Growing up in Urbandale, Iowa, Marietta Colston was no stranger to being different. As the only Black student from preschool to graduation, she understood what it meant to be on the outside of acceptable norms. Educated and loving parents could have never prepared her for the challenges that her unique existence would unfold.

Determined to create the perfect life for herself, Marietta lived the American dream as she climbed her way to be one of the top executives of Microsoft. That is until the day her son, Tyler was born-ten fingers, ten toes, and different . What was later diagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Marietta wrestled with the gift of a unique-minded child while other areas of her life fell apart.

Autism and Beyond will give you encouragement when you or a loved one lives amongst those who aren’t like you and the hope that being uncommon brings.

Marietta Colston-Davis is a mother, professional, inspirational leader, and a believer in the impossible. Not only is Marietta a graduate of Bradley University, but she also holds an MBA from Loyola University, as well as certificates in executive advanced leadership from Harvard. As an inductee into the Spelman College Game Changer Hall of Fame, Marietta can be found encouraging audiences as a motivational speaker at many colleges and universities in the state of Georgia.