Bringing together patients, providers, researchers, and advocates to elevate BIPOC perspectives in autoimmune and chronic illness care. Each conversation informs more equitable approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Turning connection into action by bringing lived experience into conversation with research and policy. Each session helps shape solutions that strengthen access, inclusion, and prevention for BIPOC communities.

Creating Space for Equity in Autoimmune and Chronic Illness Care

National Dialogue for Systemic Change

Building momentum for more equitable care by translating lived experience into insights that inform research, policy, and practice. Each discussion connects perspectives, centers community voice, and supports real-world change.

It does this in three key ways:

How Each Roundtable Creates Lasting Impact

Exploring how the AIP framework can be adapted for diverse communities and aligned with broader health equity goals.

Connecting the Autoimmune Protocol to Access, Inclusion, and Prevention

Amplifying the realities of patients and practitioners to shape approaches that are culturally relevant and community-informed.

Centering BIPOC lived experience and cultural context

Bringing together research, advocacy, and community insight to translate knowledge into real-world action that advances prevention, representation, and trust in care.

Bridging systems, science, and everyday life

The AIP BIPOC Roundtable has welcomed an incredible lineup of voices shaping the future of autoimmune and chronic illness care. Each guest brings a unique lens from research, policy, clinical practice, coaching, and lived experience, helping us bridge systems, science, and everyday life.

These collaborators share their expertise to advance equity, strengthen community trust, and inspire real change across the autoimmune and chronic illness landscape.


Our Roundtable Guests

Hover over each guest to learn more about their work and contributions.

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Considering the Autoimmune Toolkit: Integrating Medication, Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Complementary Treatments in Autoimmune Care

Autoimmune Wellness
Functional Nutritionist, Bestselling Author

Mickey Trescott, MSc

Nourish Without Restriction: Making Nutrient-Dense Eating Work for You

Nutrivore
Medical biophysicist,  bestselling author, and science educator

Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD

Advocacy in Action: How Patients & Providers Can Work Together to Protect Chronic Illness Care

Umemba Health
Registered Nurse, Public Health Consultant, and Healthcare Strategist

Quisha Umemba, RN, MPH 

Left Out on Paper, Left Behind in Care: A Patient-Centered Look at the Impact of DEI in Healthcare

Cynaera / The BIPOC Equity Agency
Health Equity Advocate, Author

Cynthia Adinig 

Building Strong Foundations: Supporting Kids and Families Facing Autoimmunity

The Therapy Lounge and Wellness Boutique
EMDR Psychotherapist, AIP/Wellness Coach

Crashonda Duncan

Building Strong Foundations: Supporting Kids and Families Facing Autoimmunity

Rare Disease Advocate
HERstory in Color 

holly Jones

Therapeutic Strategies for Addressing Autoimmune and Chronic Illness Related Stress and Trauma

The Mind Kind Company
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) & EMDR Psychotherapist 

Bianca Clarke

Unveiling Cognitive Challenges in Autoimmune Disorders: Understanding Brain Fog in Diverse Communities

Global Healthy Living Foundation
Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Outreach

Sarah Shaw

Unpacking Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dismantling Myths and Advocating for Awareness

Executive Director – Central West Region

Delores A. Hardwick

Arthritis Foundation 

Unpacking Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dismantling Myths and Advocating for Awareness

Arthritis Foundation 
Senior Director, DEI Programming

Jazzmin McKay

They Don't Get It: Navigating Misunderstandings in Autoimmune Relationships

iNfinitely Well

Holistic Whole-Self-Health Therapist & AIP Coach

Nichelle Alderson 

Thyroid Health in the Modern World: Navigating Wellness, Weight Loss, and Sustainable Fitness

Thyroid Coach and Advocate

Ebony Williams 

Joyful Ebony

Thyroid Health in the Modern World: Navigating Wellness, Weight Loss, and Sustainable Fitness

AIP Conmigo

Certified MPHC, AIP & CHN

Onelly Hernandez

Navigating the Cost of Chronic Illness: Strategies for Lowering Healthcare Costs and Regaining Control of Your Medical Expenses

