Upper Marlboro, Maryland—Teresa Thomas, seasoned in both cybersecurity management and recruiting, hiring, and retaining neurodivergent and disabled talent, is joining Melwood Community Services to lead and expand its innovative abilIT initiative.
The abilIT program bridges the gap between people with disabilities and careers in information technology (IT) and cybersecurity. As Director of abilIT, Thomas will oversee the program and drive its national expansion, scaling it in innovative and impactful ways.
Thomas brings nearly a decade of experience in neurodivergent talent recruiting and retention, along with deep insights into abilIT’s success. Previously at MITRE, she designed and led a neurodiversity internship program and supported pilot neurodiversity hiring programs at federal agencies. Thomas has led and trained teams in neurodiversity-focused best practices, co-authored influential works on the topic – including the Neurodiversity@Work Playbook: Federal Edition – and is a parent to an adult on the autism spectrum.
“Teresa Thomas is a passionate advocate for neuroinclusive workplaces, having facilitated employment for neurodiverse individuals across industries in the U.S. and globally. She is the ideal leader for Melwood’s abilIT program, and we’re thrilled to welcome her expertise and dedication,” said Melwood President & CEO Larysa Kautz.
“I’m honored to lead the abilIT team and contribute to a transformative program that changes lives by preparing adults with disabilities for rewarding careers in a high-demand sector of our economy,” Thomas said.
The abilIT program addresses critical challenges: high underemployment and unemployment rates among neurodivergent and disabled adults, the growing demand for IT and tech talent, and the need for a cohesive national solution. To learn more about abilIT or to apply for the program visit www.melwoodcommunity.org.
Media Contact:
Jewelyn Cosgrove
Vice President, Government and Public Relations
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About Melwood Community Services
Melwood Community Services offers innovative programming that empowers children, youth, and adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities. Melwood Community Services focuses on developing bold new ideas and activities designed to foster community integration and personal growth and fulfillment for people with disabilities. With a focus on overcoming barriers and expanding opportunities, Melwood Community Services’ programs and services are designed to support people to live fully in their communities, enjoying recreational activities, exploring and retaining career choices, and providing respite for caregivers. For more information about Melwood Community Services, a part of the Melwood family of companies, visit www.melwoodcommunity.org.
