Michelle Ye, Diya Manikotia

Michelle Ye (16), from the United States, isn’t just an advocate — she’s a survivor. Having navigated her own eating disorder, she emerged with a clear realization: healing is often blocked by a society that doesn’t truly understand the struggle. Now she’s working to break through the stigma, stereotypes, and diet culture that keep so many young people from seeking help.

Michelle co-founded Project EDSA, a leadership and awareness initiative tackling eating disorders and body image concerns among Gen Z. In just one month, she scaled the project to 15 countries through social media, and through partnerships with allcove and the Felton Institute, distributed mental health resources to 30,000 students.

Her leadership has been recognized widely — she’s spoken at the Johns Hopkins Global Health Leaders Conference and the National Point of Light Conference, served as a San Mateo County Futures Commission Ambassador and 2026 California Girls State Delegate, and was one of ANAD’s youngest panellists. She also completed an internship at the Stanford Stice Lab and secured a $10,000 grant from the Hilda & Preston Davis Foundation.

Michelle’s story has been featured in Scholastic Magazine, Bold Journey, and Inspiring Teen — proof that survivors can become some of the strongest advocates for change.