World Vitiligo Day 2025 Rewind
Opening Remarks
A welcome to World Vitiligo Day 2025 and introduction of the vision, goals, and key leaders helping shape this year’s international gathering.
Speakers
- Keith Loo, Co-Founder, Skinopathy and President, 2025 World Vitiligo Day Innovation Summit
- Lee Thomas, 4 Time Emmy Award Winning Author & Anchor
- Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation
Mapping the Vitiligo Journey: Understanding the Maze of Support and Care
Mapping the Vitiligo Journey: Understanding the Maze of Support and Care
Using the Vitiligo Patient Journey Map as our guide, this session explores the complex and fragmented path for vitiligo patients. From Google searches to clinical trials, from camouflage to depigmentation. The panel explores how to simplify this maze, close systemic gaps, and develop a more compassionate and coordinated care model.
Moderator
- Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation
Speakers
- Nanette Silverberg, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, New York City Mount Sinai
- Bill Arteca, Chief Executive Officer, BioSample Connect
- Shahnawaz Towheed, Co-Founder, Vitiligo Voices Canada and Medical Student (McMaster University)
Accelerating Vitiligo Care in Canada
Breakthroughs in innovation require more than science – they require purpose. Christine Lennon, General Manager at Incyte Biosciences Canada, discusses how the company’s commitment to vitiligo patients’ journeys and to advancing science and research can redefine what’s possible in healthcare.
Speaker
- Christine Lennon, General Manager, Incyte Biosciences Canada
Treating Vitiligo Today: What Are My Options?
Vitiligo treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. This session brings together leading dermatologists to walk through the current treatment landscape, from topical therapies to light-based interventions, systemic options, and beyond. They discuss how decisions are made, what’s emerging in the research, and how to match treatments to real-world patient needs.
Moderator: Keith Loo, CEO & Co-Founder, Skinopathy
Speakers
- Dr. Geeta Yadav, Dermatologist, Founder of FACET Dermatology
- Professor Albert Chan, Clinical Psychologist, Psy.D. and Founder Paxwood Family Therapy
- Omar Sharife, President & Co-founder, Vitiligo Voices Canada; Vitiligo Content Creator
Startup Showcase
A rapid-fire spotlight on global startups innovating in skin health, diagnostics, and patient support.
Moderator
- Bibaswan Ghoshal, Senior Director Technology Adoption, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization
Startups
- Nishani Rajakulendra, Director, Clinical Operations, Edesa Biotech
- Andrea Galindo, Chief Operating Officer, Baüne
- Faddy Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, PharmaGuide
- Kyle Biggar, Chief Science Officer, Nuvobio
- Serena Mandla, Chief Science Officer, Noa Therapeutics
Abstract Competition
Selected Vitiligo research abstracts presented by top applicants from around the world.
Moderator: Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Lead Data Scientist, Skinopathy
Speakers:
- Alejandro J. Vera, MSc, Human Subject Research Specialist, University of Rochester Medical Center
- Identity Forming Experiences with Vitiligo through Age
- Gabriela Guerra, PhD in Education, Knowledge, and Social Inclusion, Federal University of Minas Gerais
- Vitiligo as Diasporic Cartography: Art, Identity, and Mental Health in Afro-Brazilian Perspectives
- Hessa Asmani, Vitiligo Voices Canada
- A cross-sectional analysis of the quality and readability of online resources for vitiligo
The Skin Microbiome | What is it and how does it Affect Vitiligo?
This roundtable brings together leaders in dermatology, biotech, and data science to explore the emerging role of the skin microbiome in vitiligo. How does our microbial environment influence depigmentation? What are the practical implications for screening, diagnostics, treatment, and daily skincare?
