Dr Dawn-joy Leong | Keynote Speaker

Dr Dawn-joy Leong Speaker: Illuminating Neurodivergent Creativity and Empathy

That autistic woman’s journey—and the lessons she’s learnt from it—is what Dr Dawn-joy Leong brings to her audiences around the world. After a few years away from academic research, she’s now back on the Editorial Board of “Neurodiversity” at SAGE journals. She wants to share the ways her autism—and her experiences as an artist—shape her work.

When she talks to corporate audiences, she shows them the beauty of neurodivergent creativity, alternative empathy and the connections between humans and animals. Dawn Joy’s new mission is to highlight the value of lived experience and the beauty of being true to yourself.

Sensory Exploration and Artistic Practice

Dr Leong’s work—where the boundaries of art and science blur—is in its ability to capture the sensory idiosyncrasies that make neurodivergent experiences so unique. Through immersive installations and a multi-art praxis that blends disciplines in a fantasia style, she explores the kinds of empathy and communication that we often take for granted.

Her projects are designed to get under your skin—emotionally and literally—inviting both neurodivergent and neurotypical audiences to rethink what we mean by empathy and understanding. That’s where her insights come in—particularly in a corporate setting. Dr Leong’s art and storytelling can help event attendees see neurodivergence through a different lens—one that values the creativity and sensory richness that neurodivergent individuals bring to the table.

That’s where the real conversations start. And where those conversations happen—those spaces she creates for open dialogue—is where we can start to break down barriers and build a more inclusive world.

A Lifelong Muse: Lucy Like-a-Charm

Dr Leong’s journey has been forever intertwined with that of her beloved autism assistance dog, Lucy Like-a-Charm. Lucy—a rescued black Greyhound from Australia—became both steadfast companion and muse. She influenced Dr Leong’s art and helped her navigate life’s social and sensory challenges. That deep bond let Dr Leong pursue her artistic dreams and really get to the heart of what it means to connect with others—and ourselves.

Lucy’s presence changed Dr Leong’s life in ways both big and small. Her creative output—and the way she lives her life—reflect that. Dr Leong shares stories about her amazing adventures with Lucy to show just how much animal-assisted support can make a difference. Corporate audiences—especially those focused on resilience, mental well-being and the power of supportive connections—really respond to that message.

Honouring Lucy Through “Scheherazade’s Sea”

Dr Dawn-joy Leong’s work is a testament to the power of art to heal and connect. After Lucy departed in 2023, Dr Leong began working on the multimedia autobiography they’d been crafting together — Scheherazade’s Sea: Wake Up in My Dreams. That project is a magnum opus, a love letter to Lucy’s memory — and to Dr Leong’s own neurodivergent experience. Through visual, sensory, and auditory elements, Scheherazade’s Sea brings that story to life in a way that’s accessible to everyone.

Dr Dawn-joy Leong’s Vision for Inclusive Art and Design

Dr Leong has spent years advocating for accessibility in the arts. She wants her work—and the work of others—to be inclusive of every person, including those with different sensory, cognitive, or disability-related needs. She’s shown that with multi-access formats, art can be more than just something you see or hear—it can be something you feel, too. And that’s where the real magic happens.

In her talks, Dr Leong shares the practical ways businesses can incorporate inclusive design into their initiatives. She shows how small adjustments can make a big difference in how art and media engage—and include—people of all abilities. Those talks challenge corporate event audiences to think about inclusion in a whole new way—and to see just how much of a difference that can make.

Book Dr Dawn-joy Leong to Speak at Your Event!

Dr Dawn-joy Leong’s life and art offer audiences a transformative experience. Her journey with Lucy, combined with her insights into neurodivergent creativity and sensory empathy, makes her an inspiring keynote choice when exploring Speaker Ideas for corporate events. With a presence shaped by over ten years of advocacy and artistry, she offers a unique lens into the mortal realm of human experience. Whether discussing neurodivergent embodiment or the legacy of her beloved Lucy, Dr Leong’s talks leave lasting impressions that encourage inclusivity and empathy.

To book Dr Dawn-joy Leong as a keynote speaker, visit our contact page and let her story bring a new dimension to your next corporate event.