Thorkil Sonne
Corporate Responsibility and Sustainable Development Goals is always on top of my mind. My work as chairman of Denmark's Council for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainable Development Goals has given me and the council members a platform to contribute to the leaps needed in social, environmental and financial sustainability in Denmark and globally.
My drive for social change is a trust in people who are detached from today's labour market, such as autistic people and people with similar challenges.
I became a social entrepreneur after learning that my youngest son is autistic as as such subject to be constantly misunderstood, isolated, and never have a normal working life. In 2004 I founded Specialisterne (The Specialist) as a platform, where autistic people can excel and add value to businesses in meaningful and productive jobs. In 2008 I founded Specialisterne Foundation with the goal to generate one million jobs. So far I estimate that 10000 jobs have been created in the Specialisterne network in 13 countries or by followers who have started similar concepts.
- Visit their website
- Specialisterne Foundation
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- Model
- Association
- Sectors
- Education; Future of Work
- Headquarters
- Denmark
- Areas of Impact
- Europe
Specialisterne Foundation
Specialisterne Foundation is broadening perceptions of normality and providing a neglected population with the tools to be active, independent contributors. The Specialisterne model capitalizes on the unique characteristics of autistic/neuro-diverse people and turns them into competitive advantages.
Competing according to the terms of the market, Specialisterne is bridging the autism community and business world in an unprecedented way: providing employment in an inclusive work environment for neuro-diverse people who have the required skills. The IT sector has been its first focus, with services provided within software testing, data entry, quality control and logistics, where consultants can perform valuable services at or above market rates. Specialisterne is now moving into other businesses, such as health, pharmaceuticals, agro and finance, where attention to detail, high work morale and precision can make a difference.
awardees
Our awardees
Catalina Escobar Restrepo
Mel Young
