We recently connected with Leann Firestone and have shared our conversation below.
Leann , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I decided to start my non profit (to benefit Neurodivergent individuals) in 2021 just one year after I discovered I was autistic. I was undiagnosed throughout my childhood and didn’t have an appropriate description of my brain until I was in my 30s. The trauma and distress that this caused, and the huge relief I felt after self diagnosis was enough to make me start a non profit! There are little to no services for someone like me out here, so i decided to create my own community! My involvement with children and parenting styles has inspired me to begin an advocacy journey as well. Speaking about my own brain and neurology has helped me to find myself and grow into the person I want to be .
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always been a serial entrepreneur. Since I was a young child and learned what a business was, my brain has been finding ways to start or fix it! My experience spans many different fields. I went to cosmetology school before college, and I still work in the Hair industry part-time. Most of my current clients are neurodivergent. I love helping kids who struggle to cope with sensory aversions or fears of haircuts! While I was working as a young stylist, I earned an associate’s degree in Marketing/Management. I have held positions that specifically utilized that education, such as bridal services coordinator and social media affiliate. Over the past 13 years, I used these skills to maintain my Hair Stylist social media page. This has translated well to managing the social media presence for Neurodiverse Network and my current growth as an Autistic Advocate. I have a massive drive for the community. When I had my daughter in 2016, I had no local mom friends–I had to start from scratch. I had postpartum depression and tons of anxiety having a newborn at home. So, I found local mom communities, started support groups, and facilitated events and meetings–I unknowingly created this fantastic support system that carried me through a difficult time. I want to make that kind of supportive community again, this time for Neurodivergent people and their families. I want us to have people to turn to, people who understand and support us. I want parents to have a place to connect with each other and children to have a safe space to just BE THEMSELVES.
The long road that led me to this point is what makes my non-profit so unique! I am coming at this from a place of understanding and unity. Neurodivergent adults diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, etc. have little to NO support. The only way we will find it locally is if we create it! In 2022, with passion in my heart and fear in my eyes, I took the steps to get my non-profit legalized and jumped right in. I started hosting monthly adult support groups for Neurodivergent Adults and another for Parents/Caregivers. Over the past year, with the help of other volunteers, we have added a variety of monthly activities and have hosted many inclusive events.
The struggle we are facing now is that most people in our community need familiarity and sensory regulation to be comfortable. The parents need a safe environment with childcare and social opportunities for their families. Having our events at multiple locations limits our control of adaptations and accommodations. To help resolve this, we are working on grant writing and fundraising to open a Local Community Center for Neurodivergent People! We don’t want to stop there—our team has plans to advocate, educate, create an inclusive network, community outreach, private grants, and more! We are currently looking for active, passionate volunteers to help carry our Non-profit to the next level~ and give us our safe place! Please visit our website to donate, purchase our handmade items in our shop, or get involved with our project!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three things that helped me the most during this journey have been 1. Tell your story and connect with anyone that seems interested in learning more. I have met board members, volunteers and even investors just because they asked about my business.
2. Be open to suggestions and criticism. I have something called rejection sensitive dysphoria so critiques can be very hard for me to hear but they have been extremely helpful during this time. Try to remember that everyone has a unique set of skills and sometimes the most knowledgeable people can come off a bit harsh but their feedback is still valuable. Take it in and dont let it upset you but be open to different ways of thinking or problem solving.
3. Dont expect things to work on a scheduled time line. Especially if you are getting into the non profit world or starting your own business remember Things do NOT usually work out as you expect. The fluctuation of income and donations can dramatically effect your timeline in the beginning . For me someone ,who likes routine and scheduled goals, this is has been very difficult. I find if i dont focus on the timeline and just understand that things will work out and happen the way they are supposed to, I can actually relax and enjoy myself!
The best advice I have is to give it your all, and dont give up even when things feel hard, It will all be worth it in the end!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I am not able to have a salary position within my non profit as of this time and this has become particularly challenging. I am also disabled and cant work a typical 9-4 but am not disabled enough to receive supplement income. I have had to work a minimum of 4 jobs over the past year to make sure I can afford my mortgage while also starting a non profit! I expect to have a salary position eventually, but until that happens I am in an extreme balance act between volunteering, my careers, and my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NDNet.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Neurodiverse_Network_Nonprofit
Image Credits
HeadShot By Dakota Captures
