The UNC Food Allergy Initiative recently welcomed Emily Hippensteel, Miss Carolina Foothills’ Teen 2026, to the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. Emily, also known as NC Allergy Girl, advocates for safer communities and increased awareness for individuals living with food allergies. During her visit, she interviewed Dr. Edwin Kim and toured the FAI clinic and lab spaces, gaining an inside look at ongoing food allergy research. Emily will be sharing her experience through her NC Allergy Girl platform. In the meantime, we asked her a few questions about her community service initiative, which centers on supporting those affected by food allergies.
Why did you choose to focus your community service initiative on food allergies?
My community service initiative is Allergy Allies: Finding Food Allergy Solutions Together. I chose to focus on food allergies because I have lived with five food allergies: peanut, soy, peas, chickpeas, and sesame since I was two years old. Throughout my life, I have experienced unpredictable and severe reactions, from full-body hives to reactions caused by hidden ingredients in everyday products. These experiences gave me perspective and purpose. Instead of allowing them to create fear, they inspired me to educate others, promote prevention, and support research that advances safer solutions for future generations. Through my Community Service Initiative, I work to increase awareness, improve safety practices, and advocate for evidence-based allergy care.
What did you learn from your visit to the UNC FAI offices?
During my visit and tour with Dr. Edwin Kim, I gained deeper insight into the research and treatment advancements happening through the UNC Food Allergy Initiative. I especially learned more about studies like SUNBEAM, which examines early risk factors for developing food allergies by following mothers and their babies over time. It was inspiring to see how research is translated into real treatment options and meaningful progress for patients. The experience strengthened my commitment to partnering with medical professionals to ensure my advocacy content remains accurate and research-based.
Instead of allowing them [food allergies] to create fear, they inspired me to educate others, promote prevention, and support research that advances safer solutions for future generations.
What impact do you hope your work will have on those living with food allergies?
Through my work, partnerships, workshops, and digital advocacy, my goal is to share accurate information about food allergy prevention, treatment options, and safety. I plan to continue visiting schools to educate students through structured programs and collaborate with leading allergy and research centers to amplify expert voices. My long-term vision is to expand the Allergy Allies model into a nationwide network. Ultimately, I hope my efforts help create safer environments, support stronger prevention research, and build a future where people with food allergies feel supported and confident — while research continues to uncover the root causes and move toward a world where food allergies are better understood and reduced.
You can learn more about Emily’s work and watch her interview with Dr. Kim on her platform, NC Allergy Girl.