Brain Injury Association of America Announces Inaugural Class of Advocacy and Awareness Ambassadors
November 10, 2025
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is proud to announce our new Advocacy and Awareness Ambassador program, welcoming 21 advocates into the inaugural class.
| Allison “Allie” Glass – Minnesota | Jenna Redington – Illinois |
| Brinda Duncan – Alabama | Jira Banfield – New York |
| Carey Moore – Kentucky | Leili Hashemi – California |
| Carrie Ditto – Florida | Lyndee Crawford – Texas |
| Chad Childs – Kansas | Melissa Carmen – Pennsylvania |
| Charrisse Coates – Arkansas | Nicole Morrison – Indiana |
| Claudia Gonzalez – Texas | Patty Byrnes – Pennsylvania |
| Darcy Keith – Indiana | Regena Young – Tennessee |
| Dede Norungolo – South Carolina | Sofia Lois Monroe – Nevada |
| Derek A. O’Neal – Virginia | Tara Buggie – New Jersey |
| Frank Notaro – Pennsylvania |
The Advocacy and Awareness Ambassador program is a training and engagement program for advocates who want to elevate their advocacy and public awareness efforts. This national initiative will train and empower a grassroots network of brain injury advocates. The 2026 class of Ambassadors includes brain injury survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates representing a range of backgrounds, experiences, and regions.
“The 21 inaugural members of our Advocacy and Awareness Ambassador Program exemplify what it means to be a voice for brain injury,” said Rick Willis, President and CEO, BIAA. “From the survivors who use their lived experience to improve awareness and understanding, to the caregivers who advocate on behalf of their loved ones, to the professionals who dedicate their careers to supporting members of the brain injury community, this cohort of passionate, informed individuals inspires us to live our vision of ensuring that everyone in the U.S. who sustains a brain injury is recognized, treated, and accepted.”
Each class of Ambassadors will support BIAA’s advocacy and awareness efforts for a two-year cycle, during which they will serve as local and national champions for brain injury awareness, access to care, and public policy reform.
If you’re interested in participating in our advocacy actions, join our advocacy mailing list.
