Grayson Ponti

Grayson Ponti is the founder and president of Zoos and Aquariums for a Neurodiverse Ecosystem (ZANE), an organisation that champions neurodiversity and inclusion in the zoological community. He is a rising leader in the zoo and aquarium sector and a self-advocate for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder.

As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Diversity Committee, Ponti plays an active role in promoting inclusivity, and he also serves on the advisory board of Modeling Zoos and Aquariums as Inclusive Communities of Science (MoZAICS).

With a professional background deeply rooted in zoo conservation education and engagement, Grayson has moved from being a teenage volunteer to management positions across three AZA-accredited institutions. He is currently undertaking a master's degree in Teaching of Biological Sciences from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly, serves as an advisor to Immerse Universe, and is also recognised as a zoo historian.

Ponti's strong passion for making the zoo and aquarium profession as inclusive as possible is deeply personal. This passion stems from growing up with a severely Autistic, epileptic, and non-verbal brother, combined with navigating his own diagnoses. He consistently uses his voice to advocate for neurodivergent individuals within the zoological community, aiming to nurture and support neurodivergent leaders in conservation and create environments where they can thrive.

His aim is to ensure that all neurodivergent individuals have access to the same opportunities and mentorship that he has had.