Nicole Russell is an Autistic community builder, organizer, speaker, and consultant living in Brooklyn. She was diagnosed as Autistic in August 2021, midway through her Master’s degree in Music Composition and Theory at New York University. The combination of navigating a new diagnosis, adjusting to city life, and struggling to find a sense of belonging inspired her to create a space where other Autistic adults could find connection and support. In 2022, she founded Autistic Adults NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the NYC Autistic community through events, advocacy, and education. Since its founding, Nicole has led the organization with a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and community care - hosting hundreds of events, sharing resources, and building a thriving network of Autistic adults.

Nicole is committed to advocating for a more inclusive, equitable NYC for Autistic adults. Dynamic and deeply connected to the arts, Nicole continues to organize art events, teach and perform both classical and experimental music. Her creativity flows through every aspect of her work - from running innovative events to weaving artistic expression into community-building efforts.