105. Building Safety on the Internet: Why Kendra Koch Created a Space for Neurodivergent Women

In this episode, I sit down with Kendra Koch, the founder of Divergently, a private community built for late-diagnosed neurodivergent women who want clarity, support, and a softer landing than the internet usually offers.Kendra came to this work through her own late diagnosis, years spent in the Silicon Valley wellness world, and a growing sense that the tools available to neurodivergent women were either too shallow, too loud, or too overwhelming to actually use. What started as her personal search for answers eventually became Divergently- a curated, trauma-aware space built to help women understand themselves and make daily life feel less chaotic and more doable.We cover a lot in this conversation, including:What it feels like to receive a diagnosis later in lifeWhy so many women only start connecting the dots after their kids begin evaluationsThe emotional and logistical realities of navigating care, systems, stigma, and uncertaintyHow trauma keeps showing up in ways many of us don’t expectThe difference between “having information” and actually being supportedWhy “just disclose at work” isn’t simple — or safe — advice for everyoneHow creating boundaries inside a community can be what makes it truly inclusiveThe small, practical shifts that make life less prickly: body doubling, environmental tweaks, lowering the bar in smart, supportive waysAnd how Kendra is building a company while raising a young child, healing, and moving at a pace that fits her real life — not the one hustle culture demandsThis conversation is thoughtful, honest, and full of moments that made me rethink how we support ourselves and each other. If you’ve ever felt like something wasn’t quite adding up, or you’ve been searching for a place that feels safe and steady, you’ll feel seen here.Where to find Kendra:Website: joinedivergently.comSocial: @joinedivergentlyLinkedIn: Kendra KochConnect with Ashley:Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.comPodcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822Instagram: @mydovetail.appLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/