As a Philadelphia Eagles fan, I was thrilled to learn about how The Eagles Autism Foundation has woven its mission into every aspect of the football team’s mission. Executive Director Ryan Hammond has helped to found and shape the foundation, and in only three years, she’s raised nearly $7 million dollars with every penny going back into research and care.
When Ryan helped begin the Eagles Autism Foundation, her vision for it was much bigger than a one-off event, and that vision has touched nearly every part of the team’s life. From a stadium that has a sensory-friendly room for those who need some time to get away from the noise, to Swoop the mascot sometimes wearing sensory headphones, to Saturday Sensory Projects broadcast for everyone to enjoy, the Eagles team has really embraced their new mission.
The pandemic has caused the foundation to shift some of its focus, but they’ve discovered that the move to more virtual outreach helps them reach even more people than ever before. The Eagles 2020 Autism Challenge will even be virtual this fall, and it’s a great opportunity to see this foundation in action.
I was so excited to learn about the foundation because I think that it can provide a model for other organizations to follow. Even if they can’t fundraise on the same level as the Philadelphia Eagles, the Eagles Autism Foundation has so many great ideas for how to reach out and serve the autism community with inclusivity and thoughtfulness.
If you’d like to apply for one of their $25,000 community grants or just be a part of their foundation, I encourage you to reach out to them on their website or social media channels.
Today’s Guest
Ryan Hammond is the Executive Director of the Eagles Autism Foundation. What began as the Eagles Autism Challenge in September of 2017 has evolved into so much more than a single day and signature fundraising event. This next step boldly showcases the continued commitment to autism and leverages the Eagles’ platform to change the lives of those affected by autism. This new foundation allows unity among all efforts and intensifies the impact throughout the year. In just two short years under Hammond’s leadership, the Eagles Autism Foundation has raised over $7M with 100% supporting autism research and care, opened the Sensory Room presented by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with the certification of Lincoln Financial Field as sensory-inclusive and launched inclusion efforts around employment and fan engagement within the Philadelphia Eagles organization. Hammond strives to shift autism awareness to action and serve as a model for others.
Hammond has spent over a decade committed to improving the lives of those affected by autism and previously served as the Executive Director of the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph’s University. She established a management and organizational structure for the Center while stewarding important fundraising relationships, building strong corporate and community partnerships, creating dynamic programs, and balancing community need with strategic growth and resources.
Under Hammond’s leadership, the Kinney Center – which trains autism professionals and supports individuals touched by autism – emerged as a strategic asset and top priority for the university.
A native of Delaware County, Hammond received a Bachelor of Science degree from Neumann University and holds an Executive MBA from Saint Joseph’s University. She is married to Charles Hammond IV and has three daughters, Taylor, Payton, and Charlie.
Hammond was recognized as a Women on the Move from Mainline Today, featured on Her Story, serves as a member of the Kinney Center Advisory Board, and has been featured in local and national media around the Eagles Autism Foundation. She previously held positions on the Commission of the Status of Women Board and Women’s Leadership Council at Saint Joseph’s University.
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