Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Ed.D., is an Empowerment Engineer and a leading advocate at the intersection of entertainment, education, workforce development, and disability advocacy. As the Founder and Executive Director of Jazz Hands For Autism, she has pioneered tech-enabled pathways for neurodivergent musicians, fostering access to arts education, employment, and industry opportunities. Under her leadership, Jazz Hands For Autism has served hundreds of neurodivergent individuals nationwide, creating employment pathways and generating over $50,000 in earnings for neurodivergent creatives. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dr. Nweke has lent her expertise to institutions worldwide, including the GRAMMY Museum, the Vancouver International Film Festival, the USC Price School of Public Policy, and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. Holding degrees from UCLA and USC, she is a recognized civic leader honored by California lawmakers and the Empowerment Congress for her transformative work in inclusive arts education.
“I see the arts as a catalyst for change, a way to reimagine possibilities for students who have historically been marginalized, and a vehicle for building a more inclusive creative economy.”