Corporate Keynotes & Case Studies
Parenting an Outlier
US Foods
Co-sponsored by US Foods CAN (Corporate Asian Network), ADAPT (Disabilities Network), and PACT (Parents & Caregivers Team) ERGs
Wed, May 13, 2026 | Virtual Keynote Panel
What happens when a successful Solutions Architect, thriving in a demanding tech career, faces deep fear and self-doubt at home?
In this special dual-awareness keynote, Marie J. Elliot shares her powerful journey of raising a neurodivergent son in systems that were simply not built for him. By applying the exact same problem-solving, deep research, and fierce advocacy skills that fueled her tech career, she demonstrates how working parents can transform daily familial struggle into sustainable resilience — empowering their children to succeed academically, emotionally, and into adulthood.
What This Session Delivers
Defining the “Outlier”
Understanding those who see and process the world differently — children and professionals with traits like ADHD or Autism, or those who reach milestones at their own pace.
Overcoming Taboos
Moving decisively past deep-seated cultural taboos and societal stigmas to view neurological differences as strategic advantages rather than deficits.
The Caregiver’s Toolkit
Practical ways to translate professional “work smarts” into home-front advocacy that helps neurodivergent youth build unshakable confidence.
Impact & Feedback
Menu Manager & CAN President, US Foods
This webinar helped reinforce the important areas of being a parent of an ‘outlier.’ She reminded me that I don’t have to do this alone, which oftentimes is how I feel. The most important piece I’m holding on to is continuing to advocate for my child.
— PACT Member / Working Parent
The event was really meaningful to me as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent myself. I really appreciate all the work you folks did to put this event together!
— CAN Member / Corporate Professional
Thank you so much for your vulnerability! Different, not less! As a neuroatypical person, I absolutely love the precise version of this content.
— Live Chat Feedback / US Foods Employees
