About Celena

Celena McDaniel is a dynamic inspirational speaker, award-winning lupus warrior, and dedicated health advocate with over 37 years of lived experience with lupus. Diagnosed at just 25, Celena has walked a remarkable journey of resilience, transformation, and unwavering advocacy. Recognized as an expert patient by leading rheumatologists at North Middlesex and University College London Hospitals, she is regularly invited to speak before student doctors and medical professionals to provide invaluable insight into the lived experience of chronic illness.

Celena’s story is one of triumph over extreme adversity. Her health journey has included multiple chronic illnesses, a stroke, a medically induced coma from listeria meningitis, medical trauma, and multiple surgeries—some of which she endured while fully awake. She also faced the devastating loss of her beloved sister Tan, who was herself a lupus warrior and remains the guiding light behind Celena’s mission. In her words, “Tan gave me the blueprint of how to live unapologetically with lupus.”

Far from simply surviving, Celena has thrived, devoting her life to uplifting others, particularly those from underrepresented communities living with chronic autoimmune diseases. In 2016, she earned her Open Degree in Health and Biological Sciences and began volunteering with Haringey Health Champions, where she discovered her passion for outreach and community engagement.

After experiencing severe reactions to commercial skincare products that triggered lupus flares, Celena turned to natural remedies. Her research into the healing properties of plant-based butters and essential oils led to the creation of Chillax’ations CIC, a skincare brand rooted in wellness and advocacy. Her brand quickly became a platform for deeper conversations about lupus, as curious customers turned into engaged listeners. Her candid, heartfelt stories resonated widely, sparking invitations to speak at wellness fairs, cultural events, and educational institutions.

In 2023, Celena co-founded The Lupus Hub CIC, a National Lottery-funded initiative designed to raise awareness and build a support network for individuals living with lupus and other autoimmune illnesses. Through culturally relevant events, 1-to-1 check-ins, and educational programming, The Lupus Hub provides safe spaces where people—particularly women of African and Asian heritage—can feel truly seen and heard.

Celena’s advocacy is rooted in lived experience, cultural empathy, and a holistic health philosophy. She challenges mainstream narratives about chronic illness by emphasizing the roles of trauma, systemic inequality, and emotional disconnection. Through storytelling, spoken word, and humour, she bridges the gap between complex medical issues and everyday understanding. Her analogies—such as describing lupus fatigue as “trying to move through golden syrup with the flu while wearing a weighted backpack”—offer both validation and clarity to those struggling to be understood.

As a passionate community collaborator, Celena has partnered with grassroots organisations and serves as Secretary for Ekyombo Noah’s Ark, a UK-based Ugandan charity focused on education and community upliftment. Her work emphasizes the importance of giving back, raising collective awareness, and promoting empowerment through lived truth.

In 2023, Celena premiered her powerful documentary, “Living with Lupus”, which follows the journeys of five Lupus Warriors and explores how pain can be transformed into power and purpose. The film debuted to great acclaim at The Lupus Hub’s Gala event and marked a pivotal moment in her mission to shift the public narrative around chronic illness.

Celena has spoken before diverse audiences—from college students to medical professionals to local community groups—always with the same core message: empowerment through truth, healing through understanding, and advocacy through action. In December 2024, she was honored as one of the Inspiring Women of Tottenham for her trailblazing lupus advocacy work.

As she continues to expand her reach, Celena now sets her sights on larger platforms and broader impact, delivering keynote speeches that inspire, educate, and advocate for a future where people living with lupus are heard, respected, and empowered.