Sy'Aire Russell (sigh-AIR)
Short Bio:
Sy’Aire Russell is an autistic community builder, consultant, and speaker based in Brooklyn, NY. They are the founder and executive director of Autistic Adults NYC, an autistic-run nonprofit dedicated to serving NYC’s autistic community through events, education, and advocacy. Their work centers multiply marginalized autistic people and is driven by a commitment to building a more inclusive world for neurodivergent people.
Long Bio:
Sy’Aire Russell is an autistic community builder, consultant, and speaker based in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Austin, Texas, Sy’Aire developed an early passion for music and artistic expression, eventually pursuing formal studies in composition. They earned their bachelor's degree in Music Composition from the University of Texas at San Antonio before moving to Brooklyn in 2020 to attend New York University, where they pursued a master's degree in Music Theory and Composition. During their graduate studies, Sy’Aire was diagnosed as autistic, an experience that profoundly shaped their understanding of themselves and their relationship to community.
During their studies, Sy’Aire received the Charles Ives Scholarship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, had their work featured on Calliope’s Call “Sounds of Unity” program and the 2019 Women in Music Festival, and went on to perform experimental music at bars and venues throughout the Northeast. Their artistic practice spans classical and experimental music, composition, and production.
Following graduation, Sy’Aire shifted their focus toward addressing the lack of accessible, affirming social spaces and resources for autistic adults in New York City. This led to the founding of Autistic Adults NYC, an autistic-run nonprofit dedicated to serving the city's autistic community through social events, education, and advocacy.
Today, Sy’Aire continues to lead Autistic Adults NYC, balancing organizational leadership with their passion for facilitating events, connecting community members, compiling resources, and developing programming that responds to the diverse interests and needs of autistic adults. Their work centers multiply marginalized autistic people and is driven by a commitment to building a more inclusive world for neurodivergent people.
Dynamic and deeply connected to the arts, Sy'Aire continues to organize art events, teach and create both classical and experimental music. Their creativity flows through every aspect of their work—from running innovative events to weaving artistic expression into community-building efforts.