Meet Our Team
Emmanuel Sessegnon, President
Emmanuel Sessegnon is dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals with autoimmune diseases and compromised immune systems. He believes in raising more awareness and working with schools to create a safe learning environment for sick students who need it the most.
This cause hits close to home for him; during his time at a consulting firm, despite battling HIV/AIDS and related illnesses, he was compelled to endure long hours in an office environment, even as other employees fell ill. His firsthand experience motivated him to fight for the 23 million Americans affected by these conditions. It's clear that greater safeguards are essential for individuals facing such life-threatening illnesses.
Nicole Diaz, Education Director
Nicole Diaz started her career in education, specifically working with students with disabilities. She brings a deep understanding of the importance of educating and advocating for students with disabilities in the K-12 setting. After working full-time in the education field for 5 years while also battling the daily struggle of living with lupus and all of its comorbidities, Nicole was forced to reevaluate how to balance work, life, and chronic illness. Searching for a fulfilling career that allowed her to continue to make a positive impact on the world, she found a perfect match in Autoimmune Alliance. She is excited to apply her skills and knowledge in the education field to her role as Education Director.
Ashley Yodkovik, Awareness Director
Ashley, a clinical social worker residing in Thousand Oaks, CA, brings nearly a decade of experience in advocating for others. Little did she anticipate that she would need to advocate for herself as well. Her journey with autoimmune diagnoses, totaling eight and continuing, commenced in 2014 and persists to this day. Motivated by her personal experiences, Ashley sought to join forces with the Autoimmune Alliance. Her aim is to contribute to the effort to increase recognition of autoimmune diseases and raise awareness not only within the classroom but also in the workforce, doctor’s office, and society at large.
Gabriel Gilmore, Advocacy Director
Gabe Gilmore is the Advocacy Director of the Autoimmune Alliance. Hailing from Florida with approximately 5 years guiding advocacy teams to success across various states, including Texas, Nebraska, and Idaho, among others. With a wealth of experience in team management, Gabe is thrilled to leverage his expertise in building coalitions and influencing public opinion in order to enhance the lives of the autoimmune and immunocompromised communities. His focus extends beyond state borders, with aims to enact change not only in his home state of Florida but all across the United States as well. Gabriel is dedicated to advocating for equal opportunities for participation in education, the workplace, and beyond for the autoimmune and the immunocompromised.
William Wyatt, Fundraising Director
William Wyatt, the Fundraising Director for the Autoimmune Alliance has been an enthusiastic part of our organization from the very beginning. William is 28 years old and a proud father of two boys. With family as his top priority, Will's decision to join this cause was deeply influenced by his wife's struggle with an autoimmune disorder. Witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by workers and students with such disorders due to inadequate accommodations, he is enthusiastic about collaborating with an organization dedicated to raising awareness and enhancing conditions for all. Will eagerly anticipates the opportunity to connect and collaborate with each and every individual involved in this important endeavor!