Meet the Racers 4 Autism Team

“Building connections. Inspiring generosity. Fueling the mission.”

As our Outreach Specialist, Naome plays a key role in expanding the impact of Racers 4 Autism. Her focus is on fundraising efforts, community engagement, and distributing materials to individuals and businesses who want to help support our mission.

Whether she’s visiting local partners, promoting community events, or sharing our story through brochures and outreach, Naomi ensures Racers 4 Autism continues to grow its network of supporters. Her dedication helps drive the donations that make our programs, employment initiatives, and community events possible.

Bio written by Naome

My name is Naome Adam. My position at Racers 4 Autism is Outreach Specialist, not Fundraiser. The title Outreach Specialist fits me better. I know life can be challenging and interesting for me and for those with autism. I needed a job where I could use my experience, passion, talents, and skills, not just any entry-level job. Jordan offered me a position and gave me a chance where others did not. I was more than excited because I found a job that focuses on my abilities, not on my disabilities.

As an adult with disabilities, I am able to connect with others who know me as a person with a disability through many businesses in my local community. I did not need to educate them about disability awareness. I relied on the strong connections I already had. I also met people with autism who wanted to help along my path of outreach. I am not just a person with a disability or a homeowner. I have received services through the OPWDD system, and I also have experience teaching in schools that specialize in working with children with autism. I have worked for non-profits in the disability field as well. In addition, I helped create Self-Direction, the Medicaid waiver program that enables people with disabilities to make decisions that best meet their needs in a financially sound way. I currently receive my services through Self-Direction, and one part of this program is receiving Self-Hired Job Coaching. With this personal and professional background, I am now able to share crucial resources with others.

Am I passionate about my role? Yes. I have never put my heart and soul into any other job so much in my life. I wake up in the morning doing outreach to businesses and to my personal connections in the field of disabilities, and I finish my nights doing outreach. This is not a 9–5 job for me, it is my devotion in my life. Even when I go out of state to see family, I am spreading the word. I have a hidden disability, and most people do not understand it well. Just like me, I believe many people do not understand autism spectrum disorder and its complexity. That is why I go the extra mile for something that makes sense to me and is important to me. What is so vital is the connections I have made in the community and the ability to offer resources to others. That is how I found so many resources for myself, through people sharing with me. It is about building connections in the community and feeling accepted for who we are. It has been tough for me to feel accepted for who I am, even though I am part of the community and a homeowner. I can connect and relate to others in that way. I am most appreciative of this position and that Jordan saw something in me.

Jordan Modiano is the driving force behind Racers 4 Autism — a race car driver, entrepreneur, Autism Super Dad, and community advocate dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for autistic and neurodiverse individuals. As the founder of Racers 4 Autism, Jordan brings together his passion for motorsports and his commitment to the autism community to raise awareness, generate funding, and inspire acceptance across the Capital Region.

A long-time business owner and leader, Jordan built Racers 4 Autism from a single racing fundraiser into a growing nonprofit movement that champions employment, inclusion, and local support for families. His daughter Rachel remains the heart of his mission, reminding him every day that the race for acceptance and opportunity is one worth winning.

Jordan oversees strategy, partnerships, community outreach, and the hundreds of details that bring each event to life — all without compensation. His leadership ensures that every donation and every effort directly supports the people who need it most.

Frank Grant serves as Treasurer and provides oversight of Racers 4 Autism’s financial operations. He helps ensure that donations are managed responsibly, funds are appropriately safeguarded, and financial processes remain transparent and aligned with our mission.

As Secretary, Sophia Grant ensures that all board meetings, decisions, and organizational actions are accurately documented. Her work supports strong communication, organizational structure, and smooth governance as Racers 4 Autism continues to grow.

Sophia Grant is a board member of Racers for Autism, bringing a commitment to neurodivergent advocacy, community connection, and inclusive education. Originally from Delmar, NY and now based in Baltimore, MD, Sophia works as the Communications and Community Connections Coordinator at the Y of Central Maryland, where they support community health initiatives, teen and movement programming, event planning, and lead coordination for major community events—including the Y’s 2025 Pride celebration.

A graduate of Skidmore College with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Dance, Sophia’s academic work centered on clinical psychology, education, and early childhood development. Their time at Skidmore also included choreographing two original dance works and completing an internship at the Langan School at Prospect Center in Queensbury, a school supporting individuals with disabilities.

Since graduating in 2022, Sophia has held roles across community education and the arts, including serving as a residential counselor for the Pacific Northwest Ballet summer intensive in Seattle and as a substitute teacher at St. Pius X School. Today, Sophia also teaches ballet and modern dance at three Y centers, helping build and strengthen the Y’s growing dance programs. Their teaching approach centers neurodiversity-informed instruction and creating spaces where accommodation is the expectation, not the exception.

As a neurodivergent individual with deep ties to the neurodivergent community, Sophia brings lived experience, professional dedication, and a passion for connection to their work with Racers for Autism. They are committed to fostering acceptance, education, and a more informed and inclusive world.