Moderator:
- Dr. Manasi Parikh, Family Medicine Physician with a Focused Practice in Dermatology, Assistant Professor (Adjunct) Family Medicine – McMaster University
Speakers
- Dr. Mireille Vega, Chief Executive Officer, VGAM Biome
- Dr. Rakesh Joshi, Lead Data Scientist, Skinopathy
1-on-1 Interview | From Computer Code to Compassionate Care
In this exclusive fireside chat, plastic surgeon and medical innovator Dr. Collin Hong shares his vision for integrating AI into patient-centered care. From clinical trials to compassionate technology, learn how his multidisciplinary approach is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vitiligo treatment and beyond.
Interviewer: Orchid Jahanshahi, Founder, Advisor and Investor, ThinkrBelle, former Pharma and Digital Health Executive
Guest: Dr. Collin Hong, Chief Medical Officer, Skinopathy
Calico | Short Film About a Girl with Vitiligo Steals the School's Talking Goldfish
A special screening of “Calico,” a powerful short film that follows a young girl navigating life with vitiligo as she searches for belonging and self-acceptance.
This moving story blends art and advocacy, shedding light on the emotional impact of vitiligo through a beautifully human lens.
Aeisha Robinson's Vitiligo Story | Student, Model, Vitiligo Influencer
The most profound influence comes from the courage to share a real story. Aiesha Robinson exemplified this by captivating the audience with her deeply vulnerable and moving journey with vitiligo.
Speaker: Aiesha Robinson, Student, Model, Vitiligo Influencer
The Age of Repigmentation Has Arrived
Dr. Nanette Silverberg presented on accelerating research and early treatment for vitiligo repigmentation, emphasising ongoing initiatives to enhance access and outcomes for individuals affected by the condition.
Speaker
- Nanette Silverberg, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, New York City Mount Sinai
Cover, Express, Empower: The Role of Cosmetics in Vitiligo
Makeup is more than concealment. It’s expression, identity, and choice. This session explores the intersection of dermatology, cosmetics, and confidence, featuring advocates, brand leaders, and influencers. Whether you wear it or don’t, discover how camouflage products play a role for people with vitiligo and enable them through their journey.
Moderator: Lee Thomas, 4 Time Emmy Award Winning Author & Anchor
Speakers
- Erika Page, Founder, Living Dappled and Vitiligo Influencer
- Sara Frankel, Chief Operating Officer, Zanderm
- Hessa Asmani, Vitiligo Voices Canada
Art Competition Winners
Discover the winners of The 2025 WVD Art Competition, selected by the prize sponsor, Zanderm.
These incredible artists have captured the spirit and stories of vitiligo through their unique creations.
Finalists for AI-Driven Art:
- Native Harmony – Goran Miladich (EU)
- Galaxy in My Skin – Navritpal Singh (Canada)
- Vitiligo Worldwide Awareness – Goran Miladich (EU)
Finalists for Mix Media Entries:
- Travessia (Crossing) – Gabriela Guerra de Almeida (Brazil)
- Patterns of Belonging – Faith Poon (Canada)
- UnDivided – Erinle Anthony (Nigeria)
Rewriting the Narrative for Vitiligo: Innovation, Advocacy, and the New Era of Vitiligo Awareness
This power panel brings together thought leaders from medicine, business, and advocacy to discuss where vitiligo awareness is headed. What does true equity in care look like? How do we break the silence and elevate underrepresented voices? And how can we take these great ideas and make them real.
Moderator: Dr. Gillian Mandich, Happiness Expert, The Social TV Show on CTV
Speakers
- Dana Gies, Executive Director, Canadian Skin Patient Alliance
- Dr. Sam Hanna, Dermatologist specializing in Vitiligo
- Dr. Juthika Thakur, Dermatologist & Co-Founder of the DermInsight Symposium
Announcement! The Next Host City for World Vitiligo Day!
The World Vitiligo Day 2025 concluded with an official announcement of next year’s host city and a group photo.
Speakers
- Keith Loo, Co-Founder, Skinopathy and President, 2025 World Vitiligo Day Innovation Summit
- Yan Valle, Executive Director, Vitiligo Research Foundation
Brought to you by
Vitiligo Research Foundation
Skinopathy
Vitiligo Voices Canada
GetSkinHelp
GetSkinBeauty
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