Antonio Ferrara, the Director of Quality Control and Aircraft Appearance at Talon Air joins The Cross-Check to share his lifelong journey in aviation, the importance of mentorship, and his commitment to advocating for autism inclusion in the workforce. He discusses his experiences with mentors, his role as a mentor to others, and the founding of Aviators for Autism, an organization aimed at bridging the gap between the aviation industry and neurodiverse individuals. The conversation highlights the potential for inclusion in aviation and the broader workforce, emphasizing the need for awareness and proactive measures to create opportunities for all. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Antonio Ferrara and His Journey 03:59 The Role of Mentorship in Aviation 07:00 Becoming a Mentor: Antonio's Commitment to Others 08:57 Advocacy for Autism Inclusion in Aviation 12:43 Founding Aviators for Autism: A New Mission 13:18 The Response to Advocacy and Outreach Efforts 16:16 Building Relationships for Inclusion 18:27 Expanding Beyond Aviation 20:17 Understanding the Spectrum of Abilities 20:34 Education and Awareness in Aviation 22:50 Overcoming Stigmas in Aviation Careers 24:09 Creating Opportunities for Youth 24:53 Mental Health and Autism Advocacy 26:12 Vision for the Future of Aviation Inclusion Visit Aviators for Autism at www.aviatorsforautism.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices