Dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with diabetes by providing support, education, advocacy, and sense of community.

About Us

 

DiaBeating The Odds is a distinguished non-profit organization deeply rooted in its core values, which drive our mission to enhance the lives of individuals living with diabetes. Through innovative programs and an unwavering commitment to its core values, we strive to empower those facing diabetes challenges.

Led by Founder and Executive Director Portia Benbow, we champion a holistic approach to diabetes management that aligns seamlessly with its core values.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission is to empower people living with diabetes to pursue a healthy and vibrant life through awareness, advocacy, and access to resources.

Our long-term Vision is to bridge the gap between diabetes and underserved communities

Our Core Values

Service

We believe in making intentional decisions and taking actions that benefit others. Our dedication to service extends to everyone we reach, as we genuinely care about providing a quality experience to all individuals affected by diabetes.

Inclusion

We operate with an open heart, embracing diversity in all its forms. Regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, economic status, or other diverse backgrounds, we serve with an unwavering commitment to inclusion.

Collaboration

We understand the power of collaboration and actively seek to partner with corporations, small businesses, community organizations, and members of the diabetic community. By fostering innovative partnerships and collaborations, DiaBeating The Odds aims to create meaningful and impactful solutions for the diabetes community.

Meet Our Founder

Portia Benbow
Portia Benbow
Founder / Executive Director

 

Portia Benbow is the driving force behind Diabeating the Odds, serving as the Founder and Executive Director. With her unwavering commitment and passion for the diabetes community, she leads the organization in its strategic direction, oversees day-to-day operations, coordinates community programming, and develops impactful fundraising strategies.

 

What sets Portia apart is her unique personal and professional perspective. She's not only a dedicated advocate but also a 24-year Type 1 Diabetic herself. Her lived experience with diabetes fuels her determination to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. With over a decade of experience in the community impact space, Portia has honed her skills and expertise in empowering individuals and families affected by diabetes.

 

Portia's leadership at Diabeating the Odds is marked by a deep understanding of the struggles and triumphs that come with diabetes. Her unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of the diabetes community and her dedication to breaking down barriers make her a formidable force in the fight against diabetes. Under her guidance, Diabeating the Odds continues to thrive and inspire, making a lasting impact on the lives of those it serves.

Read Portia's Story

Meet the Team

This image shows a happy volunteer.
Kenneth plays a pivotal role in managing daily operations at DiaBeating The Odds. With a dedicated commitment to our mission, he has served as the primary caregiver to a Type 1 Diabetic for the past nine years. Leveraging his extensive experience in event coordination and operations, Kenneth significantly contributes to our organization's efforts to positively influence millions of lives through both live and virtual community initiatives.

Kenneth Benbow
Board Member
Type 1 Caretaker
Operations

Wanda contributes valuable experience as a Type 1 Diabetic caregiver. With over 30 years of expertise as a Data and Project Management Leader, she manages internal communication and maintains meticulous records of dates and events for us.
Wanda contributes valuable experience as a Type 1 Diabetic caregiver. With over 30 years of expertise as a Data and Project Management Leader, she manages internal communication and maintains meticulous records of dates and events for us.

Wanda Jones
Secretary
Type 1 Caregiver
Data and Project Management Leader

Lester brings over two decades of finance expertise to our organization, while also holding a position as a finance and accounting executive in the sports and entertainment industry. Lester oversees the financial administration, review procedures and financial reporting, while also providing strategic financial advice and fundraising guidance to our board.
Lester brings over two decades of finance expertise to our organization, while also holding a position as a finance and accounting executive in the sports and entertainment industry. Lester oversees the financial administration, review procedures and financial reporting, while also providing strategic financial advice and fundraising guidance to our board.

Lester Jones
Treasurer
Sports and Entertainment Finance and Accounting Executive

Alexis is a Type 1 Diabetic and serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader. Her personal and professional experiences fuel her passion for serving people living with diabetes in an inclusive and equitable manner. Alexis is responsible for creating an environment where individuals feel safe, welcomed, and valued. She also analyzes our practices and programs to ensure they are fair and provide equal opportunities for the people we serve.
Alexis is a Type 1 Diabetic and serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader. Her personal and professional experiences fuel her passion for serving people living with diabetes in an inclusive and equitable manner. Alexis is responsible for creating an environment where individuals feel safe, welcomed, and valued. She also analyzes our practices and programs to ensure they are fair and provide equal opportunities for the people we serve.

Alexis Roe
Board Member
Type 1 Diabetic
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader

Andrea, a seasoned Community Impact Executive with over two decades of philanthropic and non-profit expertise in Atlanta, plays a pivotal role as a "super connector." Her main responsibility is to forge strategic connections between DiaBeating The Odds and community and corporate partners, thereby enhancing our capacity to make a meaningful impact on the community.
Andrea, a seasoned Community Impact Executive with over two decades of philanthropic and non-profit expertise in Atlanta, plays a pivotal role as a "super connector." Her main responsibility is to forge strategic connections between DiaBeating The Odds and community and corporate partners, thereby enhancing our capacity to make a meaningful impact on the community.

Andrea Carter
Board Member
Community Impact Executive
Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leader

Xavier is a Pharmacist and three-time Pharmacy Owner, who contributes a wealth of expertise spanning science, healthcare, direct patient engagement, technology, ethics, and business to our organization. His deep commitment to DiaBeating The Odds stems from his daily interactions with individuals in underserved communities facing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Xavier is a Pharmacist and three-time Pharmacy Owner, who contributes a wealth of expertise spanning science, healthcare, direct patient engagement, technology, ethics, and business to our organization. His deep commitment to DiaBeating The Odds stems from his daily interactions with individuals in underserved communities facing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Dr. Xavier Bryant, PharmD,RPh
Board Member
Owner Bryant Pharmacy & Compounding
Nonprofit  I PharmD, Mercer University