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Becoming the BeST: Creating an inclusive environment for the neurodivergent and disability communities

Members of the disability and neurodivergent communities face steep hurdles in the workplace. Here’s how JPMorganChase’s BeST program helps them build strong careers.

December 10, 2025

As a neurodivergent individual, Rylee Yogan has faced many hurdles. Bullied in high school, she still remembers being told she was “slow” and that she “didn’t have a future.” Once she entered the job market, she found discrimination there, too. “I’d mention I’m neurodivergent, and I’d end up not getting the job,” she recalls. She endured five years of unemployment, punctuated with jobs in food services, where her bosses often criticized her for processing information “too slowly.”

Yogan’s experience is common: The global unemployment rate among the disability community is over 70 percent. In her case, overcoming this hurdle started with the Path to Academics, Community and Employment (P.A.C.E.) program at National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois, which has a curriculum designed to help neurodivergent people extend their education and find a place in the job market. P.A.C.E. helped her secure an internship with JPMorganChase.

That’s where she found out about the bank’s Business Solutions Team (BeST). Launched in 2019, BeST was designed to help people who are neurodivergent, or have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and/or other types of disabilities find meaningful jobs that match their talents.

BeST participants take part in a 60-day paid internship, which gives both them and their managers the opportunity to see if they’re a good fit. Often, they move forward with a job offer. At the bank, Yogan was hired to be a transaction specialist, tasked with processing payments, including credit cards, money orders and checks. Here, she discovered her superpower: attention to detail.

“Even if I see one number off, I can catch it,” Yogan shares. “That’s my strong suit. Once I get into a rhythm, I’m able to produce a lot of work through focus and repetition.”

Not only is Yogan excelling at work, but her new role has also empowered her to take a major step in her personal life. For the first time, she’s been able to move out of her parents’ home and live independently — a milestone that speaks to the life-changing impact of meaningful employment.

“This job has given me the confidence to take charge of my own life. I’m proud of what I do and I feel valued here at JPMC. I know I’m part of a team that appreciates my strengths,” Yogan states.

Opening doors to opportunity

BeST uses two operating models; the first is BeST Shared Services, based in Plano, Texas, which employs specialists who serve businesses across JPMorganChase. Shared services employees work in various functions, including quality control, AI training, manual letter fulfillment and others.

On screen:

A woman with long brown hair and brown eyes speaks to us from a conference room.

Text on screen:

Rylee Yogan.

Transactions Specialist 1

Chicago, Illinois.

Rylee Yogan:

It was very hard getting jobs for me because I was neurodivergent, and no one would give me a shot at the time, and I faced a lot of discrimination.

On screen:

A bearded man with brown hair and glasses speaks to us from an office with a large bookshelf.

Text on screen:

Mason Owings.

Transactions Specialist 1

Lewisville, Texas.

Mason Owings:

I have a strong resume and good transcripts, but due to the way I talk, sometimes I'm seen as not intelligent or unintelligent. But once you get to know me, I'm pretty smart.

On screen:

Video clips show a man with a long white beard and short hair shaking hands with Mr. Owings – and then assisting a man at a computer workstation. Now, the bearded man speaks to us.

Text on screen:

Bryan Gill.

Global Head, Office of Disability Affairs.

Bryan Gill:

There is amazing, deep talent in the neurodivergent and disability communities, and they are the largest untapped pool of talent with the highest under- and unemployment rates.

[calm music]

Text on screen:

An estimated 20% of people across the globe are members of the disability and neurodivergent communities. Roughly 70% of these people are unemployed. But we are successfully tapping into this talent.

On screen:

Title:

Text on screen:

The Story of BeST.

5 Years of the Business Solutions Team at JPMC.

On screen:

A woman with shoulder-length black hair and brown eyes speaks to us from an office.

Text on screen:

Danielle Meadows.

Global Head of Business Solutions Team,

Director of Neuroinclusion Strategies.

