Posted by ReyFort Media
New non-profit organization launches with the support of diplomats, elected officials, community leaders, and families to advance neurodiversity awareness, inclusion, advocacy, and support throughout British Columbia.
Community leaders, diplomats, advocates, families, and supporters gathered for the official launch of MINDS – Multicultural Inclusion for Neurodiversity and Development Society, a British Columbia-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting awareness, acceptance, inclusion, advocacy, and support for neurodiverse individuals and their families. The launch was held on July 11 at 6:00 PM at the 3rd floor offices of Work Commons on 13888 Wireless Way, in Richmond.
The launch marked an important milestone for MINDS and brought together diverse communities with a shared vision of creating a society where every person is valued, respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
MINDS is led by President Marlon Parel and governed by its founding Board of Directors, comprised of Alan Yong, Lissa Bentley, Gigi Astudillo, Maylani Parel, Carmelita Tapia, and Cindy Tang. Together, the leadership team brings diverse professional experience, community involvement, and a shared commitment to advancing meaningful support and opportunities for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
The event welcomed a distinguished gathering of diplomatic representatives, elected officials, Indigenous representatives, community leaders, advocates, and well-wishers.
Among those recognized and acknowledged by Irene, the Master of Ceremonies, were Mr. Don McKenzie, representing the Indigenous Peoples of British Columbia; Mr. Chapron Harris from the Consulate General of Indonesia; Ms. Violet Chan, President of the British Columbia Cultural Diversity Association; Councillor Richard Lee of the City of Burnaby; Hon. Natanipa Burusapat from the Royal Thai Consulate General; Ms. Marissa Peña of the Peña Family Foundation; Vice Consul Frederick Marco Harder of the Philippine Consulate General; and Ms. Susan Au-Young, President of the North American Association of Asian Professionals.
The presence of these distinguished guests reflected the growing recognition that advancing neurodiversity and inclusion requires collaboration among governments, diplomatic missions, Indigenous communities, community organizations, educators, healthcare professionals, businesses, families, and advocates from diverse cultural backgrounds.
During the launch, MINDS shared its vision and mission of fostering a society where neurodiversity is recognized, respected, and embraced as a valuable part of human diversity. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting awareness, acceptance, advocacy, education, and inclusion while ensuring that neurodiverse individuals and their families have access to meaningful support, resources, and opportunities.
MINDS also called upon governments, businesses, educational institutions, healthcare providers, community organizations, professionals, and families to work collaboratively in building a more inclusive British Columbia where every individual has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.
MINDS was established in response to the growing need for culturally responsive advocacy, education, community engagement, and family support. The organization aims to bridge cultural and service gaps by connecting neurodiverse individuals and their families with information, resources, partnerships, and inclusive community initiatives. (Submitted by ctapia@telus.net )
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