Empowering Neurodiversity Through Transformative Storytelling

-Conference attendee, UCLA's AIM 2025 Taking AIM Conference

I loved the panel, and I did find Dennis to be my favorite panelist, mainly because of how he highlighted an intersectional experience that is not often brought up, and I personally really felt seen. It’s so important to highlight the perspectives of disabled people in any community because we exist everywhere, and I feel like we are often silenced so much.

-Conference attendee, UCLA's AIM 2025 Taking AIM Conference

Before I knew I was autistic, I often felt like I was not even a real Chinese American because my meltdowns made it hard for me to connect with my peers or participate in cultural activities, and I never learned how to read the language. I think the panel was great, and Dennis gave lots of great advice, and I enjoyed connecting with him.

I thought his experience was especially important to share because the way cultural background informs how people interact with and are hindered by systems isn't talked about enough.

-Conference attendee, UCLA's AIM 2025 Taking AIM Conference

I appreciated that the panel included Dennis’ perspective as a disabled Asian American. It was so nice seeing the intersectionality in the panel because I've heard a lot of stories about the Asian American experience in literature before, and honestly, I never could identify with them. The ones I read were always about people who were pushed to the breaking point by their parents' standards, but I felt increasingly isolated because they usually met those standards at some point, while I had always been viewed as an outcast and not up to par because of my social differences.

-Sophie A., Autism Advocacy at UCLA's Board Member

Dennis was delightful to work with. Not only did his presentation bring a new and welcome perspective to our event by introducing various forms of intersectionality with the autistic community, predominantly Asian American representation, but he was also responsive and flexible. There were numerous changes to the event, and Dennis always adjusted to meet our needs, which paid off because the event was a success. His presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and other speakers, and he answered a variety of interesting questions with thought-provoking responses in our Q&A section. Overall, we'd be lucky to work with Dennis again in the future!

-Sarika, Heap's Asian ERG Lead

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage and Mental Health Awareness Month, we had the privilege of inviting Dennis Tran to join us at Heap as a guest speaker and advocate for mental health and DEI. Dennis graciously shared his personal journey, navigating the intergenerational traumas associated with mental health awareness in the AAPI community. The impact of Dennis’ talk was truly remarkable and deeply moving. The Zoom chat overflowed with numerous examples of how individuals could relate to Dennis’ story. If you’re in search of an event, I highly recommend considering Dennis as a speaker. Our DEI team absolutely loved working with him.

-Kiomi V., Heap’s Asian ERG, Co-Chair

Amazing having Dennis joined us to share his story. So many of us resonated with it and learned so much, so much so that the chat was on fire. The themes that came up in his story overlapped with many of our experiences, and his vulnerability and storytelling were incredible. We really appreciate his partnership on this!

-Serena B. and Patricia W., Steelcase 

Dennis & AADI's team created a thought-provoking narrative. A great conversation. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us and letting us glimpse into your world – which we can all hopefully make better together! We truly appreciate the experience Dennis & AADI's team have so thoughtfully created with and for us.

-Nich S., Create Purpose

Working with Dennis was so productive and easy. He brought a great deal of skill and empathy to the work, and it was such a pleasure being guided by him through all the different programs and events to further our impact from ideas to implementations. Our success would not be possible without him. If you're looking for a program consultant, advisor, or project manager for your organization, I highly recommend considering Dennis for your team!

-Prof. H. Seung, Cal State Fullerton, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

The information that Dennis shared was well-organized and informative. His message regarding neurodiversity was very powerful and rooted in his own lived experience. I am confident that the information and impact of Dennis' talk and presentation will have a long-lasting impact on our speech-language pathologist graduate students as they go into their professional careers.

-Erasing Shame Podcast Host

The Autism Self Advocacy Panel was a great panel and I'm thankful I got to attend. Thank you for organizing and sharing to the public such important identities that are often an afterthought or ignored.

-Hannah S., DE&I Corporate Strategist

Dennis provided a great perspective on the practical ways to create more inclusive workplace cultures and leadership - especially the essential nexus between mental health and disability support and accommodations at work during the Culture First Global Chapter by Culture Amp's panel discussion. Very informative!

-Ran Schwarzkopf., Professor/Orthopaedic Surgeon NYU Langone Orthopedic at NYU Langone Health

Dennis and I worked collaboratively on an outcomes clinical research study (UCI Health Dept. Orthopaedic Surgery) where he reported directly to me. He made great contributions to not only our research study but also to the entire team with his persistence and due diligence to complete assigned tasks and projects in a timely manner. During his time here, he was a big help and always willing to take on different assignments and projects, building rapport with patients, staff, and facilities in the process. His commitment and contribution to improve patient care and patient health outcomes were truly remarkable. It’s been such a joy working with him and seeing him grow over the year.