Danielle Meadows:

The BeST program is the firm's strategy around neurodivergent hiring. This also includes people with disabilities and has a focus on the intellectually and developmentally disabled (or IDD) population. On screen:

Photos show a man with silver hair and blue-gray eyes speaking with colleagues in an office.

Text on screen:

The Spark.

On screen:

Now, the silver haired man speaks to us from an office with cushioned chairs.

Text on screen:

Dan Wilkening.

Managing Director, Commercial & Investment Bank.

Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Dan Wilkening:

So I've always looked for ways to bring different constituencies into the bank that could provide great value. One of my close colleagues suggested that I come to Dallas and visit with companies that had programs specifically around folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And I walked away from those two days saying, "This is something we need to do at J.P. Morgan."

On screen:

Video clips show:

  • the exterior and the lobby of a large J.P. Morgan Chase office building;
  •  and a diverse group of BeST program participants.

Danielle Meadows:

In 2019, 10 individuals came into our Lewisville, Texas lockbox and also our Fort Worth corporate center to basically try out roles for a 60-day apprenticeship and see, is this something that was sustainable?

On screen:

Video clips show exterior buildings and internal office spaces and members of the Business Solutions Team.

Danielle Meadows:

The proof of concept was successful. We ended up hiring four individuals at that time.

On screen:

Video clips show:

  • a large team working together in an office setting;
  • and a bald man sits next to a woman, who has short black hair.

Text on screen:

Bernie Fisch,

Transactions Specialist 1

Plano, Texas

and

Linda Fisch (his mother).

On screen:

Now, Ms. Fisch speaks to us:

Linda Fisch:

There were four guys, very diverse abilities, but they came to be known as the BeST team, which now, how many years has it been in existence?

Bernie Fisch:

Five years.

Linda Fisch:

Five years.

On screen:

A photo shows nine diverse members of the Business Solutions team (BeST).

Dan Wilkening:

The BeST program has evolved over the years. We initially started with IDD and did expand into more neurodivergent areas as well as some physical disabilities area.

On screen:

Members of BeST work at computer desks in a large open office space.

Danielle Meadows:

The BeST employees are fully integrated into the firm. They work alongside their team members who may be neurotypical.

Text on screen:

How it works…

On screen:

A man with his hair styled in short twists and wearing glasses speaks to us from an office with a wall-sized window.

Text on screen:

Jordan Jackson.

Transactions Specialist 2,

Chicago, Illinois.

Jordan Jackson:

Basically, I got connected to a program called Marry Our Bridges. So basically, they work with people with disabilities, help them find jobs.

On screen:

Video clips show members of the BeST Team at a meeting in a large conference room, where Ms. Meadows addresses the attendees. Now, Ms. Meadows speaks to us:

Danielle Meadows:

We have upwards of now 10 community partners across the U.S. and are looking to expand out internationally into some other markets as well.

On screen:

A woman with long blonde hair and hazel eyes speaks to us from an office.

Text on screen:

Kim Roosevelt.

Chief Development Officer, My Possibilities.

Kim Roosevelt:

My Possibilities staff will look through our applicant pool, and we have done an assessment ahead of time to understand what skill sets our applicants have, and then they really match them together with the needs of JPMC.

On screen:

A man with short dark hair and glasses speaks to us from an office with an abstract painting.

Text on screen:

Aaron Carroll.

Transactions Specialist 1

Plano, Texas.

Aaron Carroll:

What I do at JPMorganChase, I fold and stuff the letters and bring them to the mailroom... And then I log on to a... I log on to a spreadsheet and do the auto loans.

On screen:

Video clips show Mr. Carroll:

  •  - working on computer;
  •  - and attending a meeting in a conference room.

Danielle Meadows:

The strengths and talents that BeST colleagues bring to the firm vary. We have individuals who can look at hundreds of thousands of data sets and never make a mistake. We have colleagues who have the highest attention to detail that you've ever seen.

