Reeds Fund Forms Council to Revolutionize Autistic Entrepreneurial Support

Baltimore, MD – April 7, 2025 – The Reeds Fund today announced the formation of the Perry Hall Entrepreneurship Program Advisory Council, a groundbreaking initiative focused on supporting young adults on the autism spectrum in starting and growing their businesses.

This council brings together experienced professionals and passionate advocates to provide mentorship, resources, and guidance tailored to the unique strengths and needs of autistic entrepreneurs. The program aims to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity, enabling these individuals to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

“We recognize the incredible talent and potential within the autistic community,” said Melanie Reeds, Co-Founder of Reeds Fund. “This advisory council is designed to create a supportive ecosystem where these young entrepreneurs can thrive, build sustainable businesses, and contribute meaningfully." to our community.”

The inaugural members of the Perry Hall Entrepreneurship Program Advisory Council are:

• Crystal Allen, Product Innovation and Principal Specialist, Medtronic: She specializes in the intersection of technology and health. Dedicated to startups and entrepreneurship, Crystal thrives in optimizing workflow processes, cultivating strategic partnerships, and driving innovation.

• Chelsea Brown, Founder, The Black Mill: She specializes in fundraising for non-profits organizations and is dedicated to promoting equity-focused initiatives on a global scale.

• Kiante Bush: Founder, Venture for Them: He is a tech-enthuisast and tech entrepreneur. He crated a startup launchpad based in DC to support HBCU startup founders through providing non-dilutive funding, connection to VC/C-Suite mentors, educational workshops, and various other benefits throughout the program.

• Latisha Coates-Young Founder, Young Legacy Consulting: She is an expert in operational excellence and human resources leadership in the non-profit sector. She ispassionate about supporting programs that serve at-risk and marginalized communities, ensuring they operate efficiently and create meaningful, lasting impact.

• Gloria Folaron, Founder and Head of Product, Leantime: She is a product leader working at the intersection of technology and human experience, championing inclusive design for all minds. Her journey from emergency room nursing to product leadership has given her a unique perspective that combines healthcare compassion, business strategy, and deep psychological insights.

• Brian Furr, Operations Manager, Clymb: He specializes in helping organizations develop cohesive cultures that foster collaboration, resilience, and success.

• Lanre Ogunbe, CEO, Prembly: He leads a compliance company backed by over $3.3M in equity funding that verifies over 25M people annually. He is also a Forbes Business Council member.

The Perry Hall Entreperneurship Advisory Council will focus on:

• Providing individualized mentorship and business coaching.

• Facilitating access to funding and resources.

• Offering workshops and training on essential business skills.

• Building a supportive community and network.

• Advocating for inclusive entrepreneurial practices.

“We are honored to be part of this transformative initiative,” said Latisha Coates-Young, Advisory Council member. “We believe that by empowering these young adults, we are not only helping them build businesses but also build a more inclusive and vibrant community. This initiative is about planting seeds of opportunity that will grow into lasting change."

Reeds Fund is committed to creating opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities and backgrounds. The Perry Hall Advisory Council represents a significant step towards realizing this vision.

About the Reeds Fund:

Reeds Fund educates, advocates for, and liberates young adults on the autistic spectrum across Maryland. We are dedicated to supporting young adults on the autism spectrum by providing financial resources and opportunities that promote independence and personal growth. The fund focuses on initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism, helping them to navigate the transition into adulthood and achieve their goals.

About the Perry Hall Entrepreneurship Program:

The Perry Hall Entrepreneurship Program is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial opportunities for young adults on the autistic spectrum. Recognizing the unique talents and perspectives this community brings to the business world, the Reeds Fund provides targeted seed funding, mentorship, and resources to help these individuals launch and scale their ventures. This initiative aims to break down barriers to entrepreneurship, empowering individuals on the autism spectrum to achieve their business goals while building valuable skills in areas such as financial management, marketing, and strategic planning. The program emphasizes personalized support, connecting participants with experienced mentors who understand the specific challenges and strengths of autistic entrepreneurs, and creating a supportive community for growth and collaboration.

Media Contact:

Melanie Reeds, hello@reedsfund.org