EDC LEADERS COUNCIL
The mission of the Young Leaders Council is promote the policies & legislative endeavors of the EDC by supplementing the legislativeprocess with teen and young adult feedback, advocacy & support. Members will make a difference by getting involved in research & education, planning community events & raising support for EDC’s legislation.
BLOG SERIES
Racial Disparities in Eating Disorders
Navigating Insurance Coverage for Eating Disorder Treatment
Fighting the Battle of Eating Disorders in the Military
Empowering the Next Generation: Nurturing Confidence in Adolescents
Eating Disorders in the Military
MEMBERS
Isabella Galichia, Kansas (she/her)
Isabella Galichia is a high school senior living in Kansas. After struggling with an eating disorder throughout her early adolescence and professional tennis career, she has made a point to provide support for those in her community who struggle in the same manner. Isabella advocates for the importance of insurance in receiving care, and for changing the means that define them. She has also worked on research projects individually and at Georgetown University regarding a wide variety of mental health struggles. Isabella plans to continue pursuing Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences at the university level after graduation. Isabella has been involved with EDC’s Ambassador program since 2022.
Hollie Hagan, Kentucky (she/her)
Hollie Hagan is a high school senior living in Kentucky. She is a member of the Kentucky Eating Disorder Council’s Advocacy committee and is active in informing and working with educators and legislators in her community to end harmful educational practices centered around body image and eating disorders. Her foremost passion revolves around the creation of sustainable solutions and prevention methods of eating disorders for rural communities with limited treatment opportunities. Hollie has been involved with EDC’s Ambassador program since 2022.
Athena McDowall, New Jersey (she/her)
Athena McDowall is a mental health counselor living in New Jersey. She received her Master's in Social Work degree from Rutgers University folloring a time in which she served in the New Jersey National Guard. During college, Athena became the National Eating Disorders Association Philadelphia Walk Coordinator. Athena is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for a new nonprofit organization called SEA WAVES, which aims to increase awareness around eating disorders in the military and provide military personnel with the treatment resources that they need in order to pursue recovery. Athena has been involved with the EDC's Ambassador progream since 2022.
Ella Kirksey, Virginia (she/her)
Ella Kirksey is from Virginia and is a junior at Duke University pursuing a BS in neuroscience and chemistry on the pre-med track. Her experience in the healthcare system during the height of her eating disorder inspired her work to work towards becoming a physician to revoluionize treatment practices using scientific evidence. Ella is also interested in using her creative brain to influence the public perception of eating disorders, seen through her role as a writer, graphic designer, and content creator for Project HEAL. Ella is passionate about brining her perspective of the biological basis behind eating disorders to exact change. Ella has been involved with EDC's Ambassador program since 2022.
Asha Patel, California (she/her)
Asha Patel is a high school senior living in California. She co-founded the nonprofit organization, M2Health, to spread eating disorders and mental health education to middle schools nationwide. Asha is also on the UCSD Advisory Council for Public Health, part of Unstrumental, an award-winning high school a Cappella group, and it also a data and engagement intern at MOVN Health, a virtual cardiac rehabilitation program. Asha seeks to educate new generations about eating disorder awareness and innovate preventive efforts tailored to younger age groups. Asha has been involved with EDC's Ambassador program since 2022.