On screen:

Video clips show:

  • A man named Alan Freilich delivering packages throughout an office;
  • Ms. Yogan reviewing her computer monitor;
  • and a man with short hair and glasses studying financial data.

Danielle Meadows:

Each person is matched with the role that matches with their talent.

On screen:

Now, Ms. Fisch speaks with her son, Bernie:

Linda Fisch:

What do you do on the computer?

Bernie Fisch:

Collecting letters and econ recon.

Linda Fisch:

You do those every day?

Bernie Fisch:

Yeah.

Linda Fisch:

Do you do lots and lots of them?

Bernie Fisch:

Yeah.

Text on screen:

Business value.

Bryan Gill:

We found a true line of value to include our colleagues in our core business processes.

On screen:

A woman with long black hair and glasses speaks to us from an office.

Text on screen:

Glennetta Porterfield.

Transactions Manager 1

Fort Worth, Texas.

Glennetta Porterfield:

We wanted to see how can we process our couriers in a quicker way. With the help of the BeST associates data keying information, we were able to move from processing 100% of our couriers in an extremely manual manner, to now we're down to only 20%.

On screen:

BeST members work as office couriers, spreadsheet reviewers, and data analysts.

Bryan Gill:

We have empirical outcomes showing the work is being performed better, sometimes faster, more efficient.

On screen:

A woman with brown hair and brown eyes speaks to us from an office.

Text on screen:

Daria Steinjann.

Transactions Specialist 1

Fort Worth, Texas.

Daria Steinjann:

Some skills that I bring to my job would be learning new tasks, training new people. Because one of my goals is to become a manager for Chase one day.

On screen:

Ms. Steinjann:

  • organizes envelopes;
  • files documents;
  • speaks with colleagues at an informal meeting;
  • and jots down information in a spiral notebook.

Video clips show a man with short dark-brown hair and glasses:

  • fist-bumping colleagues;
  • and using a headset while he works on a computer.

Now, that man speaks to us:

Text on screen:

Hunter Savadove.

Transactions Specialist 1

Plano, Texas.

Hunter Savadove:

You know, I bring a can-do attitude, a positive mindset, you know, passion, love, like, for the work and for, you know, for the client and the customer.

Jordan Jackson:

Not only [do] I come to Chase to only, like, do my work, I come in and help everybody.

[hopeful music]

Text on screen:

Changing lives.

On screen:

Video clips show Mr. Carroll using an office copy machine. Now, Mr. Carroll speaks to us:

Aaron Carroll:

Before I got this job, I felt lost and unimportant in the workforce, just essentially being pushed in the back and forgotten about. But now that I found JPMorganChase, I feel important because I get to be part of a team and show my leadership skills.

On screen:

Video clips show Mr. Carroll:

  • speaking with Ms. Steinjann in a corporate lounge;
  • and attending a virtual meeting with Mr. Savadove and two other business professionals.

Now a woman with pulled-back hair and glasses speaks to us from an office.

Text on screen:

Musi Lee,

Global Head of Autism at Work.

Director of Neuroinclusion Strategies.

Musi Lee:

JPMorganChase creates a community around each employee, a support circle.

On screen:

Video clips show Ms. Yogan working and socializing with neurodiverse colleagues. Now, Ms. Yogan speaks to us:

Rylee Yogan:

Knowing that I have such a great support system at JPMorganChase has given me the confidence and motivation to contribute to my team. Having kind managers that will sit down with me and listen to me, that makes a real difference.

On screen:

A man with short black hair and glasses speaks to us from a conference room.

Text on screen:

Joshua Yap.

Transactions Specialist 1

Plano, Texas.

Joshua Yap:

Since getting this job, I've learned how to pay for my own car. I'm able to live on my own in an apartment for the first time.

