Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Layla Luna. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Layla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

The Just Bee story starts with Rio, Layla Luna’s son. Over the years, Layla continued to find herself in difficult situations when people did not know how to respond to Rio, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of two.

One evening while Layla’s family was waiting for a table at a local restaurant, Rio started to have a sensory-overload from the hectic environment. Other customers became irritated, prompting restaurant management to ask Layla and her children to leave. Embarrassed, heartbroken, and disillusioned, Layla was wiping her tears away with her daughter’s bumble bee blanket when she asked herself, “Why can’t people Just Bee nice? Why can’t people just bee kind? Why can’t they just understand Autism?”
This was the beginning of Just Bee.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Since 2019, Layla has been a mother on a mission. As the Founder & CEO of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Just Bee, she works to connect families with their local community by raising awareness, creating partnerships, and providing training resources for sensory-friendly businesses – encouraging positive experiences for those with ASD.

The Just Bee Pledge is designed for DEI-focused businesses, public officials, and organizations looking to welcome and support the autistic and neurodivergent community. Become a Beeliever in three easy steps. Complete the training workshop, commit to a pledge and become a certified Bee Spot.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I believe the most difficult part of educating the public on Autism and Neurodiversity is that there’s no facial recognition to Autism. My son and the millions of individuals on the Spectrum look absolutely typical. It’s not like Down Syndrome or other disabilities that are visible. So, when an individual on the spectrum is having a sensory overload meltdown people often think they are a terrible child or the mom or dad is a terrible parent. This is the struggle to change the narrative.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I believe I recently had to pivot my career from being in the entertainment industry for 23 years. I was an award-winning choreographer and professional dancer. I had a tv show that reached 100 million viewers worldwide. But after I was kicked out of the restaurant with my son, this was my call to action! To be A Mother On A Mission. To create a world where my son could have the same quality of life as any other kid. Rio gave me my true purpose in life. To Just Bee The Change.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.JustBeeTheChange.com
• Instagram: JustBeeTheChange
• Facebook: Just Bee
• Linkedin: Just Bee