The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee at the University of Westminster hosted a Neurodiversity celebration this year. The evening featured pottery, painting and engaging workshops, alongside insightful speeches and performances, all aimed at promoting understanding, creativity and community among neurodivergent individuals and their allies.
The event began with a warm welcome from Maryam Seyedsalehi, the International Student Support Champion at Westminster and host of the celebration. This was followed by opening remarks from Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability and Co-chair of the EDI Committee, who emphasised the importance of challenging prejudice to create meaningful celebration. Maryam Seyedsalehi delivered a keynote speech, sharing personal insights and advocating for greater acceptance of neurodiversity.
Attendees then enjoyed a talk by music therapist Leandro Fontanaza, who demonstrated how music can support emotional and cognitive well-being. The evening also featured a stand-up comedy performance by Courtney Cornfield, blending laughter with reflection, and a presentation on neurodiversity in education which highlighted the unique perspectives and challenges faced by neurodivergent students.
The success of this year’s Neurodiversity Celebration event underscores the importance of continuing such initiatives. By fostering dialogue, creativity and acceptance, Westminster reaffirms its commitment to building a community where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Magdalena Ruiz Perez, the EDI Student Champion, said: “What a great experience! I enjoyed every part of it, as an attendee and an EDI champion helping during the event. Seeing that my university provides the space for raising awareness about neurodiversity gives me hope in the fight against prejudice in mental health. Celebration cannot happen without challenging prejudice, as Professor Dibyesh Anand said when opening the event. Navigating life as a neurodivergent person encounters many inner and outer obstacles, and most people see us as a person with a condition rather than a person who can offer a different perspective of the world. We must keep creating these spaces of dialogue and celebration, understanding that we all are unique and valuable.”
Reflecting on the creative arts session, Dr Joan Liu, one of the workshop co-organisers, added: “It was a pleasure to host a creative arts session using clay during the Neurodiversity Celebration evening. The session offers inclusive opportunities for self-expression and creativity while promoting mental and physical well-being and social interaction. It was fantastic to see and celebrate the diverse ways in which participants work with clay and to hear the stories behind their clay work.”
The celebration concluded with a dinner and networking session, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences and build lasting relationships.
This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 4: Quality Education and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about upcoming EDI events at the University.
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