On screen:

Video clips show members of the Business Solutions Team:

  • working at computer desks in an open office;
  • playing games, such as chess and ping pong;
  • and talking in a comfortable corporate lounge.

Kim Roosevelt:

What makes JPMC's program so unique is that it is a fully inclusive model. While there are certainly other companies out there that have hired adults with intellectual disabilities, it's been much more of a separate model as opposed to a truly integrated, inclusive opportunity.

On screen:

A montage shows smiling employees of the BeST JPMorganChase team, including:

  • Mr. Owings;
  • Ms. Steinjann;
  • Mr. Carroll;
  • Mr. Savadove;
  • Mr. Jackson;
  • and Ms. Yogan;

Danielle Meadows:

As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the BeST program, what I see for the future of the program is that we continue to expand globally. But what I also would like to see for the future of BeST is that we become a model. We become a model for other employers and other businesses to do something just as we have done. This is something that everybody can be a part of.

Text on screen:

The BeST Team now has over 65 employees in 6 different markets around the United States. Over 90 individuals have gone through and benefitted from the program.

On screen:

Now, a photograph shows Jamie Dimon posing with dozens of BeST members at a celebration. Closing logo:

Logo:

JPMorganChase.

END

The second model, BeST Supported, places employees with various lines of businesses and is currently supporting six locations — New York, Ohio, Illinois, Louisiana, Texas and California. JPMorganChase’s Global Accommodations team ensures that every employee has the resources they need to thrive, from seating and lighting adjustments to assistive technology.

“Neurodivergence and disability are part of the rich spectrum of human diversity. Recognizing this has pushed us to better understand the many ways the brain works — and to see the incredible, often overlooked talent within these communities,” says Danielle Meadows, Global Head of the Business Solutions Team and Director of Neuroinclusion Strategies at JPMorganChase. “Our mission is to create meaningful, sustainable opportunities that empower this marginalized community to thrive.”

Finding purpose and belonging

Aaron Carroll, one of BeST’s first hires, knows the impact of meaningful employment. Before joining JPMorganChase, his opportunities were limited by his cerebral palsy. Unable to get in the door at many companies, he worked as a dishwasher, bagged groceries and stocked shelves.

“I often felt lost and unimportant,” Carroll recalls.

After a year of unemployment, he connected with My Possibilities, a nonprofit in Plano, Texas, that provides vocational education and job placement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They helped match him with a role at JPMorganChase, and he joined BeST in Plano, just as the program was expanding and adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Carroll was among the first to work remotely, helping train AI technology and validate data for the bank — a role that allowed him to leverage his attention to detail.

“I never thought I would be working for one of the world’s top financial firms,” Carroll says. “I’ve been working here for five years. This job makes me feel like an essential part of the team, where I can show my leadership skills and feel needed in the community.”

Today, Carroll continues to work with the BeST Shared Services team, where he validates contracts for auto loans and handles the folding and mailing of collection letters to customers. With the support and resources provided by BeST, he’s found his stride and become a valued contributor, using technology to streamline processes and ensure accuracy.

“Working here has helped me realize my potential,” Carroll shares. “I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I know I’m making a real difference for my team.”

Building a culture of inclusion

The success of the BeST program is reflected in the recognition it has received. Disability:IN, the leading nonprofit resource for business inclusion worldwide, has named JPMorganChase a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion for 11 consecutive years. And Disability Belongs, a nonprofit that addresses critical gaps in disability employment, gave the bank its inaugural Disability Champion Award, an acknowledgment of JPMorganChase’s long-standing dedication to disability inclusion, both internally and in partnership with the wider community.

JPMorganChase continues to work with several nonprofit community partners — including My Possibilities, Bridges from School to Work, Greenleaf Job Training Services, NLU P.A.C.E. and The Ohio State University Nisonger Center — that help to source talented candidates for BeST. With plans to expand internationally, JPMorganChase remains dedicated to growing the BeST program — and improving disability inclusion and opportunity around the world.

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