Advocate

Elevate the voices of vitiligo!

Advocacy

: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal

: the act or process of advocating for something

“Progress happens when patients / advocates and scientists all collaborate — listen, question, and move forward - TOGETHER”

SPEAKERS/BIO’s AND SESSIONS

State Representative Rob Consolvo: How to approach your elected officials Q & A

Rob Consalvo started his career in public service nearly 30 years ago as an aide to Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Rob also served as a Legislative Aide in the office of Massachusetts State Representative Angelo M. Scaccia.

Rob’s experience in public service inspired him to launch his own bid for public office. In 2002, he was elected to the Boston City Council in a special election. He served 12 years as the City Councilor from District 5, after serving on the Boston City Council, Rob became Deputy Director for the City of Boston’s Boston Home Center. Rob also worked as Senior Advisor to the Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. Rob serves as the State Representative for the 14th Suffolk District.

Rob is the proud father of three, Amanda, Anthony and Austin lives in Boston with his children and wife Michelle.

Vocalist - VITI - XOTCSKN

VITI da Brute (associated with the label XOTCSKN) is a musical artist and performer recognized for the 2025 release "SKN Prophet," promoting themes of being "born twice" in flesh and purpose. They are active in the gospel/experimental music scene, emphasizing unique, artistic expression.

Tonja Johnson: How to create an Awareness Walk Event in your town Q & A

Tonja L. Johnson is a respected patient advocate, speaker, and consultant who brings a clear voice and a steady commitment to advancing change in the vitiligo community while building supportive, empowered spaces for people with many skin conditions. She is the Founder of Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group, Inc. in Tampa, Florida, where for more than seven years she has developed programs that educate, uplift, and connect individuals living with vitiligo and other visible skin conditions.

Diagnosed with vitiligo in 2014, her personal journey evolved into a mission to reduce stigma, expand awareness, and strengthen support at local, state, and national levels. With a background in healthcare operations and public health, Tonja bridges lived experience with practical solutions that improve patient care, community engagement, and health equity.

Yan Valle:

Discussing National Vitiligo Act / June 25 / Global Update/VIT History Q & A

Yan Valle is a medical researcher and global patient‑advocacy leader specializing in vitiligo. Combining clinical education, digital health, and community engagement, he bridges pharma, research, and clinical practice to transform innovation into accessible care. With a background in engineering and business, he develops shared infrastructure — AI‑driven platforms, real‑world data systems, and multilingual learning tools — turning complex scientific insights into everyday clinical solutions.

Vicki & Todd Tiahrt: Lobbying for Vitiligo & update-Medicare Coverage Issue

Todd Tiahrt is a former state Senator and US Congressman, representing Kansas in DC for 16 years. He has been married to Vicki Tiahrt for nearly 50 years. While in Congress, Todd advocated for vitiligo research funding, procured money for grants for AVRF and VSI and sponsored a resolution for vitiligo awareness. He has spoken at vitiligo conferences and he and Vicki remain active contributors to VITFriends for awareness and treatment covered by Insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Vicki Tiahrt has had vitiligo for over 40 years. Vicki worked as a public school speech therapist. She went to DC when her husband served in Congress and was President of the DC Spouses 2005-2006 . Vicki was Board President for VSI in 2015. In 2017, Vicki served as Co Chair of GVF, representing people with vitiligo until 2022. She is a member of VITFriends DC, and was on the planning committee for World Vitiligo Day 2016. Currently, Vicki is a member of the NOVATIS Patient’s Board, is an advisor to the VITFriends Board and serves on VITFriends Advocacy Committee.

Alicia Roufs: Apply for LIT4VIT & Proclamations. Prepare for Vitiligo Awareness Q & A

has been living with vitiligo since she was three months old and has become a passionate advocate for the vitiligo community. She founded a Minnesota vitiligo support group in 2014 and now serves as Vice President of Vitiligo Support for the Global Vitiligo Foundation. Alicia has spoken at the U.S. Capitol for World Vitiligo Day and continues to work to build community, raise awareness, and help others feel confident in their own skin.

Valarie Molyneaux, President/CEO - Reading Initiative as Advocacy

Wife, Mother, Coach, Author, Educator, Poet, Advocate, Notary, Deacon, Humanitarian, NIH Coalition Member, Mass Rare Disease Council Member, MLK Community Builder Award recipient, Comm of MA Heroin Award recipient 2023, Incyte Innovator and Ingenuity Award recipient.

Rev Dr Wallace Henry, III - M.C. & Invocation

Rev. Dr. Wallace is currently the Senior Pastor of Inner Light Ministries United Church of Christ where he has served in the ministry for 26 years. His ministry is rooted in a desire to fulfill a divine purpose through the education of the individual as well as the community. He is an engaging teacher/leader and dynamic preacher who believes in giving his all and walking a transparent journey. As a leader, his greatest asset is the willingness to see and to create a vision supported by action and commitment. He believes through the practical application of God’s word and faith the impossible is always seen as possible. In his field of education and in ministry, he has helped many individuals to discover and fulfill their purpose and looks forward to replicating this for many others.

Advocate

Elevate the voices of vitiligo!

Advocacy

SPEAKERS/BIO’s AND SESSIONS

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