Our Team
Victoria Reese brathwaitE
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Victoria Reese Brathwaite is a renowned expert in patient engagement and advocacy within the healthcare industry. With a stellar reputation as an award-winning entrepreneur, founder, and public speaker, Victoria has made significant contributions to revolutionizing the role of patients in the decision-making process.
Since her own diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2012, Victoria has tirelessly worked to amplify the patient voice and challenge the existing norms in healthcare. Her deep understanding of the patient experience and her relentless drive to create positive change have earned her widespread recognition and respect.
A proven Community Builder, Victoria is the Founder and President of We Are ILL, a 501(c)3 patient advocacy organization with a vision to redefine what “sick” looks like for Black women living with multiple sclerosis.
Victoria's expertise extends across multiple sectors and a diverse range of stakeholders providing invaluable insights and guidance that have helped these organizations navigate patient engagement strategies and improve patient-centered approaches. As a trusted consultant, she provides expert guidance on patient involvement in publications and research projects. By championing patient involvement in publications, Victoria has played a pivotal role in reshaping how information is presented and shared in the medical community.
As a sought-after public speaker, Victoria captivates audiences with her compelling presentations that shed light on the importance of patient engagement and empowerment. Her thought-provoking talks inspire healthcare professionals, researchers, and decision-makers to reevaluate their practices and embrace patient-centered models of care, further solidifying her position as a leading authority in patient engagement. Her transformative contributions continue to shape the healthcare landscape, empowering patients and reshaping the industry as a whole.
With her unparalleled expertise, dynamic speaking abilities, and unwavering commitment to patient empowerment, Victoria Reese Brathwaite is undeniably an influential figure in the field of patient engagement and advocacy. Her insights and guidance are indispensable for anyone striving to create meaningful change and improve patient outcomes in the healthcare ecosystem.
As a Black woman living with MS, she shows up for her community, aiming to bring more representation to research, advocacy, and education surrounding the chronic disease.
Ashley Ratcliff lundy
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Ashley M. Ratcliff is a business owner, bestselling author, communications professional, invisible illness advocate, and speaker who lives to tell stories in myriad formats.
Ashley joined We Are ILL in May 2022, and has since launched her enamel pin business, Poppy + Monarch. The company offers wearable flair for the chronically chill and their cherished ones, sparking confidence and conversation so you can be your whole self in style.
She began her career in print journalism after graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she studied sociology and professional writing with an editing emphasis. Ashley previously spent nearly six years at Snap Inc. (Snapchat).
Ashley co-authored a collection of short stories titled Stories 4 Women, focusing on the beauty and diversity of the woman’s experience. The book earned an honorable mention in the Hollywood Book Festival.
Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in March 2018 ignited Ashley’s passion for supporting and uplifting Black women living with MS and other chronic illnesses. Noticing the dearth of representation of Black women and the lack of information for newly diagnosed patients, Ashley wrote Jesus Year, a self-help memoir that caters to both segments of MS patients.
Publishing Jesus Year — her first solo book — during the COVID-19 pandemic is one of Ashley’s proudest achievements. The book became a bestseller on Amazon in April 2021, and she released the audiobook version, which she narrated, in December 2021 on the anniversary of the print release.
Ashley Ratcliff Lundy’s Website
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lianca lyons
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Lianca, who joined We Are ILL as an executive assistant in 2022, serves as our Director of Operations. She is committed to helping small businesses grow. Over the past 15 years, she’s assisted every type of CEO imaginable from large corporations to tech startups, always providing solutions, not excuses. She also doubles as a professional problem solver, a strategic partner with critical thinking, and a caring and trusted confidant. In 2013, she was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder II and her purpose since the day of her diagnosis has been: “I Vocalize to Normalize and Destigmatize.” Her TEDx Talk, Bipolar: A Gift from God, details her mental health journey and has over 25k views. She actively shares her story in an effort to further de-stigmatize mental illness and to normalize what it looks like to actively manage your mental health.
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Nicole jones
PROJECT MANAGER
Nicole Jones is a remarkable figure in the world of project management and entrepreneurship, known for her strategic prowess, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. She supports We Are ILL as our Project Manager. As the CEO of The PM Suite, a premier consultancy specializing in project management solutions, Nicole has carved a niche for herself as a trusted advisor and a driving force behind business success.
Nicole’s journey to entrepreneurship is marked by a decade-long tenure in corporate project management, where she honed her skills and expertise across diverse industries, including fintech and marketing. Throughout her illustrious career, she held leadership positions at prominent corporations such as Equifax and Truist, where she spearheaded initiatives, optimized processes, and delivered outstanding results. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive innovation made her a respected figure in the field, earning her accolades and recognition from peers and colleagues alike.
With a Bachelor’s degree in English from Georgia State University, Nicole’s educational background might seem unconventional for a career in project management. However, it is a testament to her versatility and her ability to leverage her skills and knowledge across disciplines.
In 2021, Nicole made a bold decision, after over a decade in corporate project management, to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, launching The PM Suite — a consultancy aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in establishing structure and strategy for their businesses. Fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit and guided by her commitment to excellence, Nicole embraced the challenge with determination and foresight.
As a wife and mother, Nicole understands the importance of work-life balance and prioritizes family alongside her professional pursuits. Nicole’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and strategic vision. With her unwavering commitment to excellence and her relentless pursuit of innovation, Nicole continues to inspire others to dream big, take risks, and rewrite the rules of success.
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