Jo-Ann D’Costa-Manuel is an award-winning philanthropist, autism advocate and celebrated podcast host known for empowering women to transform adversity into strength and reclaim their power in midlife. As Director of Autism Parent Empower CIC, Autism Ambassador for Virgin Atlantic and host of the inspiring It’s Your Time podcast, she has become a leading voice in inclusion, female empowerment and community change.
Jo-Ann began her career working with major media networks including MTV, BBC, ITV, Sky and Living TV, where she honed her skills in communication, storytelling and public engagement. Motivated by her personal experiences as an autism parent, she founded Autism Parent Empower CIC in 2014, establishing one of the UK’s most influential grassroots organisations supporting families navigating autism. Her work quickly gained national attention, and she became Charity Pioneer and Ambassador to philanthropist John Caudwell and charity lead for his Life-Changers Circle.
In 2019, Jo-Ann led the creation of the global Autism Quiet Hour initiative, a sensory-considerate shopping hour now adopted internationally by major retailers and venues. Her advocacy expanded further in 2021 when she was appointed Autism Ambassador for Virgin Atlantic, helping shape industry-leading accessibility improvements for neurodiverse travellers. In recognition of her impact, she was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to women and philanthropy.
A powerful and in-demand speaker, Jo-Ann is known for her ability to inspire action, often moving audiences to support charitable causes. In 2024, she famously raised over £500,000 during a single ten-minute keynote, a testament to her influence, authenticity and storytelling ability. That same commitment to empowerment fuels her podcast It’s Your Time, launched in partnership with Soho House, where she interviews leaders, change-makers and women redefining their paths. Jo-Ann continues to champion inclusion, visibility and boldness, using her platform to create meaningful change for families, communities and women everywhere.
