Global Team

Ingvar Ágúst Ingvarsson

President, IFPA

Member of Spoex / The Icelandic Psoriasis and Eczema Foundation
Reykjavik, Iceland

Ingvar was diagnosed with psoriasis when he was 23 and has had both ups and downs with the disease since then. During difficult times, he could depend on the valuable support of Spoex volunteers. When his psoriasis had improved and he was invited to join Spoex’ Board a few years later, Ingvar thus gladly accepted the invitation. Between 2014 and 2018, Ingvar was the organization’s Chairman. Being able to give something back to society and helping others is something he sees as a privilege. Professionally, Ingvar works as an IT technical solutions specialist.

Helen Crawford

Vice President, IFPA

Senior Program Manager, Psoriasis Canada
Ottawa, Canada

Helen Crawford is a patient advocate with over a decade of experience supporting Canadians with psoriatic disease. Since 2011, she has served as Senior Program Manager at Psoriasis Canada, providing essential resources and information to those with psoriatic disease.

With a background in communications, marketing, and project management, Helen has led initiatives to empower and educate patients across Canada. She also serves as Vice President of IFPA, collaborating globally to advance psoriasis advocacy. Helen is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals with psoriatic disease.

Sofia Lovi Ramasamy

Secretary, IFPA

Interim President, Psoriasis Association Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sofia is a dedicated advocate for individuals affected by psoriatic disease. She actively contributes to global initiatives aimed at raising awareness and improving care. Passionate about community building and mental health, Sofia focuses on educating children and junior youth, fostering a supportive environment for young individuals impacted by the disease. With expertise in media relations, advocacy, strategic planning and development, and public speaking, Sofia effectively leads efforts to combat stigma and enhance public understanding of psoriatic disease.

Josef de Guzman

Treasurer, IFPA

CEO, PsorPhil / Psoriasis Philippines
Manila, Philippines

Josefino "Josef" De Guzman is a dedicated advocate for psoriatic disease, NCDs, and disability inclusion with over 20 years of experience. He founded PsorPhil in 2005, creating a leading advocacy group for Filipinos with psoriatic disease. As founder of PsorAsia, he sparked a movement across Asia, mentoring nations to build patient organizations and sharing insights globally.

Josef is committed to training non-dermatologists and primary health workers on psoriasis to improve diagnosis and treatment access. His leadership roles include CEO of Psoriasis Philippines, Treasurer of IFPA, and Chair of the World Psoriasis Day Steering Committee. His legacy as a champion for the psoriatic community is enduring and impactful.

Silvia Fernandez Barrio

Board Member, IFPA

President, AEPSO / Psoriasis Association of Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Throughout her career as a radio and TV journalist in Argentina, Silvia has gained significant recognition for her dedication to her work and her advocacy for various causes. At the age of 18, she was diagnosed with psoriasis. When a major psoriasis flare-up in 2004 left her unable to afford her new medication, Silvia took the initiative to found AEPSO – the first and only psoriasis patient organization in Argentina. Since its founding, AEPSO has assisted over 55,000 patients and families, providing them with vital resources, information, and support. Silvia’s commitment to improving the lives of people with psoriasis continues to shape the organization’s mission and outreach efforts.

Masanori Okuse

Board Member, IFPA

Representative Director and Chairman, INSPIRE JAPAN WPD / Head of International Affairs, Japan Psoriasis Association / Vice President, PsorAsia

Yokohama, Japan
 

Masanori has over 35 years of experience working in pharmaceutical companies and a contract research organization. He has extensive knowledge in marketing, medical, and clinical research across psychiatry, neurology, dermatology, and immunology. Diagnosed with psoriasis at 40, he began volunteering for the psoriasis community a few years later. In 2017, he launched the INSPIRE JAPAN WPD project to raise awareness. The project became a general incorporated association in 2018, hosting similar events each year. He continues advocating for people with psoriasis at global, regional, and national levels.

