Our Business Ambassadors
Please join us in welcoming our wonderful Business Ambassadors!
Business Ambassadors
We are thrilled to launch Scottish Autism’s Business Ambassadors and are delighted to announce the support of five wonderful individuals.
By drawing on their own experience and expertise, our voluntary Business Ambassadors will work with us to raise awareness and funds to support the work of Scottish Autism.
The unique strengths, interests and talents of each of our ambassadors will help towards our vision of a world where autistic people are understood and enabled to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives as valued members of the community.
Matt Donnelly
Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from a full career spanning four decades in working with and advising businesses across numerous industrial and commercial sectors. As the founder and managing director of two successful businesses, he has first-hand management and leadership experience in the issues relating to recruitment, to leading and to retaining a team.
He understands that success without the right team in place is very unlikely to be sustainable. He appreciates the difficulties in recruitment and the challenges to fully utilising the talents of team members for their own benefit as well as for a business or organisation. These unused talents within our community are a huge motivator for Matt.
Matt’s involvement with his successful businesses in Chartered Accountancy and in Financial Planning, helped to make a difference to the lives of business owners across Scotland. It also helped him to assist other charities directly through his substantial network of connections.
In 2018, Matt moved away from his 28 year position as Managing Director of ad+ Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, to concentrate on his duties as Founder of the company. He retired in 2020 from his Financial Planning business and now aims to utilise his time in other business areas and gain more charitable involvement.
Matt said,
My interest in getting involved with Scottish Autism arises from the help that they provide for my cousin’s son. I’m grateful for the help provided to their family and recognise that this valuable work must continue and thrive to help others that so badly need assistance.
Stephanie Hendry
Stephanie is a solicitor with a wealth of knowledge and experience from a career in criminal defence and civil litigation. Currently, Stephanie works in Regulation as a Reporter.
During her career, Stephanie has grown her personal network and aims to raise awareness of autism across her industry through supporting the work of Scottish Autism.
Stephanie said,
I have a young son who is autistic. How he sees the world is fascinating and I love the way his mind works. I’ve found that I’ve often had to advocate for his needs to be met in society. I’m delighted to be working with Scottish Autism to increase awareness of autism in that regard.
Graeme Cox
Graeme is an experienced life science professional who has worked across operations, supply chain and project management for over 25 years.
Graeme is a Senior Director of Program Management at Lonza, who support customers in the delivery of new and innovative medicines to help treat a wide range of diseases.
Graeme is working with industry colleagues to help raise autism awareness with a focus on inclusive routes to employment.
Graeme said,
I have a son at primary school who is autistic. He is smart, funny, a joy to be around and my family are blessed to have such an amazing child in our lives. Like all parents we want our son to have the opportunity to thrive in whatever environment he decides in the future. My motivation to work with Scottish Autism is exploring inclusive routes to employment in the life science sector.
Karen McKeating
Karen is an experienced Sales Manager with over 14 years in the hospitality sector.
Karen started her career in the reservations and events office then worked her way into the world of sales. Over the years, Karen has worked across Scotland, in Troon, Stirling, Aberdeen and Edinburgh until January 2022 when she began her role as Cluster Sales Manager at the voco Grand Central and Kimpton Blythswood Square.
One of Karen’s favourite things about working within the hospitality industry is meeting so many different people. She has a strong network of connections across a variety of sectors.
In her role, she especially enjoys working with charities and the mission of Scottish Autism in particular has a very special place in her heart.
Karen said,
I have been a passionate advocate of autism for many years. We found out our son, Arran, was autistic when he was only 3 years old.
Since then, I have been inspired and encouraged by the work of Scottish Autism. I am delighted to become one of the Business Ambassadors and I look forward to doing what I can to raise awareness for this amazing charity.
Understanding is key and as a family we continue to learn from Arran every day. I look forward to a world where every autistic person is understood and enabled to lead meaningful fulfilled lives. We can make a difference
Laura-Jane McClenaghan
Laura-Jane is the Commercial Director at Hilton Glasgow, with over 10 years experience of working in the events and hospitality industries.
She began her career in wedding and events management, before moving to roles that shaped a career in sales and business development.
With Laura-Jane's wealth of experience comes with a vast network of connections along the way. She is particularly motivated to work with Scottish Autism through her personal connections to autism.
Laura-Jane said,
For years now I have been an advocate for the community as my son is autistic and waiting for a paediatric diagnosis, as well as other members of the family. Kier has just turned 3 and is the light of my life and I am so proud of the things he achieves each day.
Like all mums and dads, I am passionate and driven to do the best for him and others - processes and getting support is not always easy. Anything that I can do to help increase understanding, educate and support the community, I am there!
You too can be a Scottish Autism Business Ambassador
Becoming a Scottish Autism Business Ambassador is an exciting opportunity for you to get involved in supporting Scottish Autism’s mission to enable autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
We're looking for high profile individuals who feel a connection to the autistic community and are aligned with our vision, mission and values. If you are motivated to:
- Raise awareness of autism and Scottish Autism through your networks and associations
- Lend your support to awareness raising, fundraising, campaigning and influencing
- Use your skills and talents to support Scottish Autism across your industry
then please get in touch with our team and help to improve the lives of autistic people and their families across Scotland.
Get in touch >>
