Sofia is 25 years old and has been living with type 1 diabetes for 10 years. In 2013, she was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis as well, now struggling with both chronic conditions on a daily basis. She has been running her own business since 2014, including lecturing, blogging (www.diabetesia.se), Instagram (@diabetesia.se), consultant jobs for med tech companies, event planning and more. She wants to make a difference, break down prejudices, raise awareness and make sure no one feels alone in their condition.
Christel is a Los Angeles based speaker, writer, diabetes coach and diabetes advocate. She has been living with type 1 diabetes since 1997 and at an early stage decided that it wasn’t going to slow her down. Her motto is “There is Nothing You Can’t do With Diabetes”. She writes about how to be Fit With Diabetes on DiabetesStrong.com. She also coaches people with diabetes from across the globe, online and in person, and supports them in meeting their health and fitness goals.
Christel holds a MBA in Finance & Strategy and an ISSA Personal Trainer certification with specialization in Fitness and Diabetes (Level 3 certified from the Diabetes Motion Academy).
Aline Peach was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at two years old. Marketing expert, she decided five years ago to focus her work on Diabetes. She started sharing her life experiences on her blog and now she has a informative website named Clube do Diabetes and works as a CEO at a start up, designing a digital platform to manage Diabetes.
Jonathan Tijerina is a 3rd year medical student and research coordinator at Stanford School of Medicine. He teaches the med school course, Diabetes 101 for Healthcare Providers, and started the Bay Area Running Group for diabetic teens learning to manage their glucose on long running ventures. He was also a Division 1 track and cross-country athlete at Baylor University.
World Diabetes Advocate Charles Mattocks is a published author with the American Diabetes Association and a Blue Circle Champion with the International Diabetes Federation. Charles is also a multiple award-winning director and is regularly seen on such major shows as CNN, Dr Oz, The Today Show and scores more, not just in the USA, but across the world. Charles has also produced the first ever diabetes docuseries featured on Discovery Life every Tuesday at 7pm, titled Reversed.
Charles has been a force in diabetes since he was diagnosed 8 years ago. Charles has created many engagements in diabetes ranging from the first ever diabetes RV tour with Shire Biopharmaceuticals to being a key note speaker for companies such as AZ and Blue Cross to documentaries on diabetes filmed around the world. Charles has worked with many countries on diabetes programs, ranging from the Caribbean Jamaica to India.
Being the nephew of the late reggae legend Bob Marley, Charles has been a tireless advocate for the people.
Eric Tozer, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2006, strives to inspire those affected by diabetes through sports and utilizes his athletic accomplishments, such as running across America and Ironman triathlon races, as a platform to be a role model in the diabetes community.
In 2015 he co-founded Diabetes Sports Project; an organization built to inspire. Led by a group of world class athletes who thrive with diabetes, their stories, athletic accomplishments and community outreach empower others to live healthy, responsible and active lives. Collectively, they have run across America (10 man T1D relay in 15 days), qualified for the Ironman World Championship, the Boston Marathon, the USA Olympic Trials, summited Mt Everest, represented Team USA at the Triathlon World Championships, and much more! The T1d athlete ambassadors use their accomplishments as a platform to educate and inspire as they speak at diabetes camps, children's hospitals, support groups, industry conferences. Through sharing their personal stories and extensive knowledge-base of managing T1D and sports, they provide insight, guidance, education and inspiration to those affected by diabetes.
Since Maddie Maloney’s diagnosis with T1D at age thirteen, she has centered her life around thriving with diabetes, athletics, and advocacy. Maddie grew up a competitive tennis player in Idaho and didn’t let her diagnosis of T1D stop her from pursuing her dreams of division 1 tennis at Seattle University. While attending Seattle U, Maddie was a team captain, all WAC conference athlete, President and Founder of SU’s College Diabetes Network Chapter, a JDRF and adidas intern, and a Lyfebulb and Diabetes Sports Project Ambassador. Since college, Maddie has pursued a career in the diabetes space, as a medical device sales representative. When not working or managing her T1D, Maddie enjoys yoga, traveling, hiking, playing tennis, making friends, and cooking yummy vegan treats!
Louise lives with three chronic autoimmune Diseases: IBD Crohns, Type 1.5 diabetes and a mild psoriasis. She is actively fighting for awareness about Diabetes and IBD. She has been in the media many times and is continuously booked for speaking engagements about her life journey, and how to maintain a positive attitude. Louise is also a Patient Entrepreneur who has teamed up with Lyfebulb to create ‘Bling Your Pen,’ a DIY case for your insulin pen.
Despite being hospitalized 20% of her life due to many years of serious Chrons and 25 surgeries, Louise choses to welcome every single day with a smile on her face, and is one of the most positive people in Denmark.
Lauren Bongiorno is a Diabetic Health Coach, Yoga and Bootcamp Instructor and Nike Influencer. Lauren works with diabetics around the world who want to lower their A1C, achieve more predictable blood sugar numbers, create a stable exercise and nutrition routine, reduce mental stress, and increase their insulin sensitivity for weight loss so that they can take control of their diabetes mind and body and not just live, but thrive. You can follow her journey on Instagram and find out more about her health coaching on her website.
David is the visual creator and motivational figure of @type1livabetic. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2008 and after going through a rough patch with his Diabetes years later, he wanted to make a difference in the Diabetic community and spread awareness to others with his positive attitude by creating @type1livabetic on Instagram. David posts often on hot topics and social issues in the vast world of Diabetes, all while providing creative photos and helpful information. David has a passion for design and photography and his goal is to become a Diabetes educator and teach others on the importance of spreading awareness and managing T1D, all which are prominent in his posts. David is currently an undergrad student aiming high for finding a common ground between happiness and health.