Meet the 2025 Young Adult Advisory Council: Empowering the Next Generation of Autoimmune Advocates

The Autoimmune Association announces the 2025 Young Adult Advisory Council (YAAC)—a dynamic group of 12 young leaders from across the United States and beyond who are committed to driving positive change for autoimmune disease. Launched last year, the YAAC initiative is part of our commitment to engaging with young adults, understanding their unique experiences, and raising their voices in the fight for better care, awareness, and support.

At the Autoimmune Association, we believe that young adults are not only the future of our mission: They’re also the present. Their insights are helping to shape the future of advocacy, research, and patient-centered care. With their efforts, we are supporting and empowering others in their generation who are navigating life with autoimmune disease.

This year’s council represents a diverse and inspiring group of individuals, ages 15 to 25, who bring passion, lived experience, and a vision for progress:

• Kabir Budlender, 18, Johannesburg, South Africa
• Julia Ellis, 24, Chicago, IL
• Isabella Graham Torres, 17, New York, NY
• Makenzie Kaput, 23, Plainfield, IL
• Cameron Kelly, 24, Auburn, AL
• Alonna Kolobakken, 19, Minot, ND
• Riker Matthews, 17, Arlington, VA
• Kangana Patel, 20, Edison, NJ
• Arpit Ramani, 17, Marietta, GA
• Jacelynn Rose, 18, Duchesne, UT
• Talia Samuels, 16, Burlingame, CA
• Jackson Tucker, 16, Cheraw, SC

Last year, the Council achieved significant milestones. They launched an Instagram page, @autoimmune_youngadults, where young adults can share their stories and support one another. They developed partnerships with colleges and universities, and created practical resources for young adults managing chronic conditions in school settings. Four members traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in our Legislative Fly-In, where they met with lawmakers to advocate for patient-first policies.

The 2025 Council will build on this momentum, working to expand collaborations with youth and young adult organizations, develop new tools and content for young patients, and continue to amplify their presence and messages through social media. This year promises even more opportunities for connection, creativity, and leadership.

Beyond specific projects, YAAC members will gain invaluable experience connecting with others who share similar challenges, creating new relationships, and becoming influential advocates and leaders.

Follow the Young Adult Advisory Council on Instagram at @autoimmune_youngadults.