Jaime Melancia

Board Member, IFPA

President, PsoPortugal / Board Member, EUROPSO
Lisbon, Portugal

Jaime is a passionate patient advocate with extensive leadership experience in the European psoriasis community. He serves as a Board Member at Europso and leads as President of the Board at Plataforma Saúde em Diálogo. Jaime also holds key roles in EUPATI Portugal and FENDOC, where he strengthens the patient voice in national and European health discussions. His work focuses on strategic planning, capacity building, and fostering collaboration between patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Committed to advancing health equity, Jaime represents Europso at the World Skin Health Coalition and actively works to ensure patient-centered care. He brings to IFPA a strong belief in the power of global advocacy and the determination to create lasting impact for those living with psoriatic disease.

Frida Dunger

Executive Director

Frida is responsible for managing IFPA operations, facilitating strategic development, and building global partnerships. Frida is committed to building a more just and sustainable world. She has extensive experience working with non-profits, including Emmaus Stockholm, ActionAid, and Forum Civ. Frida holds a Master in International Development Studies and Cultural Encounters.

Elisa Martini

Policy and Advocacy Manager

Elisa is responsible for development and implementation of IFPA's advocacy and policy strategies at a global level. She has a Master´s degree in pharmaceutical sciences and a Ph.D. with a focus on psoriasis. She has previous advocacy experience as a volunteer in a local level, health sector NGO.

Sicily Mburu, M.D.

Scientific Officer

Sicily injects the patient perspective into every stage of the research cycle. Sicily is a health professional with a clinical background and over 10 years experience in the field of global health. Sicily holds a dual MSc in Epidemiology, and Health Economics & Policy.

Janina Kostiukaite

Strategic Events and Projects Lead

Janina explores new opportunities to diversify IFPA's sponsorship to support IFPA's action against psoriatic disease. Janina is a Master of Global Health, with special training in Medical Peace Work and eHealth. She has interned at the WHO and organized international youth projects in Turkey and Macedonia.

Ida Mourujärvi

Finance and Administration Manager

Ida oversees finance and administration at IFPA, bringing over 20 years of expertise in financial management, administration, and project leadership. Her experience spans both the private healthcare sector and non-profit organizations, ensuring a strong foundation for IFPA's operational excellence.

Camille Lancelot

Community Manager

Camille runs IFPA's member services and capacity development programs. She has a background in development work and teaching as well as a Master in Cultural Projects for Development. Camille has lived and worked in the USA, Senegal, Benin, France, and Sweden.

Raquel Vaz

Scientific Project Leader

Raquel is responsible for providing scientific advice and to ensure the gathering and sharing of trustworthy information to those living with psoriatic disease, healthcare providers, policy makers, and the community. Raquel has a PhD in Genetics and vast experience in clinical and translational research in rare diseases and in psoriasis.

Emma Kristensson Bennwik

Policy and Advocacy Lead

Emma is passionate about advocacy and creating meaningful change. She holds a Master’s in International Politics and Policy Analysis and brings extensive experience in policy development, advocacy, and strategic communication, particularly in Public Health and Human Rights. She previously served as Director of Advocacy at Save the Children Sweden and Global Advocacy Lead at the Swedish Cancer Society.

Carola Pilarz

Design & Social Media Communicator

Carola is responsible for designing and publishing content across all of IFPA’s digital channels, as well as producing printed materials. With many years of experience from communication agencies, she brings strong creative expertise and a strategic approach to IFPA’s visual and social media presence.

Nichlas Mattsson

Accounting Administration Officer

Nichlas brings many years of experience from the private sector in accounting and finance. As part of the team managing financial management and finances at IFPA, his expertise ensures a robust foundation for the organization's financial operations.

Elena Krivovyaz

Communications Lead

Elena oversees IFPA’s communications and outreach strategies, media relations and engagement with audiences across IFPA’s channels. She brings a strong expertise in journalism together with her extensive experience in strategic communications and digital marketing. She holds master’s degrees in journalism and in media and communications. Elena strongly believes in the power of storytelling to shift mindsets and drive humanity forward.

Peter van de Kerkhof MD, PhD

Dermatologist

The Netherlands

Mark Lebwohl MD, PhD

Dermatologist

USA

Alan Menter MD, PhD

Dermatologist

USA

Jörg Prinz MD, PhD

Dermatologist

Germany

Mona Ståhle MD, PhD

Dermatologist

Sweden

Philip Mease MD, PhD

Rheumatologist

USA

Christopher Ritchlin MD, PhD

Rheumatologist

USA