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The Team
Who We Are
Dr Nadine Ferris France
Co-Founder & CEO
​Nadine leads from the heart and has spent over 25 years working in HIV and global health within United Nations and civil society agencies, as well as in academic institutions in Asia, Africa and her home country, Ireland. Nadine is the co-founder and CEO of Beyond Stigma. She has a PhD focused on internal stigma among people living with HIV and a Masters in Global Health. She is a Certified Facilitator of The Work of Bryon Katie, a Life Coach and is part-time Executive Director of the Irish Global Health Network.
She is extremely passionate about internal stigma and self-worth. Based on her own personal and professional experience, at Beyond Stigma she has worked with incredible people to co-design an innovative approach to support people living with HIV, survivors of gender-based violence, sex workers, people living with obesity, and other marginalized groups in Zimbabwe, Vietnam, Ireland and elsewhere.
She currently lives in Ireland with her two children. She loves people, connection and working with groups.
“Change starts inside. When I live from a place of self-worth, I have agency, I have opportunities, and I become the greatest changemaker possible. I cease to be limited by stigma and live Beyond Stigma itself." - Dr Nadine Ferris France.
Deirdre Ní Cheallaigh
Co-Founder and Head of Programmes
Deirdre is a cofounder of Beyond Stigma. For the last 8 years she has served on its Board, three of them as Chairperson, responsible for governance and the strategic direction of Beyond Stigma’s work.
Prior to joining Beyond Stigma, Deirdre worked in development for over 20 years, and lived and worked in Myanmar, Zimbabwe and Kenya holding leadership roles on HIV and gender programmes. She has extensive experience in policy, programme management, and advocacy across diverse global contexts. She was appointed Head of Programmes in June 2024.
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"I believe in creating spaces where people feel valued and heard, ensuring their voices shape the policies and programmes that impact their lives. Supporting people to overcome internal stigma and reconnect with their self-worth and dignity is one of the greatest privileges I have known" - Deirdre
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​ Vimbainashe Jazi
Project Officer
Vimbainashe Jazi is a passionate advocate for young people living with HIV, dedicated to improving their lives through support, training, and mentorship. With a strong background at Zvandiri, she shares her own journey openly, challenging internalized stigma and promoting self-love.
At Beyond Stigma, Vimbai focuses on equipping adolescents and young adults with the skills to manage Internal-stigma and rediscover their self-worth. Her commitment to advocacy and her lived experience inspire others to recognize their potential and embrace growth as she fosters community engagement and enhances healthcare access.
​“Self-worth is essential because, after struggling with Internal-stigma, I learned to embrace my value and potential through the work of Byron Katie. This transformative journey empowered me to overcome challenges and foster resilience, allowing me to not only thrive personally but also inspire others to recognize their worth”. - Vimbainashe
Sophie Lyons
Professional Intern
Sophie Lyons joined the team in February 2022 as part of her MSc in Public Health from the University of Limerick. She is part of a team researching self-stigma reduction interventions and continues to help with the knowledge transfer of evidence-based information to social media audiences.
She is passionate about self-stigma and believes that all people have a right to be confident and sure within themselves. She is glad to be a part of a team that continues to raise awareness of self-stigma around the globe.
“Through my own journey with self-stigma, I've learned the power of resilience and self-compassion. I'm passionate about helping others overcome similar challenges, creating spaces where they feel seen, valued, and understood. It's deeply fulfilling to support others in their healing and growth”. - Sophie
Walaa AlAbssi
Professional Intern
Walaa AlAbssi holds a Master’s in Public Health from University College Dublin and a Dentistry degree from Al-Azhar University, Gaza. With over four years of experience in both the Ministry of Health and the private sector, Walaa combines her clinical background with a strong commitment to community health.
At Beyond Stigma, she works on curriculums, training programs, and resources aimed at reducing stigma, promoting self-worth, and enhancing mental well-being across multiple countries. Her work is grounded in a vision to empower individuals and communities, reflecting her dedication to impactful, inclusive healthcare solutions on a global scale.
"True healing begins with self-acceptance. When we free ourselves from internal stigma and setbacks, we unlock the power to own our own lives, impact the lives of others, lift communities, and inspire change. At Beyond Stigma, I am part of a movement that empowers individuals to see their own worth and step boldly into their potential." - Walaa
Associate Certified Facilitators
Certified Facilitator Support Team
Amelia Chenoweth
Kathy White
Celeste Gabriele
Patrie Grace
Cindy Smith Ross
Brid Ni Chionaola
Ursula Carlin
Aileen Cheatham
The board
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Dr. Steve McDonald
Professor Ronan Conroy
Dr Brendan O'shea
Dr. Elaine Byrne
Fungai Murau
Ursula Carlin
Professor Anne Matthews