Young Adult Advisory Council

 

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.

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

Why YAAC Matters

YAAC 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
Aine Kim
River Bluff High School, Lexington, SC
Alonna Kolobakken
Alonna Kolobakken
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Amelie Wilcox
Amélie Wilcox
South Dakota State University, Rapid City, SD
Ayat Nayyer
Ayat Nayyer
Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, OK
Gia Morton
Gia Morton
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Hunter Gurney
Hunter Gurney
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, FL
Isa Graham
Isa Graham Torres
The Dalton School, New York, NY
Jacelynn Rose
Jacelynn Rose
Utah State University, Herriman, UT
Makenzie Kaput
Makenzie Kaput
Plainfield, IL
Mari Pitts
Mari Pitts
Austin, TX
Simrah Zaman
Simrah Zaman
University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Sofia Vincent
Sofia Vincent
Saint Louis University, Des Plaines, IL