Young Adult Advisory Council

Autoimmune disease is rising among young adults, and young voices are rising in response. YAAC turns lived experience into awareness, connection, and action. It’s where young voices are helping shape the future.

Applications open October 1

The Autoimmune Association’s Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC) brings together young people ages 15–25 who want to make a difference for young adults affected by autoimmune disease.

Young adults living with autoimmune disease face challenges that are different from those at other stages of life — balancing school, sports, internships, friendships and social lives, preparing for the future, starting careers, and learning how to manage their health along the way.

At the same time, autoimmune disease is affecting more young people, making awareness, education, and connection especially important.

YAAC gives young people a voice in that work.

Follow YAAC on Instagram.

How YAAC Makes an Impact

YAAC is about young people reaching other young people. Council members help raise awareness of autoimmune disease, educate their peers about what living with these conditions can be like, and create connection and support for young adults who are affected. By sharing their voices, experiences, and ideas, they are helping build greater understanding today and a stronger, more informed community for the future.

YAAC also helps the Autoimmune Association better understand and respond to the needs of young people living with autoimmune disease.

Council members help us:

Raise awareness of autoimmune disease among young adults.
Help peers better understand what living with autoimmune disease can be like.
Share education and resources that can help young people recognize signs and symptoms and advocate for their health.
Create connection and community so young people affected by autoimmune disease know they are not alone.
Shape programs and resources by sharing what young adults need from the Autoimmune Association.

Meet our 2026 Council Members

YAAC members come from different backgrounds, communities, schools and experiences, but they share a commitment to making life better for young people affected by autoimmune disease.

Aine Kim

River Bluff High School, Lexington, SC

Alonna Kolobakken

University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND

Amélie Wilcox

South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD

Ayat Nayyer

Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, OK

Gia Morton

Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

Hunter Gurney

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, FL

Isa Graham Torres

The Dalton School, New York, NY

Jacelynn Rose

Utah State University, Herriman, UT

Makenzie Kaput

Plainfield, IL

Mari Pitts

Austin, TX

Simrah Zaman

University of Toronto, Toronto, ON

Sofia Vincent

Saint Louis University, Des Plaines, IL

What Does Being a YAAC Member Look Like?

YAAC is designed to give members meaningful ways to use their voice, build leadership experience, and make an impact — without requiring previous advocacy or volunteer experience.

ADVISE

Throughout the year, Autoimmune Association staff and partners invite YAAC members to share their perspectives on programs, projects, educational resources, communications, and other initiatives affecting young adults.

TAKE ACTION

Members complete at least three awareness or outreach activities during their term. Opportunities range from sharing your story or participating in YAAC social media to bringing autoimmune awareness to your school, campus, community, friends, or family.

CONNECT

The full YAAC meets virtually four times during the year to connect with one another, share ideas, discuss the needs of young adults, and help shape the Association’s work.