NAAFA  (National Association  To Advance Fat Acceptance), founded in 1969 is the "oldest organization dedicated to making the world more equitable for fat people through education, advocacy, and support." Tigress Osborn is the Fearless and Fabulous Fat Activist at the helm of NAAFA  and boy are we stoked to have her! 

 

Tigress lends us her time, talent, and expertise as she leads our Town Hall discussion, sponsored by Big Fig Mattress:” Finding the Right Fit- Round Bodies in a Square World”. If you don’t make it to any other discussion, you’ll want to make it to this one!

 

Gain profound insights from Tigress Osborne's expertise and engage in a meaningful dialogue on how we can work collectively to advance the movement towards a more inclusive and accepting society for us all. 

Dr. Shelley DiCecco, PT, PhD, CLT-LANA, CI-CS, founded LymphEd in 2017 as part of Casley-Smith International Lymphoedema Instructors. She completed her Physical Therapy Degree in January of 2000. She became a Woman’s Health Specialist for Pelvic Floor Disorders in 2000 and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist in 2001. Dr. DiCecco received her PhD in the Philosophy of Physical Therapy from Texas Woman's University in 2012.

 

Dr. DiCecco is currently the Director of the lymphedema and pelvic floor service lines for the Sports Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in treating patients with genital, pediatric, and complicated lymphedema. Dr. DiCecco is also a full-time faculty member and associate professor at the Georgia campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in the Physical Therapy Department.

 

Dr. DiCecco's research focus is on lymphatics and lymphedema. She joins us to share her extensive knowledge of Lymphedema and Lymphatic diseases with a special focus on how they affect Bariatric patients. Bring your questions and come prepared to listen and learn! It's the foundation you've been yearning for, and we're thrilled to present! 

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When Karlyn “KZ” Zeno joined the SuperSize Your Life Expo team, we truly leveled up! KZ is a Master Seamstress and owner of KZ's Custom Creations, based in Rialto, California. What makes her truly one-of-a-kind is her lifelong dedication to sewing exclusively for the plus-size community, focusing on sizes 24 and above. For over 40 years, she has been a champion of curves, using her talent to create custom designs that embrace and celebrate every inch of her clients.

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In both, Chicago and Atlanta, KZ is hosting the workshop “Measurements Matter,”  a session that will change the way you shop and create for plus-size bodies. You’ll learn why knowing your measurements is a game-changer, how to navigate inconsistent sizing from manufacturers (because let’s be real, not all X’s are created equal!), and get a crash course on fabric basics to elevate your wardrobe choices. For the ultimate upgrade, private professional measurement sessions will be available for $50, so you can leave with tools that will make every outfit fit like a dream.

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This workshop is perfect for anyone who loves plus-size fashion, whether you’re a shopper determined to own your size or a creator who wants to perfect their craft for plus-size clients. Having a seamstress of KZ’s caliber—who has spent decades serving just us—is a rare gift. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet this extraordinary woman and soak in her expertise!

Atosha K. Barboza Bennett is the visionary force behind Larger Than Life Events and Design, a premier full-service event design company with offices in Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA. Since 2010, she has gained national recognition for her breathtaking, custom floral designs, earning her the title “Floral Queen.” Atosha’s work has been featured in top publications like Vogue Weddings, BRIDES, and Charleston Weddings Magazine, making her a sought-after leader in the world of luxury events.

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In 2016, Atosha expanded her expertise to education by founding Behind The Veil Academy, now one of the largest floral and event design schools in the U.S. Recently honored as Floral Educator of the Year by Black Girl Florists and Mentor of the Year at the Munaluchi Bride Coterie Retreat, Atosha is deeply committed to empowering emerging entrepreneurs in understanding both the creative and business sides of their ventures.

 

If you're a budding entrepreneur, ready to turn your passion into a thriving business, don’t miss Atosha's inspiring workshop. You'll get all the tools you need to help your business blossom beautifully! 

Full-Figured Fitness is real, and Diane Meritt is the REALIST!  In her SuperSized body she's a Superheroine of exercise that fits EVERY body. Whether standing, or sitting, on land or in water, Diane knows how to work our bodies so that our bodies work better for us. 

