AVIXA Diversity Council

Videos

Sam Grierson on Neurodivergence, Creativity, and Authenticity | Beyond Visual

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis helps you better understand who you've always been? In this episode of Beyond Visual, Sam Grierson shares her personal and professional journey with autism, reflecting on the experiences that led to her diagnosis and how it transformed her understanding of herself. After recognizing similarities between her own experiences and those of her child during the diagnostic process, Sam embarked on a journey of self-discovery that reshaped her life.

Recorded Webinars

Beyond the Mask: Creating Workplaces Where Everyone Can Thrive

Breakdown invisible barriers and foster compassionate environments where every team member feels valued and empowered to safely bring their authentic self to work.

Recorded Webinars

Designing AV Spaces with Americans Disability Act (ADA) in Mind

This webinar provides practical guidance for designing AV spaces that promote accessibility, usability, and effective communication for all users.

Recorded Webinars

Supporting Different Kinds of Minds

Learn about the power of “different minds,” designing for human behavior and gain a better understanding of autism and neurodiversity.

Videos

Creating Equity and Opportunities in the AV Industry w/ The Loop Lab's Chris Hope | Beyond Visual

Meet Reverend Christopher Hope, Executive Director and Founder of The Loop Lab, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access, equity, and opportunity in the audiovisual (AV) and media industries. Chris shares his journey from growing up around technology and music in Atlanta, to discovering the power of production work through ministry, to launching a mentorship program that has transformed career pathways for underestimated young adults in Boston. The Loop Lab’s mission is clear: Talent is universal. Opportunity is not. Through tuition‑free AV training, paid fellowships, industry credentials, and college credit partnerships, The Loop Lab removes barriers such as transportation, finances, and lack of access—ensuring that participants can build meaningful careers in the AV and media fields.

Videos

RISE AV Mentoring: Building Skills and Confidence for Women in Technical AV

Leaders from the RISE AV mentoring program discuss how the initiative supports women in technical AV roles through intentional mentor–mentee pairing, confidence-building development, and community—plus how employers and individuals can get involved and what outcomes participants see.

Videos

Elevate: Breaking Barriers for Women in AV and Live Production

Rachael Hamilton shares what the Elevate program is doing to address challenges and barriers women face across AV and live production, highlighting practical ways organizations and individuals can support more inclusive career pathways.

Recorded Webinars

Mastering the Art of the Inclusive and Engaging Panel

Many of us are leaders and advocates for a cause in some fashion, but being in the spotlight on a panel can be a different kind of challenge for a multitude of reasons. In this session, attendees will learn more about some of those challenges, build the skills and confidence to participate or create their next inclusive and engaging panel, and receive tips for speakers, planners, and moderators.

Videos

A Divergent Journey from Science Fiction to AI Development | Beyond Visual

This episode of Beyond Visual features Noelle Russell, a pioneering force behind Amazon's Alexa project. Noelle shares her journey of merging her love for technology and science fiction into a thriving career in AI development. In her journey, she navigates the challenges and triumphs of being a leader in a predominantly male industry and is dedicated to fostering inclusion for women and neurodiversity (and fellow cat owners) through her inspirational talks. Noelle paves the way for others to explore their potential in technology careers, breaking barriers and redefining success.

Videos

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being

Presented by AVIXA's Diversity Council - In an era where neurodivergent individuals represent roughly 20% of the global population, crafting spaces that cater to diverse sensory and cognitive needs has never been more crucial. This session will delve into the insights provided by Kay Sargent of HOK, spotlighting her pivotal work: Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment. Join Kay in discussion with Jenn Steinhardt as they explore how strategic adjustments to physical environments can significantly uplift both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. They will discuss the impact of spatial zoning, sensory zones, and the artful application of patterns, textures, colors, and lighting and how these elements can transform ordinary workplaces into supportive and empowering havens. They will explore: Redefining Work Environments: Strategies to view and design office spaces from a neuroinclusive perspective. Accommodating Sensory Sensitivities: Techniques to optimize workspaces for all six work modalities, fostering environments where individuals can thrive, whether engaged in focused or collaborative tasks. Enhancing Inclusion for Productivity: Practices that reshape high-stress spaces into functional, welcoming areas conducive to productivity and belonging for everyone.

Articles

Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces Through AV/IT Innovation

Explore how AV/IT professionals can drive the future of neuroinclusive workplace design. This article provides strategies to implement technological and accessibility-driven solutions for neurodivergent employees, along with insights into emerging trends.

Videos

A Legacy of Empowerment through Leadership | Beyond Visual with Christine Schyvinck

This episode of Beyond Visual looks at the story of Christine Schyvinck, CEO of Shure Incorporated, a pioneer in the audiovisual industry. As a prominent figure leading a world-renowned company, Christine’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership. Inspired by the mentorship and leadership from the Shure family, discover how Christine navigated her career path, breaking barriers as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and how Christine champions diversity and inclusion within the industry, advocating for future leaders from all backgrounds.

Recorded Webinars

The Power of Allyship in Fostering DEI

The Diversity Council’s aim is to encourage inclusion and promote human, cultural, and systemic diversity in all forms within the Audio-Visual industry. This webinar is part of the #DiversityinAV webinar series where we bring to light important DEI topics while looking at them through the lens of the AV industry.

Videos

Unconscious Bias Training | Let's Talk About Equity

Explore the role of unconscious bias in conversations about equity in this AVIXA TV training video. Focused on diversity and inclusion, this session offers a thoughtful look at equity and encourages viewers to reflect on how bias can shape workplace experiences and decision-making.