A writer and speaker, she openly shares her personal journey with obesity and bariatric surgery, helping to break down stigma and promote compassion in care. Nikki lives in Baltimore, MD where she actively spreads OAC’s message — even strategically leaving copies of Weight Matters Magazine throughout her community.

Nina has been a long-time OAC volunteer and advocate, actively championing access to care through initiatives ranging from South Carolina’s nutrition policy efforts to national leadership within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She has been a committed supporter of Medicaid nutrition counseling expansion and an early, consistent advocate for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), working to bring together dietitians, physicians and interdisciplinary teams to strengthen obesity care nationwide.

It wasn’t until later that she learned about the reality of obesity as a disease and the impact of weight bias and stigma have on people seeking care and support. Liz now uses her own first-person experiences to advocate against weight bias and stigma and for access to obesity treatments for all people. 

Liz is a Board Member of the Obesity Action Coalition and serves on the membership, convention and mental health committees.  When she isn’t advocating for people living with obesity she is active in Boy Scouts, choir, church and supporting her children’s many activities!

With nearly two decades of experience, Dr. Pashby has contributed extensively to the field through clinical practice, research and leadership. She serves on key national committees for The Obesity Society, the Obesity Action Coalition, The Endocrine Society and the American Diabetes Association. She is also a Research Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, where she helps shape the future of clinical health psychology. She lives in Washington DC. 

Patty has been an invited speaker at many events including the Partnership for a Healthier America Summit; Rethink Obesity events at Republican and Democratic National Conventions; The Obesity Society; the Obesity Medicine Association; George Washington University Medical School; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; Society for Human Resource Management; Society for Behavioral Medicine; the American Psychological Association; and the American Diabetes Association. She has also participated in numerous Congressional briefings focused on educating policy makers about the chronic disease of obesity and persuading them to cover costs related to obesity treatments. OAC and The Obesity Society have recognized her work in the field with the Barbara Thompson Award for advocacy and the Presidential Medal of Distinction. Patty encourages change by sharing her own experiences with lifelong obesity.