T1International is pleased to announce that Shaina Kasper has been appointed as the new Executive Director. Shaina succeeds Elizabeth “Liz” Pfiester, the organization’s Founder and Executive Director since 2013, who established T1International as a force for change in the fight against insulin price gouging and for the rights of people living with type 1 diabetes.

It is estimated that half of the people around the world who need insulin to survive cannot get it because it is inaccessible, unaffordable, or both. Despite the drug being over 100 years old, insulin remains too expensive for too many people. Recent shortages across the globe have exacerbated the problem. For years, T1International has held protests, conducted research, and built a global movement for #insulin4all. Under Elizabeth’s leadership, the organization mobilized thousands of people living with diabetes and their supporters and loved ones to advocate for more affordable and accessible insulin, with the vision of a world where everyone with diabetes, no matter where they live, has everything they need to survive and achieve their dreams.

Liz said: “Founding and leading T1International for the past decade has been an incredible journey. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together as a community. I am deeply appreciative of the stories and insights shared by our global diabetes community regarding the impact that T1International has had on their lives. And I am confident that the organization will continue to be a powerful patient-led movement under Shaina’s capable leadership. There is so much more work to be done.”

T1International recently held the T1International Toast event to celebrate Liz's achievements and to mark the transition to new leadership. The event featured speakers who highlighted the importance of T1International’s work and the successes achieved through the organization’s advocacy efforts. Fundraising to support the continued work of T1International, the Toast event honored Liz’s legacy while ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.

Following a comprehensive global search, T1International’s Board of Trustees selected Shaina based on her experience in advocacy, policy development, and community organizing. Most recently, Shaina served as the Policy and Advocacy Director at T1International, where she played a key role in developing the organization’s strategic campaigns, including the Fight for Five and leading T1International’s Federal Working Group. Shaina’s previous experience includes leading environmental, economic, and social justice campaigns, and effectively supporting communities to influence policy at the local, national, and international levels.

Shaina’s appointment comes at a crucial time as T1International continues to expand its global reach and impact. Shaina said: “It is an honor to be appointed as Executive Director of T1International. Elizabeth’s leadership has been characterized by dedicated advocacy and a deep commitment to justice. As someone living with type 1 diabetes for over a decade, and with family and loved ones also reliant on insulin to survive, I am deeply connected to our mission. I look forward to building on the foundation Liz has established, working with our committed team and global network of advocates to continue advancing the cause of affordable insulin and equitable healthcare for all.”