Monica Brewster Evening teams up with the Festival of Words to present award-winning author Jolene Stockman, who broke onto the world stage with a heartfelt exploration of her adult diagnosis with Autism in a TEDx talk. Jolene has written four award-winning books, has two more on the way, led worldwide conversations around neurodivergence, and has become a respected educator on diversity and inclusion. Jolene will share her lived experience.

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery’s regular Monica Brewster Evenings teams up with the Festival of Words to present award-winning author Jolene Stockman. As tangata whaitakiwātanga (autistic), Jolene is excited to bring her ultra-enthusiastic style to the festival, changing the way the world sees neurodivergence.

After struggling with her adult diagnosis Jolene shared her story with a TEDx talk, gaining international exposure and opening conversations around the world. Her presentations combine storytelling, lived experience, research, and practical strategies to support neurodivergent excellence and universal design. She uplifts and empowers with enthusiasm and humour.

The author of four books spanning fiction and non-fiction, all with a motivational edge, Jolene will this year release “the ultimate instruction manual for thriving while autistic,” Autistic World Domination with Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The sequel Neuro Navigators will follow in 2024.

Monica Brewster Evenings are presented in association with Govett Quilliam – The Lawyers and present a diverse array of national and international artists and cultural thinkers in Ngāmotu / New Plymouth.