Since its launch in 2019, the AFTD Ambassador program has grown into a dynamic force for change. In just five years, a small group of dedicated volunteers has evolved into a passionate, year-round community of leaders united in their commitment to a world without FTD.

AFTD Ambassadors serve as vital voices for the organization across the country, seeking out meaningful ways to advance our mission in their local communities. As we near the end of 2026, these volunteers are hard at work on multiple fronts: championing legislation essential to advancing FTD research, bringing awareness and resources to communities that need them most, and helping those affected by FTD navigate their options for participating in research studies.

We’re thrilled to announce that two new Ambassadors are joining this vital effort, bringing our network to 29 dedicated volunteers across 26 states:

Carin Hawkins | Maryland

While raising three daughters, Carin and her husband became the primary care partners for both Carin’s mother and grandmother, who were diagnosed with FTD and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively, in 2007. During that time, the resources, education, and understanding she found through AFTD and the broader FTD community were invaluable to her family. Carin has spent nearly two decades giving back to that community. She has moderated an international FTD online support forum, contributed content for AFTD publications and a congressional briefing, participated in fundraising and focus groups, staffed community awareness tables, and helped secure state and local proclamations for FTD Awareness Week. She also shared her mother’s journey, until her passing in 2017, through an online journal to help others better understand FTD and to let other caregivers know they were not alone. After retiring from her 32-year career as a speech language pathologist, Carin expanded her awareness, advocacy, and support efforts. She became an AFTD Ambassador in 2025 and serves on a newly formed Volunteer Engagement Advisory Committee.

Randee Steffen | Missouri

Randee became familiar with FTD in 2020 when her husband was diagnosed with the C9ORF72 genetic variant, which is associated with both FTD and ALS. He participates in several research studies aimed at understanding what may trigger the onset of either or both conditions. Randee’s involvement with the ALLFTD Participant and Family Engagement Board further strengthened her commitment to raising awareness about FTD. Drawing on her background in advocacy, she has secured proclamations from both the state of Missouri and St. Louis County. Being an AFTD Ambassador allows Randee to continue pursuing her passion for spreading awareness and advocating for treatment—work that is deeply personal as she thinks about the future of her husband, children, and grandchildren.

What is an AFTD Ambassador?

Ambassadors are volunteer leaders who represent AFTD in communities across the United States, raising awareness of FTD through networking, outreach, speaking engagements, advocacy work, and attending events on behalf of AFTD. Ambassadors also connect people affected by FTD or those working on their behalf with AFTD’s resources, information, and opportunities to get involved.

Interested in becoming an Ambassador? Start by leading a few community awareness activities. It’s a chance for us to get to know one another and see how the role feels. When it’s a good fit, you can step into a two-year Ambassador commitment. In this meaningful volunteer role, you’ll receive training, materials, and steady support to help you make a real difference in your community. Our Ambassadors meet monthly as a group with AFTD leadership to share experiences and celebrate progress.

If you are interested in becoming an AFTD Ambassador in your state or region, please reach out to us at volunteer@theaftd.org!