults and their families who are living with autism improve their quality of life. I do so by extending my brand as a get-it-done, creative, leader into the nonprofit space. I have a saying, DONE is my favorite four-letter word. So I focus on getting things done for this community.

I have been running the Orange County Asperger’s Support Group for the last ten years. When I started the organization was ten years old and dying. Now it is thriving with over 100 activities a year. We focus on three areas education, support and social activities. I am always leveraging the talents of others and finding a way to bring them to our community.

Two years ago I founded the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup. Our focus is increasing employment for talent on the autism spectrum in the entertainment industry.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1) Being productive – breaking problems apart and getting a little done each day.
2) Asking for help – being able to have others join you on your journey.
3) When you get a crazy idea – do it.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

We put on the Autism In Entertainment Conference in 2024 funded by a Department of Development Grant. We had over 400 people there and it was a fantastic event.

My challenge now, is fundraising. How can I collect enough money to do the conference next year.

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