National Walk Sponsor
Event Location: Online!
Event Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021
Event Times: 11am - 12 pm Central Time
Fundraising Goal: $100,000
Contact: walks@nationaleatingdisorders.org
Join our event on Facebook and spread the word!
Nia Patterson is an eating disorder recovery and mental health advocate. She has spent much of the past 4 years documenting her recovery from bulimia, ocd, ptsd, and bipolar disorder on Instagram and in various speeches. It is her personal goal to work with people with eating disorders and co-occurring disorders. She posts on Instagram @thefriendIneverwanted and blogs at thefriendineverwanted.com She has also started a brand new podcast called Body Trauma which you can find online at bodytraumapod.com You can also find Nia’s body positive and self care artwork on her website, selflovetoolchest.com
Ballet Co.Laboratory is a professional ballet company and school that honors the roots of classical ballet, while making strides to break down barriers found in the art form. Ballet Co.Laboratory collaborates with our community in new and surprising ways to challenge the stereotypes and culture of ballet -- helping to evolve the art form forward. Established in 2018, BCL company dancers, students, and staff move beyond the mirror to bring transformative, illuminating, and accessible dance experiences into the community. For more information on Ballet Co.Laboratory and our programs, visit balletcolaboratory.org. Connect with BCL on social media on Facebook and Instagram.
Julissa is a 16 year old girl of color who is passionate about educating people on BIPOC with eating disorders. Based on her own personal experiences, Julissa has a heightened awareness of the lack of representation in the field and is committed to being a part of the change. She deeply understands not only the fear and shame that come with struggling with an eating disorder, but also the added frustrations and challenges one faces when they do not see themselves represented. Julissa’s passion and priority goal is to make BIPOC with eating disorders feel welcomed and worthy.
Justin Shamoun is a 27 year old male currently living in Chicago. He recently received his MBA and is working as a management consultant, and prior to this he spent 8 years in New York. He interned with the NEDA team during his senior year of college and has spoken at their NYC Walk, Annual Gala, and other events. He is passionate about sharing his story and raising awareness of eating disorders, particularly among the male community.
Joyce is a 21 year old Egyptian American from Cincinnati, and has served as the city’s NEDA walk coordinator for the past three years. She is a senior at the University of Cincinnati and plans to attend the University of Chicago for graduate school. She is excited to keep working with NEDA and continue her advocacy work in Chicago! Joyce is deeply passionate about advocating for mental health and eating disorders awareness, especially within student and BIPOC communities. Through her work, she strives to bring light to the struggles and combat the stigmas that are disproportionately faced by marginalized communities, especially as it regards access to treatment.
This sponsor section is to acknowledge the financial support of our sponsors. Neither this section nor any other listings or signage seen at the walk is intended in any way as an endorsement of the companies listed, their products or services.
