Niya Wright

Niya Wright is a native of East Orange, NJ with a deep appreciation for the power of television. She created the nonspeaking character Nassan from Ada Twist, Scientist. Niya has also written episodes for PBS Kids’ Carl the Collector, the first animated kids show with an explicitly autistic title character. Niya is currently writing freelance for television and working with her mother’s non-profit organization, Nassan’s Place, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit making a difference in the lives of children and families affected by autism in and around under-served inner city communities by providing educational and recreational programs, social outings, resources and so much more.

Kirk Kushin

Kirk Kushin is an accomplished animation writer and story editor whose work spans television, video games, and comics. His recent credits include Hello Kitty and Friends Super Cute Adventures, PAW Patrol: Rocky’s Garage, and Blippi’s Disney Vehicle Challenge, among many others.

Kirk was also one of the lead writers on the award-winning 2024 video game Hello Kitty Island Adventure for Apple Arcade and Nintendo Switch.

Beyond animation, Kirk has created and written several original comic book series, including Super TeenTopia* and OZopolis. His latest graphic novel is set to be released by Scholastic in 2026.

Keryl Brown Ahmed

Keryl Brown Ahmed is a writer who has worked in multiple media including film, television, comics, and print journalism. She is the creator of the WebToon Original series Archie Comics: Big Ethel Energy, which includes an autistic character named Gilbert Greene. She is currently earning her masters in social work at the University of Colorado.

Alfonso Camacho

Alfonso Julián Camacho is an award-winning journalist, magazine designer, and author whose work has been recognized by the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Association of Community Colleges, College Media Association, and California College Media Association. Alfonso has authored multiple books in English and Spanish, including Autistic and Awesome and Preparing for School. He is the founder of Colmena Academy, a K–12 school supporting children with speech challenges, and Builders of Eloquence and Engagement, LLC, teaching communication to nonspeaking individuals. Alfonso speaks regularly on autism, inclusion, and alternative communication methods and has been a keynote speaker and panelist at conferences, including Autism Tree Project Foundation’s Neuroscience Conference and Love & Autism.