Honoring the Heart Behind the Mission: Elizabeth Forrest Named Woman of the Year
We’re honored to share that Elizabeth Forrest, Founder and President of Touched by Type 1, has been named 2025 Woman of the Year by the Women’s Executive Council (WEC) of Orlando.
This distinction—part of the WEC’s 53rd Annual Women’s Achievement Awards—celebrates women who uplift their communities through leadership, service, and vision. For us, it also shines a powerful light on what’s possible when one person turns a personal diagnosis into a mission to support others.
Elizabeth Forrest, 2025 Woman of the Year, with just a few of the many women who make the Touched by Type 1 mission possible.
Elizabeth’s Journey & Impact
Did you know Touched by Type 1 began as a dream — and a dance performance in Elizabeth’s own driveway?
Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 10, Elizabeth wasn’t content to simply manage her diagnosis. She wanted to create change. That spark became Dancing for Diabetes, and over the years, it grew into the organization we are today—one that empowers thousands through education, connection, and support.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being named Woman of the Year is not just a celebration of Elizabeth—it’s a win for every person who’s ever felt alone in their diagnosis, every parent searching for support, and every young leader dreaming of making a difference.
Elizabeth’s leadership has brought to life some of the most meaningful resources in our community:
A no-cost Annual Conference that brings hundreds together to learn and thrive
D-Box kits that offer encouragement to the newly diagnosed
The Type 1 @ School program, which trains school staff to better support students with T1D
…and so much more that raises awareness, drives research funding, and unites people with type 1 diabetes around the world.
Thank You, WEC Orlando
To the Women’s Executive Council, thank you for recognizing Elizabeth’s journey and for elevating voices in health, leadership, and nonprofit work. Your continued support of scholarship, mentorship, and women’s leadership makes this honor even more meaningful.
And to our community—this moment is shared with you.
Because she chose to lead, serve, and thrive—not just survive—so many of us now have the strength and tools to do the same.
