The Leadership Council started as an external advisory board of four members committed to broadening the public health impact of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. Within the last year, despite the necessity for distance, the Leadership Council has expanded to 17 members. Most recently, the council has begun to shift its mission from a primarily philanthropic focus to a more representative board focused on amplifying the community’s voice. Serving as a bridge between the community and the institute, the council maintains its mission of supporting the two-way communication between institute scientists and community partners by making sure research aligns with the community’s needs and interests, as well as translating research findings to be better understood by its target audiences. The Leadership Council continues to identify opportunities for support and community engagement. At the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, the commitment to advancing the institute’s excellence and reputation is upheld by the bridge the Leadership Council provides between research and community.