We are thrilled to announce that Sophia Owen, a dedicated student and competitive swimmer from ʻIolani School, has been selected to represent thousands of teens nationwide at the 2025 Teens Speak Up! event in Washington, D.C. This prestigious program, organized by the Epilepsy Foundation, empowers teens living with epilepsy to advocate for themselves and others by engaging directly with lawmakers. epilepsy.com

Sophia’s Journey

Diagnosed with epilepsy at 13, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sophia transformed her personal challenges into a platform for advocacy and support. She has been an active volunteer with Epilepsy Hawaiʻi, participating in community outreach, fundraising, and awareness events to support those affected by epilepsy.

Balancing her academic and athletic commitments, Sophia maintains high grades and excels in competitive swimming. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends at the beach and has a passion for musical theater, both performing and appreciating the arts.

A Future Neurologist

Inspired by her experiences, Sophia aspires to become a neurologist. She aims to combine her academic interests with her personal journey to make a meaningful impact in the field of neurology, helping others navigate their health challenges. She plans to continue her epilepsy advocacy work throughout college and beyond.

Teens Speak Up! 2025

The Teens Speak Up! program is a biennial conference that brings together teens living with epilepsy, their families, healthcare providers, and volunteers from across the country. Participants receive advocacy training and meet with members of Congress to share their experiences and discuss issues vital to the epilepsy community. The 2025 event is scheduled for March 16-18 in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with the National Epilepsy Walk on March 15. epilepsy.com

We are incredibly proud of Sophia’s achievements and her commitment to epilepsy advocacy. Her participation in Teens Speak Up! will undoubtedly amplify the voices of many and contribute to meaningful change.

For more information about the Teens Speak Up! program, visit the Epilepsy Foundation’s official page.