Shea Belsky
Autistic Advocate and
Engineering Leader.
Creating equitable workplaces for neurodivergent professionals to thrive and belong.
I am an Engineering Manager at HubSpot, managing a team of software engineers working on Help Desk & Conversations Inbox. Previously, I served as the Chief Technology Officer at Mentra, a hiring platform designed for neurodivergent jobseekers backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Alongside my technical leadership, I currently serve on the Board of Directors for AANE (the Association for Autism and Neurodiversity).
Featured In & Trusted By
My Story
My journey into the tech industry began with a unique set of challenges. Diagnosed with autism at age two, I was nonverbal until I was four years old. Growing up with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), I frequently struggled to understand and make sense of the world around me.
Through the support of my community and educators, I eventually found my footing. I attended Cornell University, where I thrived academically and personally, graduating to become a meaningful contributor in the professional workforce.
My early experiences navigating these educational and social systems ultimately drove me to join Mentra, allowing me to apply my engineering background to directly bridge the hiring gap for neurodivergent jobseekers across the country. Today, I use those same lessons to lead teams at HubSpot and advocate for equitable environments universally.
Advocacy & Community
My core focus as an advocate is creating equitable environments for everyone. I work with corporate leaders and HR teams to rethink how they recruit and support neurodivergent professionals through keynotes, workshops, and direct consulting.
To expand this conversation, I host the Autistic Techie podcast, a space dedicated to the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals navigating the technology sector.
Beyond the corporate stage, I stay deeply engaged with my local community. In addition to my board work with AANE, I run as an adaptive athlete with the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. I recently completed the 130th Boston Marathon with Dougie's Team, raising more than $9,000 to date for autistic people and their families to lead meaningful, connected lives.
130th Boston Marathon
Dougie's Team for Autism
Autistic Techie
A podcast for neurodivergent professionals in tech - engineers, designers, PMs, and leaders - who think and work differently. Exploring how to navigate the tech world on your own terms.
The Neurodivergent Crash Course on Feeling Overwhelmed
Ever felt overwhelmed before? Yes you have - No need to put on a brave face or mask and pretend that you haven't. Really. We've all been through times when we just want to pull our hair out and scream. Or perhaps your physical state for feeling overwhelmed looks different - Maybe you need to step outside to take a breath of fresh air? You need to listen to music? Everyone's different. Neurodivergent folks (ADHDers, autistic folks, people with epilepsy, anxiety, OCD, and others) experience intense dysregulation due to a wide variety of stimulus. How we process the feelings of "I need help" is a separate concept from actually recognizing the signs of "I need help." In this episode, I break down some personal experiences with how I've recognized the signs of feeling overwhelmed, learning what I can do about them, and actually taking the first step to making said change.
Interested in Hearing More?
Whether you're planning a keynote for your next company all-hands, organizing leadership workshops, or looking to collaborate, let's start the conversation.