Young Adult Advisory Council

Advocating for young adults affected by autoimmune disease

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The Autoimmune Association’s Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) comprises enthusiastic and dedicated young individuals between the ages of 15 and 25. The YAAC is vital to our organization, providing valuable insights, recommendations, and advocacy for young adults with autoimmune diseases. Council members play a crucial role in helping us understand the unique needs of autoimmune patients in their age group and devising strategies to support them in navigating life.

Learn more about us and what we’re doing! Follow the Young Adult Advisory Council on Instagram at @autoimmune_youngadults.

Your Voice Matters

Joining the YAAC gives you a platform to help identify and communicate the unique needs of youth in patient education, resources, communications, and support for those living with autoimmune diseases. Whether it’s navigating peer pressure, managing school and extracurricular responsibilities, or exploring career opportunities, your insights can significantly impact the lives of young people with autoimmune conditions.

We invite you to apply to join the Autoimmune Association’s Young Adult Advisory Council today!

Why Join?

Healthcare settings often overlook the needs of teens and young adults, focusing primarily on children or adults. The YAAC aims to bridge this gap by addressing the challenges faced by young people with autoimmune diseases. Your experiences make you experts on what matters most to young adults navigating their autoimmune journey.

Apply Now!

The application period to join our Young Adult Advisory Council for 2025 is now open!

To be considered, you must submit an application and participate in a virtual interview. Interviews will take place in early March and selected candidates will be notified in mid-March. The 2025 term will begin April 1, 2025 and end March 31, 2026.

Apply Now

Questions? Contact Colleen Kmiecik, Director of Marketing and Communications & YAAC Staff Co-Chair at [email protected].

Supporting Young Adults

Young adults face unique experiences during this time in their lives. From interacting with teachers, managing a heavy course load, balancing their social lives, applying to college, and beginning their careers to navigating health insurance and medical appointments, it can be confusing and overwhelming. For those living with an autoimmune condition, tailored resources and support are essential to successfully navigate these experiences.

The Autoimmune Association is committed to bridging this gap by addressing the challenges faced by young people with autoimmune diseases.

Additionally, research shows that autoimmune disease is on the rise, with a significant increase among teenagers. The Young Adult Advisory Council is deeply engaged in raising awareness for autoimmune disease among this age group.

2024 Council Members

Abby Mann, Chicago, IL
Allie Place, Columbia, SC, University of South Carolina
Ally Woodard, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Columbia University in the City of New York
Alonna Kolobakken, Minot, ND, Florida International University
Athitiya Singhapan, Houston, TX, DeBakey High School
Ela Chintagunta, Chicago, IL, Grinnell College
Gauri Lahoti, Morganville, NJ, University of Pennsylvania
Gracie Bagdon, Akron, OH, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Jacelynn Rose, Duchesne, UT, Duchesne High School
Jackson Tucker, Cheraw, SC, Chesterfield High School
Julia Ellis, Chicago, IL, Northwestern University (graduated)
Kabir Budlender, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, St John’s College
Kaye Anderson, River Falls, WI, University of Wisconsin-River Falls (graduated)
Makenzie Kaput, Plainfield, IL, University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Megan Tompkins, Ann Arbor, MI, University of Michigan Medical School
Riley Romero, Los Alamitos, CA, Los Alamitos High School