 

We’re thrilled to have Juicy Peaches’ very own Diane Merritt to kickstart our weekend of adventure off, on a refreshing note, with an exclusive sunrise aquacise session for all bodies, all mobilities.

 

Dive into the invigorating waters of our size-inclusive pool and embrace the comfort of our super-sized instructor who not only understands our bodies but knows how to make every movement a celebration.  

We are pleased to welcome Licensed Insurance Agent Eddie Watson as a valued ally and presenter. Mr. Watson brings extensive experience as a multi-state licensed life insurance agent, serving various reputable companies.

 

Demonstrating a profound understanding of our community's concerns and needs, he has curated a range of insurance plans tailored to our audience and eliminating the need for physical examinations.

 

Mr. Watson will outline his comprehensive array of services at the start of each day, and afford personal consultation and support, throughout the day at his booth.  

The SuperSize Your Life Expo is rolling out the red carpet for Lynne Ashe, a powerhouse of talent, resilience, and charisma! A Georgia native, Lynne has dazzled audiences with her unforgettable performances on stage and screen. Classically trained in Shakespearean and British Restoration theatre, she has transformed her southern charm and theatrical finesse into a film career that shines brighter with every role. Beyond acting, Lynne channels her creative spark into writing and designing stunning jewelry through her brand, “Ashelyn Designs.”

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But Lynne’s story is more than lights and glitter—she’s a true warrior. As an advocate for lipedema awareness, Lynne uses her platform to spotlight this often-misunderstood condition, proving that determination and self-acceptance can conquer any challenge. At this year’s Expo, Lynne will co-star in the panel “The Courage to Shine: Embracing Yourself in the Spotlight” to encourage dreamers of all sizes and abilities, to step confidently into the entertainment and music industries. Join us as Lynne brings her unique blend of Hollywood pizzazz, southern charm, and unstoppable resilience to inspire you to chase your dreams and take center stage!

We’re overjoyed to welcome Sarah Bramblette, MSHL, to our facilitators team! Sarah is a patient living with lipedema, lymphedema, and obesity. She utilizes her decades of lived experience to spread awareness about her conditions while advocating for improved diagnosis, treatment, and insurance coverage. In addition to Sarah’s work with LAG, she recently became a Standardized Patient, with the hopes of helping future doctors develop their skills in treating patients of all sizes.

 

As Board Chair of the Lymphedema Advocacy Group (LAG) she played an instrumental role in the passage and implementation of the Lymphedema Treatment Act. She is currently advocating for the passage of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA). The combination of personal experience, education, and policy knowledge makes her an effective and powerful advocate whose work has already helped millions.

 

Sarah travels from her home state of Florida to share her knowledge and expertise with us in a workshop introducing and explaining the Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA), how the law affects you, and how you can best advocate for services. If you, or someone you know, has Lymphedema this is vital information that at some point you will need. Please plan to be in attendance. 

Brittany Washington is the extraordinary visionary behind My Beautiful Fluff, a certified disability-owned enterprise dedicated to promoting self-love, body positivity, and inclusivity. Inspired by her childhood nickname, “Fluffy,” Brittany launched her brand 10 years ago during one of the most challenging times in her life. Facing disabilities including fibromyalgia, migraines, and sleep apnea, she turned adversity into opportunity, creating a thriving business that celebrates individuality and empowers others. Today, My Beautiful Fluff has grown into a community of over 30,000 supporters, championing representation for plus-size individuals and those with natural hair through inclusive and thoughtfully designed products.

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Brittany’s story is a testament to her tenacious spirit and drive to succeed against the odds. In addition to being an entrepreneur, Brittany is a devoted wife to her college sweetheart of 22 years and a proud mother to her incredible son, Joshua, who is 12 and on the autism spectrum. Through her platform and her work, Brittany inspires others to embrace their uniqueness and rise above challenges. Her SuperSize Your Life Expo workshop will motivate budding entrepreneurs to overcome negative self-talk, use their talents, and build businesses that shine brightly. Don’t miss this inspiring session!