Our mission is to improve the quality of life for BIPOC who are affected by IBD, Digestive Disorders and associated Chronic Illnesses; through Community, Research, Education, and Advocacy.
An ambassador is an enthusiastic and dedicated chronic illness patient or professional, or the family member of a chronic illness patient, who is interested in sharing his or her time and expertise to help elevate awareness for chronic illnesses. As an ambassador you are passionate about our cause and committed to keeping abreast of new, relevant issues that may impact the community.
The goal of the Ambassador Board is to engage patients and healthcare professionals in raising awareness about chronic illnesses within their communities and among their social networks.
Post on your social media page (FB or Twitter) once a month
Share COGI’s Facebook or Instagram posts twice a month
Be willing to be interviewed once a year about your condition
Add "COGI Ambassador Board Member" to your email signature
Be willing to participate in a photoshoot/video once a year for COGI
Participate in 1 fundraising activity to seek contributions of time, money and/or in-kind support from individuals and corporate partners
Ambassadors will be displayed on our website with their photo, condition, and year of diagnosis
Be willing to lead a virtual support group 1 time a year:
Be willing to be a voice for the community, explaining why this community is relevant and necessary.
Click below to find out how many Ambassadors are near or even in your own State!
Additional Diagnosis: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Hi I’m Aarion and I am a 35 year old diva. I’ve been a Crohn’s fighter for 10 years. I am a single mom and dog/cat mom. I love advocating and doing makeup and make people laugh. I have been with COGI for a few years and love to make changes for us in the brown disabled community. I’m full of experience and love learning. GI and IBD Education in our community is so important and I’m passionate about it.
My name is Angela T. Jackson. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2000. I am a proud wife and mother of three amazing children who support me beyond measure. Professionally, I’m a licensed mental health therapist in the state of Tennessee with a passion for providing care for underserved communities as well as newly diagnosed patients with autoimmune deficiencies.
I’m a proud fur mom to a pup with Crohn’s disease, and I navigate my own Crohn’s journey with an ostomy like a boss! As your favorite IT girl, I blend tech-savvy skills with a flair for fashion, using style to showcase my confidence. Advocacy is my passion, and I love raising awareness while strutting my stuff with my four-legged sidekick. Together, we tackle the ups and downs of life, proving that a little humor and a great outfit can make any challenge more manageable. My fabulous ride of resilience, love, and lots of tail wags keeps me going.
Additional Diagnosis: Colonic Inertia
As a second-generation immigrant, I am a proud Jamaican American raised in Atlanta, Georgia, with academic training in medicine and public health. In May 2018 at age 31, I had open heart surgery to remove a golf-ball sized clot, resulting in the development of intestinal dysmotility and pelvic floor dysfunction. My diagnosis progressed to colonic inertia in May 2020, resulting in ileostomy surgery in June 2020. I also have hydrocephalus since the age of 10, resulting in 15 brain surgeries. I am a passionate patient advocate, fighting for ostomy, disability, and mental health awareness, esp. for people of color.
Partner’s Diagnosis: Ulcerative Colitis (2020)
Born and raised in Woodbridge, VA, I moved to Atlanta in 2013, met my wife a few years after, and we’ve been on this journey ever since.
Additional Diagnosis: Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Originally from Killeen, TX, D’andre Hardy now resides in North Carolina with her husband and daughter. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2000, she underwent a transformative health journey, including a temporary ostomy in 2013 and the decision to have her colon fully removed in 2020. Living with a permanent ostomy, she is a passionate advocate for individuals with Crohn’s disease and other invisible illnesses, working to raise awareness and foster understanding.
In 2023, she joined COGI after attending her first Equity in GI Conference, where she discovered a vibrant, supportive community of patients with similar experiences. “COGI truly feels like a family,” she shares. “You’re embraced just as you are, without the need to overexplain yourself. The access to doctors and medical research empowered me to better navigate my healthcare journey.”
Beyond her advocacy work, D’andre enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and staying up to date with pop culture. She continues to contribute to COGI’s mission, helping others find the same sense of belonging and empowerment that inspired her to join.
Additional Diagnosis: Short Bowel Syndrome (2020)
I’m just grateful to be here; living with a chronic illness can be difficult. Being a part of COGI, has given me a new perspective. I just want to be a light for anyone, living with a chronic condition, you can have a beautiful life. Bad things happen, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t live a beautiful life.
Delisa Richardson is an IBD advocate, actress, and Integrative Wellness Life Coach who has lived with IBD for 20 years. Misdiagnosed for two years, she finally received proper care in 2004. She began openly sharing her story after a near-fatal complication in 2013. Named the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s 2020 Adult Honored Hero, and an Ambassador for Color of Gastric Illnesses, Delisa is a fierce and active advocate for the cause. Her advocacy efforts & IBD journey have been featured in the Guide to Living with IBD and multiple media outlets. Delisa is a proud wife, mom, and Gigi.
Additional Diagnosis: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), Functional Dyspepsia
Hi! My name is Liz and I’m a COGI Ambassador living with Celiac Disease, IBS, and several other functional GI conditions.
As a Black woman living with a disease that many consider to be a “White Disease”, I actively work to dismantle that misconception through my social media platforms. Through my advocacy efforts, I aim to demonstrate that everyone has a place and a voice at the gluten-free table and that you are not alone!
I love to travel and learn about new cultures and places, so come along with me on my adventures!
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