Website:
www.empowerusf.com
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/empowerusf
Why is neurodiversity important to you or your organization?
Neurodiversity is important to EmpowerU because it reflects our core values of inclusivity, whole-person wellness, and human-centered leadership. Just as we honor physical diversity in movement and training, we also embrace the diversity of minds—recognizing that people think, process, and experience the world in different ways.
Creating a neurodiversity-informed workplace helps us better support both our team and the clients we serve. Many individuals—including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or other cognitive differences—benefit from environments that are flexible, empathetic, and empowering. By understanding and accommodating those differences, we’re able to coach more effectively, communicate more clearly, and build a culture where everyone can thrive.
Neurodiverse hiring is also a key part of our commitment. We believe in creating opportunities for all kinds of thinkers and problem-solvers. Hiring neurodivergent individuals not only fosters equity and inclusion—it also strengthens our organization. These team members often bring unique insights, creativity, and unconventional solutions that elevate our work and push our mission forward.
Ultimately, embracing neurodiversity helps EmpowerU live out its purpose: to meet people where they are, empower their potential, and create a healthier, more inclusive future—inside and outside the gym.
What services, resources, or initiatives does your organization provide to support neurodivergent employment? (org only)
At EmpowerU, we’re working to create inclusive employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals through structured internships, coaching roles, and flexible administrative positions. Were offering neurodiverse internship programing for our group setting creates hands-on experience with clear guidance and mentorship, while our coaching pathways support neurodivergent individuals in becoming confident, certified leaders in wellness. We also design administrative roles to align with individual strengths in organization, communication, and systems. Across all positions, we prioritize clear communication, flexible environments, and ongoing support to ensure every team member feels empowered to succeed. These efforts reflect our belief that diverse minds make our mission stronger and our workplace more inclusive.
What is the best part of your work in neuroinclusive employment advocacy?
The best part is seeing the individuals we hire truly begin to chase—and own—their potential. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch someone step into a role that’s built around their strengths and thrive in ways that uplift not only their own confidence but the entire team. Along the way, we’ve also had the privilege of connecting with incredible organizations that are doing powerful work in this space—creating equitable, meaningful job opportunities and helping reshape what inclusive employment looks like. Being part of this broader movement is both inspiring and energizing—it reminds us that real change is happening, and we get to be a part of it.
What inspired your advocacy work, and what impact do you hope to make?
Our advocacy work began from a deeply personal place—being a parent to a child with disabilities is what first opened our eyes to the gaps in opportunity and inclusion, especially in wellness and employment spaces. As we built EmpowerU, we were continuously inspired by the individuals we’ve worked with in fitness, as well as their families and communities. Their stories, strengths, and resilience have pushed us to think bigger and do better. Our goal is to create a company that checks all the boxes—a place where neurodiverse individuals are not only welcomed, but actively trained, supported, and hired into meaningful roles. We hope to set an example for what inclusive, empowering employment can look like in the wellness industry and beyond.
What is your call to action for other organizations to advance neuroinclusive employment opportunities? Please select your top 2.
Hiring neurodivergent talent, Offering mentorship or networking opportunities for neurodivergent individuals, Partnering with higher education institutions for student internship opportunities, Participating in research or advocacy efforts, Start a Neurodiversity Focused Employee Resource Group, Provide neuroinclusive benefits and supports to your employees/members.
What neuroinclusive employment stereotype or myth would you like to “bust”?
One of the biggest myths we want to bust is that neurodivergent individuals can’t thrive in client-facing or leadership roles. We’ve seen firsthand that, with the right environment and support, neurodivergent team members not only excel in these roles—they bring incredible creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills that elevate the entire organization. The issue isn’t capability; it’s whether workplaces are designed to recognize and support different kinds of talent. When we build roles around strengths instead of outdated norms, everyone wins.
What else would you like to share?
A huge thank you to the companies and organizations in this space that are pushing boundaries and redefining what inclusive employment looks like. Your work is paving the way for a future where neurodivergent individuals aren’t just included—they’re empowered to build meaningful careers and live with purpose. It’s an honor to be part of this movement alongside such passionate, forward-thinking changemakers.