Atlanta City Hall Hosts Powerful Autism Awareness Event Honoring Voices That Deserve to Be Heard

By Crystal Jordan

Auesomely You Magazine

Published: 4/19/2025

ATLANTA — On Wednesday, April 16, the heart of the city pulsed with purpose as Atlanta City Hall welcomed advocates, families, and changemakers for the 2025 OCS Autism Awareness Event. Hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services and Human Resources Wellness Program, this impactful gathering served as a heartfelt celebration of Autism Awareness Month and a rallying call for inclusion and understanding.

Image credit: Crystal Jordan / Auesomely You Magazine

Held inside the Atlanta City Hall Atrium from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the event brought together a diverse community for a day of storytelling, advocacy, and inspiration. Attendees were treated to a warm welcome, followed by a delicious lunch provided for the first 150 guests. The atrium was abuzz with local vendors, resource tables, and supportive organizations offering tools, information, and services for the autism community.

Image credit: Crystal Jordan / Auesomely You Magazine

If you had a child on the specturm this was the place to be from great speakers to room filled with resources.

The event’s emotional centerpiece was the premiere of Makayla’s Voice: A Letter to the World, a moving documentary that shares the powerful story of Makayla Cain, a young advocate using her voice and experiences to shift perceptions and break barriers.The City of Atlanta even honored and made it Makayla's Day.

Image credit: Crystal Jordan / Auesomely You Magazine

Moderators Shavone Riggins, Shakura Castro, and Le'Dor Miller helped guide an engaging and thoughtful panel discussion titled “Meaningful Voices and Conversations.” The panel featured leading experts and advocates, including:

Natasha Nelson of SuperNova Parenting
Meredith Sinclair of Life Behavior Consulting
Tanya Newberry of Autism Branches
Joy Edwards of Edwards Law Group
Anna Maki of Bobby Dodd Institute

Together, these panelists shared personal stories, practical resources, and empowering insights that touched every heart in the room. Topics ranged from early intervention and parent advocacy to career inclusion and building supportive communities for individuals with autism.

Image credit: Crystal Jordan / Auesomely You Magazine

At Auesomely You Magazine, we were proud to attend and witness the dedication of Atlanta’s leaders and families who are working tirelessly to build a more inclusive world in Atlanta. Being from Atlanta , this makes me proud of my city becuase we are focusing on inclsuion , and not leaving autistic people out the conservations. Events like this remind us that every story deserves to be seen, celebrated, and heard — a mission that lies at the core of what we do.