Women To Watch Awards 2026 honors Dr. Miriam Mavia-Zajac

Dr. Miriam Mavia-Zając (prefers to be called Dr Miriam) is a Consultant Chartered Psychologist, Doctor of Psychology, and the founder of Neurodiverse You (NDY), a practice dedicated to providing culturally informed assessments, therapy, coaching, and advocacy. With over 25 years of experience working in various parts of mental health and in different capacities, she has built a career rooted in compassion, humility, and an unwavering commitment to amplifying voices that are often overlooked.

As a Black woman with ADHD and autism, Dr Miriam’s journey of resilience and self-discovery profoundly informs her work. Her high IQ, early socialisation, and deep love of books and knowledge camouflaged many symptoms that might have otherwise led to an earlier diagnosis. This unique interaction of factors shaped her understanding of neurodivergence from both a lived and professional perspective.

She is deeply passionate about championing marginalised voices, with her current focus on advocating for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Her work actively bridges systemic gaps, ensuring that support is culturally sensitive, affirming, and tailored to individual needs.

Dr Miriam is a trailblazer in the field of neurodivergence, developing innovative and culturally sensitive assessment tools, pioneering new concepts, and delivering impactful workshops while continuously working to shift societal perceptions. She leads key initiatives, such as the ADHD UK Black Women Impacted by ADHD support group, drawing attention to the unique challenges faced at the intersection of race, gender, and neurodivergence.

Her personal philosophy is grounded in the belief that growth often emerges from discomfort. Through her writings and teachings, she introduces ideas like & knitting your jumper as you wear it" and "minding the gap" providing insight into embracing life’s complexities with adaptability and self-compassion. She is also actively working on books (to be published) and resources aimed at empowering others to embrace their appropriately authentic selves. True to her neurodivergent nature, she is an ideas person—eager to start projects, bursting with insights, but often struggling with the process of finishing them.

Nonetheless, she continues to push herself toward completion, knowing that the impact of her work extends far beyond her own non-ending raw, and novelle ideas. Dr Miriam’s greatest inspirations come from her family—her husband, daughters, and granddaughters—who ground her in love and provide the foundation for her advocacy. Beyond her professional commitments, she cherishes moments of travel, reflection, and deep connection with loved ones, finding balance in both introspection and shared experiences.

Looking ahead, Dr Miriam envisions expanding the reach of Neurodiverse You to create a global impact, while continuing to champion equity and inclusion for marginalised voices. Her work remains guided by humility, hope, and the steadfast desire to leave the world a little brighter for those who feel unseen.