Katherine Abraham ’23 Is Committed to Supporting LD Students

Katherine Abraham ’23 has been no stranger to Westmark since she graduated. Now a second-year at California Lutheran University, she has returned to her high school alma mater to visit her former teachers and old friends, attend Homecoming, and speak during the College and Career Readiness Panel. But as deeply as she remains connected to the Home of Lion Pride, she has also expanded her work—which began at Westmark—to be an advocate for students with learning differences (LD) across the nation. 

For the past two years, Katherine has held various leadership roles as an active member of the Neurodiversity (ND) Alliance, the nationwide parent organization of the Eye to Eye Mentoring Program. She served as Events Coordinator of the ND Alliance’s Young Adult Guiding Coalition for two years, and she now is a member of their National Student Advisory Council. These roles build on work she started when she was a Westmark Lion. During her time at the School, she rose from mentee to mentor to co-leader of Westmark’s chapter of Eye to Eye. The summer before her senior year at Westmark, she also traveled to Washington, D.C., to champion legislation supporting students with learning differences (LD). 

We recently chatted with Katherine to learn more about her current work on the National Student Advisory Council and why she remains a committed LD advocate in her college years.

Some answers have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: What does your current role with the ND Alliance entail?

A: I help the organization grow and strengthen the ND Alliance programming by providing guidance, input, and feedback on critical areas of our work. My current role includes campaign and event planning, club network and resource development, serving on scholarship and hiring committees, and fundraising.

Q: Which experiences working with the ND Alliance have been particularly memorable or rewarding?

A: I really enjoy going to the New York Leadership Summit held at their headquarters, where everyone is neurodivergent. I also enjoy meeting new people and reconnecting with my friends from all over the world.

Q: Why do you think it's important to continue working with the ND Alliance?

A: I think it’s important to continue working with the ND Alliance because it helps me build awareness and understanding of what being neurodivergent means. I enjoy being involved with the ND Alliance, meeting many like-minded people, and learning how to raise awareness and advocate for the future of students who learn differently.

Q: How do you think your work with the ND Alliance will prepare you for life after college?

A: My experience at the ND Alliance has widened my horizons. I have been exposed to adults in different careers, learned about their experiences, and learned how to advocate for myself in the workplace. 

Q: Do you have any advice for current Westmark students about getting involved in LD advocacy?

A: Some advice for current Westmark students about getting involved is that you are different and unique in your way, and that is all that makes us unique with our learning differences. I encourage students to get involved with LD advocacy because this helps bring awareness and builds community.