Spotlight of the Month – Mia Silverman (@allergieswithmia)

I am so excited to announce that my spotlight of the month is the incredible Mia Silverman. I am honoured to have Mia my spotlight this month, her advocacy reminds us that food allergies are not just about what’s on the plate, but about inclusion, safety, and empathy in every part of life. The work Mia is doing is not only empowering individuals but also reshaping how society understands allergies!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your involvement within the allergy
community?

My name is Mia Silverman, and I’ve been living with over 50 food allergies for 22 years. Navigating life with allergies hasn’t been easy, but it inspired me to create Allergies with Mia, a space where I share my story, resources, humor, and encouragement for others in the allergy community. Over the years, I’ve grown from being just a girl trying to figure it out to becoming an advocate, content creator, and consultant, working with organizations and brands to raise awareness and push for better inclusivity and safety for people like me. I am also an aspiring food allergy psychologist and an incoming graduate student at Columbia University, where I will be continuing my work focusing on the intersection of psychology, health, and advocacy.

You’ve shared powerful stories of bullying and exclusion in school due to your allergies. Looking back, what advice would you give to someone facing similar challenges today?

First, I would say: your allergies are not your fault, you are not a burden, and they do not make you “too much.” When I was younger, I often felt ashamed or like a burden because my allergies set me apart. Looking back, I wish I had known that the people who make you feel excluded or unsafe are showing their lack of understanding, not a reflection of your worth, even though it still feels awful. My advice would be to find your safe people, the ones who respect and support you, and lean on them. Advocate for yourself unapologetically, andremember that your safety and health always come first.

Your online presence brings humour, relatability, and realism all at once. What’s one piece of advice or reassurance you offer your community that you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

I wish someone had told me that things will get better. Living with allergies can feel overwhelming, isolating, and unfair, especially when you’re constantly navigating situations that others don’t have to think twice about. But with time, you learn how to advocate for yourself, you find people who truly support and understand you, and you gain confidence in building a safe and fulfilling life. I always tell my community: don’t lose hope. Your experiences are valid, your voice matters, and even though the journey can be difficult, it does get easier.

Travel, dining out, and social events can be high-stress scenarios for someone with severe allergies. Can you share one small change that has made the biggest difference for you in feeling included and safe?

The biggest change has been learning to advocate clearly and confidently with restaurant staff. When I was younger, I used to hesitate or apologize for being “difficult,” but now I realize that asking detailed questions and using allergy chef cards actually empowers the staff to keep me safe. That shift, from feeling like a burden to realizing I’m helping create a safer dining experience, has been huge for me.

You’ve helped shape conversations around allergy-friendly communication and safety. What’s one shift, cultural, educational, or systemic that you believe would make the biggest positive impact for people with food allergies?

I believe that widespread education on food allergies, starting from a young age, would make the biggest difference. If kids grew up understanding the seriousness of food allergies and the importance of inclusion, we’d see a cultural shift where safety and empathy are second nature. On a systemic level, I’d love to see more standardized allergy training in schools, restaurants, and workplaces. Small changes in education can ripple out into a world where people with allergies don’t feel like an afterthought, but instead feel seen, safe, and included.

Make sure to check out Mia’s social media over on Instagram and TikTok!

Instagram: @allergieswithmia

TikTok: @allergieswithmia

Website: https://allergieswithmia.com/