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Sharon M. King

Founder and Executive Director, Litty Ligo Vitiligo Community Network

When Sharon was diagnosed with vitiligo at age 11, her dermatologist did not prepare her for the drastic changes and complex mental health aspects that come with this autoimmune disorder. Thankfully, she has a strong foundation of friends and family that support her journey. Around Sharon's 30th birthday, the vitiligo on Sharon's face began to spread. This was not uncommon but for the first time in 20 years, she wasn't upset or anxious about her skin changing.

Realizing she accepted her skin unconditionally, Sharon was motivated to create the Litty Ligo Vitiligo Community Network; a nonprofit that centers and supports the black and brown experience of living with vitiligo. Sharon's organization has provided thousands of individuals, families, institutions and schools with resources to support people living with differences. As a community leader, Sharon collaborates with organizations such as the Global Vitiligo Foundation, the American Academy of Dermatology and the Coalition of Skin Disease to advocate for person-centered care beyond dermatology. Sharon has spoken on impactful platforms including the Boston Women’s March alongside Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and the 1st ever public Food and Drug Administration (FDA) meeting focused on people living with vitiligo. Sharon has collaborated with local and nationally recognized brands including Atlantic Magazine, Verizon and Pfizer.

Personally, Sharon is a lover of art, anime and sports; specifically basketball. As a former All Boston City Athlete, Sharon stays connected to her community by serving as a board certified basketball official and the Director of Operations for the SISrun Women's Basketball Organization. By day, Sharon is a disability and civil rights advocate at the Boston Center for Independent Living; the 2nd oldest independent living center in the country.

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