Meet amazing role models
In our Uncommon Journeys series we meet neurodivergent young adults who have tuned into their passions and turned challenges into strengths, each finding their own unique paths.
Join us fortnightly on Tuesdays, meet amazing role models and be inspired by scientists, artists, storytellers and games designers each of whom have found careers they love. They’ll share their stories, dive into their passions and pass on their favourite life hacks!
Talks are designed for neurodivergent tweens and teens and parents are welcome to watch along.
Meet Tanya (November 26th)
Join us on the 26th November for a FREE Role Model Talk that’s all about navigating new paths, embracing neurodiversity and finding strength in our unique journeys!
🙌🏼 We’re thrilled to welcome Tanya Potocea, a neurodivergent public servant, writer, and online creator who’s passionate about bringing mental health, identity, and self discovery into the spotlight.
🌍 Originally from Romania, and now based in London, Tanya’s journey has been full of firsts… From moving countries to learning the ropes of working for the UK’s public service.
🏢 As a policy advisor at HM Revenue and Customs, Tanya designs policies and provides insights to senior leaders and ministers.
📝 Outside of her work, she’s a published writer, using her words to shed light on mental health, social issues and her life as an immigrant.
💛 Tanya discovered her place on the autism spectrum later in life, describing how it often feels like she’s ‘speaking a different language from everyone else.’ This discovery has sparked a deeper journey of self acceptance, learning and connection with both neurodivergent and neurotypical communities.
In this talk, Tanya will share her experiences navigating neurodivergence in both work and life, finding resilience and breaking through barriers.
If you’ve ever felt out of place, or like you’re learning to speak a new language, this is a talk you won’t want to miss 🙌🏼
Past Uncommon Journey Webinars
Len (November 4th)
Hiya everyone, I’m Len! When I’m not at Uncommon, you can most likely find me in a lab coat over a microscope, or upside down at the circus!
When I came to the UK from Austria, I studied Biology at University – learning about everything from dinosaurs to bacteria. I then did a masters, focusing on things that are smaller than our eyes can see – hence the microscope! During my studies I also discovered my passion for aerial arts (think people hanging from a trapeze in a circus tent) and all things circus. For the last month I have been having fun at a circus school full time, learning stilt walking, back flips and flying with a trapeze, and now I plan on going back to the lab soon.
I also love video games, rock climbing and trying new hobbies and I will happily chat for hours about animals (especially frogs) and the environment. I look forward to talking to you all about science and creativity, and especially following your special interests and passions!
Ollie (October 22nd)
🧔🏼 Join Ollie on Tuesday, October 22nd, to hear more about his journey in gaming and what’s next in his adventure! "Having ADHD and aphantasia means my brain works a bit differently, and I love sharing my experiences." My neurodivergent traits, ADHD and aphantasia, have shaped how I experience the world. ADHD made school challenging, and with aphantasia, I don’t see mental images like most people do.
But gaming and online friendships helped me overcome feelings of isolation. I’ve made lifelong friends from all over the world, and I’ve even had the chance to visit some of them! Soon, I’ll be moving to Japan for a solo adventure, and I can’t wait to share all the exciting stories with you.
🧔🏼 Mary Welton (October 1st) never thought she'd be doing job she is today, working with young comapanies to create amazing innovations. Join us as she talks about how her insatiable curiosity and creative thinking fuelled her time in youth theatre, her writing which has reached 200k viewers, and her degree in Psychology and Innovation, culminating in finding her perfect job!
🧔🏼 Mekkin Bjarndottir (30th Jul), overcame educational challenges as a neurodivergent young adult to earn a B.A. in Media and Storytelling. She now thrives in performing, comedy, and creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent individuals at Uncommon.
👩🏼🔬 Carmen Lee (6th Aug), neuroscientist, is fascinated by neurodiversity and the brain! She recently completed her year in industry at GSK, where she excelled in leadership roles in GSK’s disability confidence networks. Carmen shares her lived experience as a committed member of youth research advisory boards, and sings for the National Youth Choir!
🙆🏼♂️ Elliot Gorny (13th Aug), an MSc student in Computer Games Technology uses his passion for video games along with his personal experiences with ADHD, to create immersive and supportive games and environments for young neurodivergent individuals.
👩🏼🎨 Vijay Panchal (20th Aug), Artist and Character Designer, struggled with self-expression growing up. ‘Art became my language, it built confidence’. Vijay now delivers commission and helps young people express emotions through art. He advocates for neuro-inclusion through public speaking
💫 Save your FREE spot & be inspired by our amazing role models! 💫