Page 20 - OHS, April/May 2025

I N D U S T R I A L H Y G I E N E
From embracing neurodiversity
to leading with resilience,
AIHA Connect 2025’s keynotes
challenge OEHS professionals
to think beyond compliance
and transform how they lead,
connect, and protect.
and Poster Sessions showcasing innovative projects from OEHS
professionals. Learning Pavilion Sessions, hosted by industry part-
ners, will focus on research, technology, and case studies relevant
to current challenges.
On the expo fl oor, Exhibitor Innovation Station Sessions will
give exhibitors a platform to present their latest products and solu-
tions. Th ese brief presentations will directly address the needs of
industrial hygienists and EHS professionals.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
AIHA Connect 2025 is set to feature two keynote speakers who
will address critical aspects of diversity in the workplace. David
Finch and Evy Poumpoura will share their insights, aiming to in-
spire industrial hygiene and safety professionals to take innovative
approaches to their work.
On Monday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. ET David Finch will
present Harnessing the Power of a Neurodiverse Workforce. Finch
is an accomplished author, engineer, and neurodiversity advocate.
He will discuss the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the
workplace, not only as an inclusion eff ort but as a strategic advantage.
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 2008,
Finch has fi rsthand experience navigating both personal and pro-
fessional challenges associated with neurodivergence. His journey
began aft er recognizing the impact of ASD traits on his marriage,
leading to a process of self-discovery that transformed his relation-
ships and approach to work.
Drawing on his professional background in semiconductor
engineering, soft ware development, and Fortune 500 marketing,
Finch will present practical strategies for managing neurodiverse
teams. He will discuss how to leverage the unique talents of neu-
rodivergent employees and create supportive environments that
maximize their contributions.
According to Finch, virtually every workplace with more than
two employees could be considered neurodiverse. His keynote will
explore how to eff ectively manage this diversity and unlock the
potential of gift ed employees who may approach tasks diff erently.
On Wednesday, May 21 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. ET, the
closing keynote speaker, Evy Poumpoura will focus on Bulletproof
18 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL/MAY 2025 Strategies for Leading Fearlessly. She is the law enforcement con-
tributor for NBC and an adjunct professor at the City University of
New York—two roles in which communication skills are obviously
important. However, her ability to communicate eff ectively was
just as necessary in her previous careers as a New York City police
offi cer and Secret Service agent.
As someone who broke glass ceilings in a male-dominated
fi eld, former Secret Service special agent Evy Poumpouras dem-
onstrates how anyone can move beyond self-doubt to a mindset of
strength and resilience. In this talk, she shares valuable methods
for harnessing solution-based thinking at work and every day and
fi ltering out the noise to lead and solve problems eff ectively.
Evy Poumpouras wrote in an email to AIHA’ blog Synergist-
NOW (www.aiha.org/blog) that her AIHA Connect 2025 closing
keynote will not be “centered solely on the job” but “focused on
people.” Th at is, although being an OEHS professional requires
a great deal of technical skill, it is still ultimately based on inter-
personal relationships. “Regardless of the task at hand, it is people
you need to learn, understand, and deal with so that you can make
things happen,” Poumpouras wrote. “You are in the business of
people. Period. If you can master that, you can master anything.”
Poumpouras stresses how important it is for leaders to mas-
ter emotional intelligence, enhance mental fortitude, and break
through diminishing thought patterns and self-doubt, while pro-
viding audience members powerful tools to add to their arsenal as
they look to lead themselves and their people to conquering short-
and long-term challenges.
Both keynotes aim to provide attendees with new perspectives
that will help them foster work environments that not only pri-
oritize diversity in the workforce but also embrace leadership and
continuous improvement.
ACTIVITIES & WELLNESS
In addition to educational programming, AIHA Connect 2025
will promote wellness and community engagement. Th e AIHF
Fun Run/Walk will be held both in-person and virtually, allow-
ing attendees to support OEHS professionals while staying active.
Health and Wellness Pop-Ups will include morning yoga sessions
and an evening session on Tuesday.
Th e Nexus Lounge will be available from May 19 to 20, off ering
Lessons in Leadership sessions designed for students and early-ca-
reer professionals. Th is space will provide opportunities to connect
with mentors and learn from industry leaders.
Attendees can also take advantage of the Dine and Dash option,
which allows them to pre-purchase lunch and enjoy a quick meal
without missing networking opportunities. Options will include
dishes like Philly Cheesesteak, Chicken Alfredo, and Jackfruit Plates.
With sessions ranging from technical training to wellness ac-
tivities, and off erings tailored to students, early-career profession-
als, and industry veterans alike, AIHA Connect 2025 refl ects the
diverse needs of today’s OEHS workforce. As the profession grows,
AIHA Connect 2025 is clearly aiming to off er attendees an oppor-
tunity to develop their skills, build professional connections, ex-
plore the latest advancements, and help shape the future of safety
and health.
Stasia DeMarco is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational
Health & Safety.
www.ohsonline.com