Ava August

Inspirational Speaker and Teen Summit Speaker

Singer and Songwriter

Ava is cementing her place as one of pop’s rising stars. She first gained international recognition on The Voice and made history as the youngest contestant to reach the Top 10 on American Idol in 2021. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 4, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Southern California blends raw, introspective lyrics with a genre-blurring sound, moving seamlessly between haunting ballads and soulful, up-tempo originals. Inspired by The Beatles, Taylor Swift, Freddie Mercury, and Adele, her music explores young love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

Ava has performed for sold-out crowds at major sporting events, including the LA Rams, Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Angels, and LA Galaxy. Her original music is available on all streaming platforms, with her song Move On racking up over 300,000 streams and landing on multiple Apple Music editorial playlists. Now, she’s using her voice beyond the stage, joining Breakthrough T1D in San Diego on May 17 to connect with and inspire the type 1 diabetes community.

Jeremy Pettus, M.D.

Research Speaker

Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, UC San Diego

Jeremy Pettus, M.D. is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Diego.

After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes himself at the age of 15, Dr. Pettus has dedicated his career toward treating and educating others with the disease. He now specializes in type 1 diabetes clinical and translational research with studies utilizing metabolic techniques such as glycemic clamps to quantify insulin resistance.  He also has experience in immunotherapeutics for recently diagnosed patients, islet cell encapsulation/transplantation, and technology-based approaches such as artificial pancreas and continuous glucose monitoring. In addition to his clinical research at UCSD, Dr. Pettus has interests in patient empowerment through education and works with the not-for-profit organization Taking Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD.org). With this organization, Dr Pettus produces online education for patients living with diabetes in the form of videos, the TCOYD podcast, and social media content.

Dr. Mark Heyman

Speaker

Diabetes psychologist and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist

Dr. Mark Heyman is a diabetes psychologist and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. He is the CEO of the Center for Diabetes & Mental Health (CDMH) in San Diego. He is passionate about providing diabetes education and evidence-based mental health treatment and online programs to people with diabetes. Mark received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University and completed his psychology internship at the UCSD School of Medicine. He is the host of the Live Free with T1D podcast and the author of Diabetes Sucks and You Can Handle It: Your Guide to Managing the Emotional Challenges of T1D. Mark has been living with Type 1 diabetes since 1999.

Matt Vande Vegte

Certified Master Fitness Trainer and Nutritionist living with Type 1 diabetes

Matt Vande Vegte is a certified Master Fitness Trainer and Nutritionist living with Type 1 diabetes who travels as a keynote speaker to educate and inspire. He founded a T1D coaching and educational company called FTF Warrior, through which he has helped thousands thrive with diabetes. Matt pushes the limits of what's considered possible with Type 1 diabetes as a self-proclaimed "Renegade Warrior" and is passionate about teaching others how to find their balance of "healthy and happy" with TID. After discovering the 80/20 Blood Sugar Formula, Matt has used his methods to practice what he preaches, shining as an example of what was once considered "impossible"- like completing a full distance Ironman race. When he's not training or coaching, you'll find him exploring the outdoors with his wife and daughter.

Dana Maze

Teen Summit Host

Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Southern California Region, Breakthrough T1D Youth Ambassador Chair, San Diego Walk Chair and 2022 Beyond Type Run NYC Marathon Team.

Dana Maze is a San Diego-based communications professional driven by a passion for supporting and advocating for those in need. As a Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross Southern California Region, Dana leverages her expertise in storytelling, social media management, media relations, and disaster public affairs to make a significant impact in the community. Driven by her experience living with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, Dana also serves as a communications co-lead for the Ability Network Steering Committee, advocating for Red Cross employees and volunteers with disabilities, access or functional needs, and their caregivers. Additionally, she volunteers as the San Diego Youth Ambassador Chair for Breakthrough T1D and serves of the Breakthrough T1D Walk Committee. Dana was also on the 2022 Beyond Type Run NYC Marathon Team. Alongside 50 other individuals living with type 1 diabetes, she completed the 26.2-mile race while also raising awareness and funds to support the diabetes community.

Danica Collins

Teen Summit Host

MS, NBC-HWC GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT, BIOTECHNOLOGIST, AND ADVOCATE FOR COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, AND WELLNESS

Danica Collins, MS, NBC-HWC GLOBAL HEALTHCARE CONSULTANT, BIOTECHNOLOGIST, AND ADVOCATE FOR COMMUNITY, CONNECTION, AND WELLNESS

Danica Collins is a leader who bridges science, healthcare innovation, and community to create meaningful change. With 15 years of experience across healthcare consulting, patient advocacy, and wellness coaching, Danica’s work centers on building stronger systems and communities where individuals can thrive, regardless of their health challenges. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 14, Danica has transformed her personal journey into a mission of connection, empowerment, and advocacy for others living with chronic conditions.

Danica’s academic credentials include a Master’s in Biotechnology from Rush University, paired with professional certifications in health and wellness coaching, healthcare transformation, and business leadership. Her scientific foundation in biotechnology, biology, and chemistry informs her innovative approaches to healthcare improvement. As a hospital executive consultant for over seven years, Danica has spearheaded more than 80 healthcare initiatives, driving advancements in health technology, patient care services, spend management and operational efficiency. Her leadership in implementing sustainable strategies has resulted in over $100 million in value for her clients, reflecting her unwavering commitment to creating lasting impact in healthcare delivery.

At the heart of Danica’s work is her passion for building community and fostering connection. She believes that healthcare innovation is only as impactful as the people it touches, and she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive, equitable solutions that bring individuals together. As the founder of Dia-Log the Insulin for Your Soul, Danica has created a thriving platform offering holistic diabetes tools—from coaching and wellness apps to empowering merchandise—designed to inspire connection and resilience. Her mantra, Thrive With It, reflects her deep commitment to helping others embrace their health journeys with confidence and community support.

Danica’s dedication to global health equity is evident in her advocacy and leadership roles. She serves on the board of Ateiku Health in Ghana and the Breakthrough T1D Young Professionals, and she is an active member of organizations like Beyond Type One, Breakthrough T1D, National Urban League and Women in Business Leadership. Whether connecting with patients, mentoring rising leaders, or advocating for marginalized communities, Danica’s work is grounded in her belief that the greatest strength comes from togetherness.

Danica’s story is one of resilience and purpose—using her own journey with diabetes to break down barriers and inspire connection on a global scale.

Key Areas of Expertise:

Biotechnology, Business Optimization Healthcare Innovation Holistic Diabetes Management & Wellness ClinicalHealth and Wellbeing Coaching Health Equity Advocacy & Community Building Organizational Strategy Digital Health Transformation & Connection

Danica’s message is clear: by fostering connection and empowering individuals, we can transform healthcare, inspire communities, and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive—together.

Tanner Furtak

Teen Summit Speaker

NCAA Division 1 Water Polo Play attending Harvard

Tanner Furtak is 21 years old, born and raised in San Diego, and currently an undergraduate at Harvard studying psychology and economics. He plays goalkeeper on the men’s water polo team and has been in the pool since he was 12—it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10, Tanner has lived with it longer than without. Fortunately, he has found a rhythm that works, and it hasn’t held him back in the slightest.

Tanner is a lifelong waterman—whether it’s surfing, swimming, or just posting up at the beach, he's happiest outdoors with friends. Academically, Tanner is drawn to the psychology of human behavior, and loves digging into interesting businesses (He's a diehard Warren Buffett fan). Long term, Tanner hopes to own and grow small businesses and inspire others to live fully through content creation.