Veronica Tess Myers, founding president and CEO of Alexander’s Secret in Little Rock, a nonprofit organization that works to advocate for people with autism, received the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Health 2.0 Conference in Las Vegas in March.
According to its website, the Health 2.0 Conference brings together experts with various specialties to highlight developments in health care and provide opportunities for networking and an exchange of ideas.
Myers founded Alexander’s Secret in response to the challenges she has faced as the primary caregiver of her son, Alexander Myers, who has severe autism. Much of her work involves fighting against what she views as the misuse of systems designed to help those with autism and their caregivers.
She said the recognition was a humbling experience and an honor.
VAAV Industries Managing Director Vincent W. Allen presents Myers with the award
“To be recognized on a global platform for my compassion and concern and the challenges endured when it comes to financial exploitation of taxpayer-funded, government-facilitated programs and systemic issues of our health care responsibility means that my voice is being heard and I am part of the much-needed dialogue of redefining the norms of patriarchy and to move in that compassion in setting the stage for a different foreseeable future with refreshed navigation of individualized, person-centered health care,” she said.
She has participated in various disability-related organizations, including the Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities and Disability Rights Arkansas.
Last year, she completed a master’s degree in applied communication studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Having completed a thesis on interactions between African American men with autism and law enforcement, she said she plans to work with local law enforcement agencies to provide training about interacting with people who have autism.
Alexander’s Secret will host the Autism Acceptance Block Party from noon to 4 p.m. on April 21 at 805 N. Hughes St. in Little Rock. The event will provide entertainment, vendors, exhibitors and advocacy opportunities. April is National Autism Acceptance Month.
To read more about Alexander’s Secret, click here. To follow the nonprofit on social media, click here.
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