MEET THE TEAM
Ameena Rodriguez-DeLeon
Director of Operations
Ameena Rodriguez-DeLeon is a proud mom to her one and only son who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS just after his second birthday. When he turned 4, he received an official diagnosis of autism.
Ameena’s professional background is diverse – from being a Legal Secretary/Assistant for over 20 years in multiple law firms, to working as a Client Service Professional for H&R Block. She is also the author of an award-winning memoir, “Path to Rebirth: Fight. Survive. Repeat,” that centers around transformation, of finding light in the darkest of times, and of embracing the journey, no matter how unpredictable it may be. She has appeared in several notable publications, including Pretty Women Hustle Magazine, Caribbean Collective Magazine, Influencer Magazine UK, Atmosphere Press, and Infinite Light Magazine.
Ameena is an advocate in raising autism awareness and acceptance. Not only is she a member of her son’s school Parent Association and School Leadership Team, but she is also a member of the ARISE Coalition, which was founded by Advocates for Children of NY, which consists of a diverse group of parents, educators, and advocates working together to improve the education of students with disabilities in New York City’s public schools.
In the Fall of 2025, Ameena became a mentor with Girls Write Now, a nationally award-winning nonprofit, media incubator, and multi-generational community, that for nearly three decades, have broken down the barriers of gender, age, race, and poverty to mentor, teach, and connect writers and leaders across disciplines and around the nation.
She resides in New York City alongside her son and husband.
Kaylyn Vega
Global Initiatives & Community Engagement Intern
Kaylyn Vega is a proud wife and mother whose passion for autism advocacy was inspired by her daughter, Analiya, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Navigating motherhood and her daughter’s developmental journey has strengthened Kaylyn’s commitment to helping other families feel understood, represented, and supported.
Kaylyn has worked in the health insurance industry for more than eight years and currently serves in a management role. Her professional background includes leadership, employee development, client advocacy, quality assurance, research, and navigating complex healthcare needs. She is also a licensed Florida Notary Public and the founder of Palm Legacy Consulting & Notary.
As a first-generation college student, Kaylyn is pursuing a degree in psychology and plans to continue her education in behavioral health. She has completed the required 40-hour Registered Behavior Technician training and is continuing the certification process as part of her journey toward becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Her experiences as both a mother and psychology student have shaped her belief that every family’s journey is different and deserves compassion, patience, and individualized support.
As an intern with Autism for Badass Moms, Kaylyn contributes her leadership experience, caregiving perspective, research skills, and personal insight as an autism mom to support global initiatives and projects focused on advocacy, awareness, recognition, and community empowerment.
As a Puerto Rican and Dominican woman, Kaylyn values cultural representation, inclusive advocacy, and creating spaces where mothers and families from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and empowered.
Kaylyn resides in South Florida with her husband and daughter.