Join us for the 2026 Georgia Lupus & You: Empowerment Conference
The Lupus & You: Empowerment Conference is an experience that celebrates, inspires, supports, and uplifts lupus warriors, care partners, family, and friends. The event is designed to empower attendees through expert-led sessions that will help them better navigate a life with lupus and make meaningful connections with other attendees that will last far beyond the day’s event.
9:30am - 10:00am Check in, Networking & Exhibits
10:00am - 10:10am Welcome: Strength in Community
10:10am - 11:10am Lupus Today: Breakthroughs & Thriving Strategies (S. Sam Lim, MD, MPH)
11:10am - 12pm The Real Talk: Living with Lupus (Christopher Reed, Tiara Bracey and Quita Cole)
12:00pm - 12:30pm Light Lunch and Beverages/Break/Networking & Exhibitor Visit
12:30pm - 1:05pm The Power of Your Voice: Advocacy at Every Level Panel (Rep. Kim Schofield, Charisma Atkins, Nikki Hatcher)
1:05pm - 1:45pm The Flare You Can't See: Navigating the Invisible Symptoms and the Emotional Weight of Lupus (Cheryl L. Andrews, PhD)
1:45pm - 1:55pm Networking & Exhibitor Visit/Break
1:55pm - 2:25pm Invisible Illness, Real Limitations: Understanding Disability (John Hogan, Esq.)
2:25pm – 2:45pm Why Participation Matters (Joy Buie, PhD, MSCR, RN)
2:45pm – 3:00pm Your Journey. Our Power. One Community.
S. Sam Lim, MD, MPH - Lupus Today: Breakthroughs & Thriving Strategies
Dr. S. Sam Lim is a nationally recognized rheumatologist, lupus researcher, and long-time advocate for improving the lives of people living with lupus. He is a Professor at Emory University and serves as Chief of Rheumatology at Grady Health System, where he directs the Grady Lupus Clinic. Dr. Lim has dedicated much of his career to lupus care and research, with a particular focus on lupus outcomes, epidemiology, and health disparities. He has led the CDC-funded Georgia Lupus Registry and is actively involved in lupus clinical trials and research aimed at advancing our understanding and treatment of the disease. At Lupus & You, Dr. Lim will present “Lupus Today: Breakthroughs & Thriving Strategies,” sharing an expert look at where lupus care stands today, exciting advances in research and treatment, and practical strategies to help people living with lupus not only manage their disease—but continue to thrive.
Dr. Cheryl L. Andrews, PhD - The Flare You Can't See: Navigating the Invisible Symptoms and the Emotional Weight of Lupus.
Dr. Cheryl L. Andrews is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who specializes in helping individuals navigate the impact of health conditions and disabilities on work, education, daily functioning, and emotional well-being. Through Cheryl L. Andrews & Associates, she works with individuals, families, professionals, and organizations to better understand how disability, stress, mental health, and other challenges can affect everyday life—and to identify practical strategies for moving forward. At Lupus & You, Dr. Andrews will present “The Flare You Can't See: Navigating the Invisible Symptoms and the Emotional Weight of Lupus.” Her session will explore the often unseen side of living with lupus—from symptoms others may not recognize to the emotional toll of managing a chronic illness—and offer practical strategies for self-advocacy, communication, accommodations, and protecting emotional well-being while navigating everyday life.
Invisible Illness, Real Limitations: Understanding Disability - John Hogan, Esq.
John is a Georgia Social Security disability lawyer who served as an attorney/advisor to the U.S. Administrative Law Judges at the Offices of Hearings and Appeals in the Ft. Lauderdale and Atlanta areas. He distinguishes himself as a well-known speaker on SSDI. He also works closely with retired athletes with NFL disability claims.
The Power of Your Voice: Advocacy at Every Level - Rep. Kim Schofield
Georgia House of Representatives, District 63 | Lupus Advocate Representative Kim Schofield serves in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing District 63, but her connection to the lupus community goes far beyond her work as a legislator. As someone who is living with lupus herself, she has been a longtime and passionate advocate for people affected by the disease. Representative Schofield has used both her personal experience and her public platform to raise awareness, advocate for the needs of the lupus community, and help ensure that the voices of people living with chronic illness are heard. Her journey has given her a unique perspective on the importance of self-advocacy, education, access to care, and policies that support individuals and families impacted by lupus. In addition to her public service, Representative Schofield brings a diverse background in leadership, education, public health, research, and community engagement. Her professional experience has included health promotion work with the CDC Work@Health Program, research with Emory University, teaching in leadership and Biblical studies, and coaching and leadership development. Representative Schofield holds degrees in business, leadership, ministry, and theology and leadership.
Why Participation Matters - Dr. Joy Buie, PhD, MSCR, RN
Dr. Joy Buie, PhD, MSCR, RN is a translational nurse-scientist and Vice President of Research at the Lupus Foundation of America, where she is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with lupus and those who love them. With more than 15 years of experience, her work focuses on making research more inclusive, more accessible, and more meaningful for patients and families navigating this complex disease. Dr. Buie is especially passionate about ensuring that the voices of people living with lupus—particularly those from communities most impacted—are heard and reflected in how treatments are developed and delivered. She leads efforts that connect patients to clinical research opportunities, elevate real-life experiences in science, and help bring new therapies closer to the people who need them most. A native of South Carolina, she earned her Bachelor’s in Biological Science from Clemson University, her PhD in immunology and Bachelor’s in nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina. She began her career studying vascular disease across inflammatory phenotypes including lupus, sepsis and stroke, as an American Heart Association fellow and NIH K awardee. Today, her work sits at the intersection of science, community, and advocacy helping to turn research into real progress for families affected by lupus.
Our Panelists
Please Note: Registration is limited to one ticket per person. Each individual attending the event must complete their own separate registration.
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