Patient advocate · Storyteller · Speaker

Turning lived experience into leadership.

I'm Alicia - patient advocate, and storyteller working to reshape healthcare through community, creativity, and the power of the patient voice.

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Alicia Aiello
My Background

What I Bring to the Table

I bring 10+ years of creative and marketing experience across content, events, and community-building — blending strategy, storytelling, and production. My work is rooted in a deep understanding of patient voice and lived experience for those managing chronic conditions.

Global IBD Summit Workshop Girls With Guts DDW 2025 Health eVoices Uninhibited Warsaw
Alicia Aiello
About me

Patient leader. Community builder.

I'm a Philadelphia native with a lifelong passion for creativity and storytelling. My professional work began in video production as a freelance videographer and editor, but I've always resisted being confined to a single medium. Over the years, my work has expanded to include photography, marketing, and multimedia storytelling — each project an opportunity to explore new ideas, perspectives, and challenges.

Regardless of the format or subject matter, I approach every project with the same goal: to create thoughtful, compelling work that exceeds expectations and continues to push my own creative growth.

In addition to my creative work, I currently serve as President of Girls With Guts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women living with inflammatory bowel disease and ostomies. This role is deeply personal to me and allows me to combine leadership, advocacy, and storytelling to amplify patient voices and build meaningful community.

I hold a degree in Television, Radio & Film from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Today, my work sits at the intersection of creativity, storytelling, and advocacy — using visual media and community leadership to tell stories that matter.


Review My Experience
Speaking & Advocacy

How We Can Work Together

Empowering patients and organizations through storytelling, leadership, and advocacy.

Individual Patient Advocacy

Individual Patient Advocacy

  • Navigate complex healthcare systems with compassionate, informed support
  • Prepare for appointments, treatment decisions, and self-advocacy conversations
  • Develop personalized strategies for care coordination, communication, and quality of life
Speaking and Workshops

Speaking & Workshops

  • Educational talks on patient advocacy, chronic illness, and lived experience leadership
  • Interactive workshops for healthcare teams, nonprofits, and community organizations
  • Conversations that foster empathy, connection, and more patient-centered care
Org Consulting

Organizational Consulting

  • Advise organizations on authentic patient engagement and community trust-building
  • Collaborate on patient-centered programs, campaigns, and educational initiatives
  • Strengthen communication strategies through a lived-experience lens
Storytelling Projects

Storytelling & Creative Projects

  • Photography, video, and multimedia storytelling rooted in authenticity
  • Patient-focused content creation for campaigns, education, and awareness initiatives
  • Help brands and organizations amplify meaningful human stories with impact
Media & features

Featured publications & abstracts

HealthCentral

December 2018

In-Person Support Can Be Life-Changing

On the transformative power of community and in-person connection for chronic illness patients.

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The New York Times

February 2018

Five Things I Wish I'd Known Before My Chronic Illness

A patient perspective piece in The New York Times alongside journalist Tessa Miller.

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Prime Inc

September 2023

Uncovering Unique Needs Among LGBTQ+ Patients with IBD

Co-author and community partner on a peer-reviewed abstract informing inclusive care practices.

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Girls With Guts

January 2024

It's Time to Talk About IBD and Sexual Identity

Published via girlswithguts.org with Pfizer sponsorship on IBD and LGBTQ+ identity.

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Time Magazine

June 2024

How to Navigate Dating When You Have IBD

Featured in Time alongside journalist Claire Sibonney on relationships and chronic illness.

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Bowel Moments Podcast

October 2024

Bowel Moments Podcast with Alicia Aiello

A candid conversation on patient leadership, community building, and life with IBD.

Listen Now →

Let's Make an Impact Together

Whether you're looking for personalized patient advocacy, a storytelling partner, or a speaker for your next event — fill out the form below and let's chat!