What’s Happening: Updates from SEEN-Tech Professionals Leadership

February 2025 Update Letter

Dear Colleagues,

As we continue into 2025, the research team at the NSF-funded Success Enablers that Empower Neurodivergent Technology Professionals (SEEN Tech Professionals) extends heartfelt wishes for winter and spring!

As we reflect back on 2024, we realize there is a lot to celebrate. Our leadership team added a Research Assistant, Anushka Bhagchandani, whose talent and enthusiasm have already helped energize our efforts. We’ve established a dedicated website, developed budgets, set up UW worktags, and implemented tracking tools—all essential assets as we deepen our relationships with project partners and our evaluation team.

A significant milestone was the finalization of our Advisory Board, culminating in the project’s inaugural board meeting in December, where we engaged in vibrant discussions about co-creation of the SEEN Tech Professionals community. As we explored the vital role of the Advisory Board in the project’s success, a key focus was on centering neurodivergence throughout all our work.

During the meeting, the research team was introduced and the project’s research questions were discussed. Board members suggested refinements and explored questions related to success enablers that could further inform our collective work. Together we examined how the Participatory Action Research framework informs the way we operate and gathered ideas about the effective recruitment of project participants.

As we look ahead, we’re filled with anticipation for the connections and collaborations that 2025 will bring for SEEN Tech Professionals. Together, we are poised to make a meaningful impact within organizations, policies, and individuals with an interest in supporting neurodivergent technology professionals.

Best regards,

Hala Annabi, PI