Johanna Kandel (She/Her) is a nationally recognized leader, advocate, and expert in the field of eating disorders. As the Founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, she has dedicated more than two decades to advancing access to care, support, and education for individuals affected by eating disorders and their loved ones. After personally struggling and recovering from a decade-long battle with various eating disorders, Johanna turned her lived experience into purpose—founding The Alliance in 2000.

Under her leadership, the organization has grown into the leading national nonprofit providing referrals, support groups, and advocacy across all 50 states. Johanna is a trusted voice in national mental health policy and legislative advocacy. She has worked closely with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, participated in the first-ever Eating Disorders Roundtable at the White House, and served as a member of the federal Interdepartmental Serious Mental Illness Coordinating Committee (ISMICC) under HHS. She is also the Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Eating Disorders Coalition (EDC) and a proud member of the Collaborative of Eating Disorders Organizations (CEDO).

She is the author of Life Beyond Your Eating Disorder (Harlequin), and a frequent media contributor, featured in outlets such as The Today Show, NBC News, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Johanna has received numerous accolades for her service and advocacy, including the Jefferson Award for Public Service, the Academy for Eating Disorders’ Meehan/Hartley Leadership Award, and Harlequin Enterprises’ More Than Words Award. A fierce champion for change, Johanna continues to drive national conversations on eating disorders with compassion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to saving lives.

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