Sandy Zalmout

Leadership and Neuro-inclusion

• Cultivated a transglobal relationship with University of Melbourne to launch the Neurodiversity Project and the Beautiful Minds Conference in 2024.
• Leads the University of Michigan Neurodiversity Project
• Co-founder of the Higher Education Neurodiversity Network (HENN) alongside the University of Melbourne and University of Adelaide.
• Co-founder of the Michigan Higher Education Neurodiversity Network (Mi-HENN) alongside Eastern Michigan University and the University of Michigan campuses at Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint.
• Active on advisory committees for accessibility, disability support, cultural relations, and opportunity across communities

Transdisciplinary Path

Sandy is an alum of the University of Miami and the University of Michigan. She has been at the University of Michigan for nearly 20 years as a graduate student, clinical researcher, healthcare simulationist, and business professional.

Her transdisciplinary background spans engineering, business, public health, kinesiology, and technology. Combined with her expertise in cultural relations, this path has opened opportunities across multiple industries in the U.S. and abroad.

Global Perspectives and Community Work

Sandy's professional career began overseas as a cultural advisor in the United Arab Emirates. That role shaped her understanding of cultural nuance and how inclusive environments can support transformation.

Throughout her career, she has worked on humanitarian projects, including resettling migrant communities in South Florida, supporting war refugees through health and wellness fairs, and building community programs.

She served on the Board of Directors for the Ann Arbor YMCA (2017–2021), with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and global engagement.

Sandy also coached FIRST Robotics teams, working to expand equitable opportunities for children with disabilities with community partners in Dexter, Michigan.