Welcome Lauren DeVillier – Our New CEO!
We’re excited to share some big news: Lauren DeVillier will be joining Exceptional Minds as our new Chief Executive Officer, officially stepping into the role on July 14. Lauren brings with her more than two decades of experience in media and entertainment, with senior leadership roles at companies like Disney, Yahoo!, Warner/Discovery, and Microsoft. Most […]
A New Animated Short Looks at Autism Through a Personal Lens
What’s your favorite food? For Sammy, the question sets off a cascade of thoughts. In Too Many Options, a new animated short from the Exceptional Minds Animation Studio, a moment of small talk becomes a moment of overwhelm. As Sammy struggles to choose just one answer, the film offers a close look at analysis paralysis, […]
PATH Water and Exceptional Minds Team Up for Autism Acceptance Month with a Limited-Edition Bottle
This Autism Acceptance Month, we’re thrilled to launch our first-ever collaboration with PATH Water: a limited-edition reusable bottle designed by Exceptional Minds student artist Benny Lloyd. Benny, a third-year student in our Full-Time program, created the design with their special interest in bugs in mind. When designing an Autism Acceptance Month product, Benny had bugs […]
Donor Spotlight: Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Supporting Exceptional Minds
At Exceptional Minds, the strength of our community is reflected in the generosity and vision of our supporters. Among them, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) stands out as a long-standing partner in our mission to empower artists on the autism spectrum. Since EM’s early days, MEAF has championed the potential of young people with […]
Meet the Four New Board Members Championing Neurodiverse Talent at Exceptional Minds
Exceptional Minds welcomes four industry leaders to its Board of Directors, strengthening its mission to empower neurodiverse talent in entertainment. At Exceptional Minds, we are dedicated to building a future where neurodiverse perspectives are embraced in the arts, media, and beyond. As we continue to expand our programs and impact, we are pleased to welcome […]
A Decade Of Impact
Autism Acceptance Month
Diverse voices make society more inclusive. Exceptional Minds works year-round to include and employ our artists in the entertainment industry and beyond. Our graduates impact the stories that are told and reshape the autism narrative. Autism Acceptance Month is a celebration of our community and an opportunity to lift those around us. During this time […]
Happy New Year and Welcome!
It’s never been a more exciting time for Exceptional Minds! Today was the first day of school at our new campus on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. The studio, staff, and academy are finally in one contiguous space that provides room for our growth. Brand new classrooms, a student kitchen, and a large meeting space with […]
Exceptional Minds Welcomes Ryan Lowry and all our Summer Workshop Participants!
Millions of people around the world have seen his story, read his letter, and shared it or responded to it in some way. Twenty-year-old Ryan Lowry’s handwritten letter asking for a chance at a job went viral on LinkedIn and has been life changing for so many. We first heard about Ryan through one of our advisors, […]
Exceptional Minds Summer Sessions 2021
Summer Sessions 2021 are underway and we have more participants than ever before! This summer we have four, two-week sessions with classes in animation, gaming, visual effects and more. We have artists representing at least 28 states and four countries all honing their skills and realizing their passion for the digital arts. Students like Conrad […]