Skip to main content

Esperanza Padilla

She/her


About Me

#ActuallyAutistic#ADHD#FirstGen

Hi there! I'm interested in research in Neurodiversity and the Sociology of Medicine. I discovered my Autism/ADHD later-in-life and which made me passionate about advocacy! I have extensive experience with self-advocacy to promote inclusion and support of Neurodivergent students at UC Berkeley through my tenure as Executive of Education (2020-2021) and Co-President of Spectrum: Autism at Cal (2021-2022). I look forward to expanding on my advocacy work and research at UCSF as an incoming graduate student for a Ph.D. in Sociology! Currently, I am a peer advocate for Student Support Services (SSS)TRiO at UC Berkeley. I became a TRiO member as a community college student at Napa Valley College and I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the program! As a fellow first-generation college student, I enjoy being able to support my peers by providing my resources through workshops and outreach. At the moment I am interested in social media management, but I look forward to contributing to research projects for SSS TRiO this summer. I hope to couple my aptitude for research and my love of advocacy in my future jobs and endeavors.

Ideal Workplace Values

Queer and multiracial preferred. Honest and transparent communication with the employer(s) and employees. Able to negotiate accommodations and take breaks when needed. Would love to join a collaborative and creative team to do research or advocacy on Neurodiversity.


Location

Oakland, California, US


Open To

Full Time InternshipPart Time InternshipFull Time JobFreelance/Contract WorkPart Time Job

Work Settings

RemoteHybrid

Career Interests

Law, Policy, & AdvocacyResearchEducation & InstructionWriting & Language Services

Skills & Strengths

Neuroexceptional Talents

I'm able to think outside the box and make connections that few people would typically come to recognize. I also do well in a crisis and can hyperfocus on a given task for hours.


Loading Skills...

Inclusion Essentials

Preferences

Closed CaptioningInterviewer Experienced with NeurodiversityAllowance of Fidgeting DevicesEmail / Calendar OrganizationDaily RemindersConcise instructionsReceiving Information in AdvanceWritten InstructionsRecorded Tasks & MessagesFlexible schedulePeriodic Rest BreaksUninterrupted Work Timemeditation / quiet roomNoise-cancelling HeadphonesQuiet / Individual WorkspacesSelf-stimulation tools / gadgetCounselingEmployee Resource Group

Sensory Sensitivities

Driving a vehicle
Bright, blinking, or fluorescent lights
Loud noises
Outdoors or places with strong smells
Variable temperatures
Uniforms (hard hat, hair net, etc.)