Your GPS Doc
Health Equity Advocate & TEDx Speaker, CEO

Dr. Nicole T. Rochester

Claiming Your Power: Self-Advocacy and Disease Management for BIPOC Individuals Living with Lupus

Executive Director

Anne Marie Blacketer

The Lupus Foundation - Texas Gulf Coast

Embodying Equity: A Discussion on How to Create a More Equitable and Inclusive Practitioner-Patient Relationship That Drives Better Communication, Trust, Health Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction

Embodying Equity / Heal Me Delicious
Professor and Food & Wellness Entrepreneur

Dr. Nicole Charles, PhD 

Advancing Autoimmune Health: A Discussion on How to Improve Health Outcomes of the Autoimmune BIPOC Community Through Education and Empowerment

Sip Herbals
Co-Founder

Orleatha Smith

Toxins Are Making You Tox-Sick! How Environmental Toxins Contribute to Autoimmune Disease and Symptom Flares

Environmental Toxins Expert & Educator / Certified Health Coach

Lara Adler

The Environmental Toxins Nerd

Toxins Are Making You Tox-Sick! How Environmental Toxins Contribute to Autoimmune Disease and Symptom Flares

Centre College
Associate Professor of Sociology

Dr. Kaelyn Wiles

Navigating Life with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long Covid, Autoimmune Disease, or Undiagnosed Exhaustion 

Super Sized Wellness

board certified health coach

Isabel Ramirez

Navigating the Autoimmune Protocol in the Hispanic Community

The Castaway Kitchen
best selling cookbook author, holistic nutritionist and chef

Cristina Curp, NTP

How to Leverage Community Health Centers to Expand Access to Care in Spite of the Current Economic Outlook

Bee Busy Wellness Center
founder / CEO

Norman Mitchell 

Is Race-Based Traumatic Stress Causing Your Symptoms?

Imei Shu Counseling and Health Coaching
Master Health Coach, NBC-WHC

Imei Shu

Intro to AIP BIPOC

research immunologist & Board Certified Health Coach

Sybil Cooper, PhD

Sybil Cooper Wellness

Guest speakers featured, amplifying BIPOC voices and expertise from across health, research, and community leadership.

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Unique topics explored, addressing key issues in prevention, access, inclusion, and culturally responsive care.

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Program Impact Statistics

THE AIP BIPOC ROUNDTABLE 

Since its launch, The AIP BIPOC Roundtable has become a trusted space for learning, connection, and collaboration across patients, providers, and advocates.

Roundtables hosted, each creating space for open dialogue and shared learning across lived experience, research, and advocacy.

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Individuals registered to join our conversations on autoimmune and chronic illness equity, reflecting nationwide interest and engagement.

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- Site Visitor

Just listened to the Roundtable with you and Mr. Norman - such great work. I'll be back to check out the whole website.  Thanks so much!

roundtable feedback

What Participants Say About the Roundtables

These reflections highlight how the Roundtable creates connection, clarity, and real support for our community.

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The AIP BIPOC Roundtable is a virtual discussion series that brings together patients, clinicians, researchers, and advocates to address inequities in autoimmune and chronic illness care. Each session centers BIPOC voices and explores culturally grounded solutions that advance access, inclusion, and prevention.

What is The AIP BIPOC Roundtable?

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Anyone interested in autoimmune and chronic-illness equity can attend, including patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and community partners. Registration is free and open to the public.

Who can attend the Roundtable sessions?

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Each conversation elevates lived experience, highlights systemic barriers, and shares actionable strategies for improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in underrepresented communities.

How does the Roundtable support BIPOC communities?

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All Roundtable sessions are hosted virtually to make participation accessible from anywhere. Recordings and session recaps are shared on our website after each event.

Are the Roundtables in person or online?

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Speakers and panelists interested in collaborating can email our team at info@aipbipoc.org with their background and topic of interest.

How can I participate as a speaker or panelist?

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Roundtable sessions take place several times a year and align with key awareness months or partner events. Each discussion focuses on a timely topic in autoimmune and chronic illness equity, featuring diverse voices from research, healthcare, and the community.

How often are Roundtable sessions held?

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Anything else you’d like to learn more about? Get in touch with our team and we’d be happy to answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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