JDRF Children’s Congress 2023
Background: Every other year, Breakthrough T1D — formerly JDRF, the leading global type 1 diabetes organization — hosts Children’s Congress, a national advocacy tradition in which youth living with T1D travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers and champion critical legislation. In summer 2023, more than 160 Delegates gathered to advocate for continued funding of the $160 million Special Diabetes Program and broader access to affordable insulin.
As part of Zeno Chicago’s long-standing pro bono partnership, Nina led local media relations to amplify the voices of the Illinois Delegates and elevate awareness of the organization’s advocacy mission.
Execution: Nina developed and executed a targeted Chicago media strategy rooted in human-interest storytelling, centering the personal journeys and policy priorities of the Illinois Delegates.
Leveraging strong local media relationships, she secured meaningful coverage that honored the legacy of Children’s Congress while reinforcing the Breakthrough T1D Illinois chapter’s leadership in advancing national research funding and mobilizing donor support.
Impact: Nina’s strategy elevated Breakthrough T1D Illinois’ visibility as both a national advocacy force and a locally engaged chapter.
A standout achievement was securing an in-depth evening segment on WLS-TV (ABC Chicago, IL), featuring a live interview between two of the station’s top anchors and Breakthrough T1D Illinois Executive Director Michael Mayberry. The segment spotlighted the renewed $170 million in federal funding, the Delegates’ policy efforts and the chapter’s broader fundraising mission.
The story was amplified across ABC7’s digital and social channels and syndicated nationally, extending visibility beyond Chicago and strengthening fundraising momentum at a pivotal advocacy moment.
