Jennifer Philips on Raising Self Advocates

Recorded at Neuro Pride's Soapbox Sessions 2024 on Aug 2nd.
*Jennifer Phillips (she/her)* is a dedicated Coordinator of Community Education and Development at Women's Collective Ireland and a former charity CEO, with a long-standing commitment to advocating for the rights of women and children, along with grassroots activism. With the Performing Activism Collective she further dedicates her time to being a passionate activist, and can be seen standing in solidarity with others on a spectrum of social justice and human rights issues.
Proudly neurodivergent, Jennifer is also a mother to two neurodivergent children, who are budding activists themselves. She says the most interesting thing about her home is the presence of nearly as many neurodivergent diagnoses inside as windows and doors, making it a very colourful place to be.
Jennifer's expertise extends to her participation experience on several service advisory boards and as a member of an expert advisory panel for a European Union diversity and inclusion initiative in education. Her enthusiasm for igniting change through education and support is matched only by her favorite neurodivergent trait-a strong sense of justice. This intrinsic drive fuels her involvement in activism and becoming a parent only intensified this desire for a more inclusive and equitable society.
As a seasoned public speaker, Jennifer has notably been invited to speak three times at Áras an Uachtaráin, showcasing her ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
Never afraid of a challenge, Jennifer likes climbing both real and metaphorical mountains, jokingly describing it as, a mostly, healthy way to chase dopamine.
As a neurodivergent, self proclaimed dopamine chaser and avid learner, Jennifer can often be found deep down hyperfocus rabbit holes online, pursuing new knowledge with boundless enthusiasm, and probably enough simultaneously open tabs to terrify most outside of the ADHD community. Her unique blend of lived, personal, professional experience, and infectious passion makes her a compelling voice for neurodivergent pride and a staunch advocate for lasting change.
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