As a student at The Ohio State University, Emil Cram is studying Public Affairs and Sociology with a focus on building stronger, more compassionate systems for underserved communities. Two years ago, she founded The Lotus Project, a local mentorship program in Minford, Ohio that paired young girls facing adversity with strong female role models for weekly meetings centered around empowerment and resilience. Emily’s experiences in both academic and leadership roles have continually fueled her commitment to creating pathways for healing, opportunity, and growth in her community.

Emily is a competitor for Miss Ohio through the Miss America Organization, using her platform to advocate for child welfare, trauma-informed policy, and raising awareness about invisible disabilities. Emily is deeply passionate about child advocacy and plans to work within the fields of law and government to create a more supportive system for our youth. Emily’s advocacy is heavily shaped by her belief in the profound societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). In addition to her advocacy work, Emily is a licensed yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance, promoting the healing power of mindfulness, movement, and creative expression. As a dedicated artist, she believes that creativity offers a powerful tool for emotional and mental recovery, and Emily is passionate about its role in the healing journey.

Supporting others starts with choosing to truly see them.

Emily was drawn to IDA because of its commitment to shining a light on the invisible adversities individuals face — and the urgent need for society to create more validating, inclusive support systems. Living with a chronic and rare connective tissue disorder, ERBIN, classified by the National Institutes of Health, Emily has experienced firsthand the feelings of isolation and invalidation that often comes with having an invisible disability. Additionally, through both personal experience and her work with youth facing traumatic experiences, Emily has come to believe that trauma itself can be a form of invisible disability. She is committed to breaking the silence surrounding both. Emily believes wholeheartedly in IDA’s mission to encourage, educate and connect individuals who are often unseen and underserved.