Stories of themovement

From Eurovision to Harvard, you never know where The Embrace Movement will pop up. Meet some of the inspiring changemakers and experts who are embracing their body and their life.

Meet thechangemakers

People who decided their body was not the problem — and then went and changed something about the world around them.

Meet theexperts

Researchers, clinicians and educators whose work underpins everything The Embrace Movement teaches.

Onella MuralidharanCURVE MODEL | BODY POSITIVITY ADVOCATE | SKIN CONDITION AWARENESS CAMPAIGNEROnella has made a huge impact on the Australian fashion scene since winning Bella Management’s Unsigned Model Competition in 2021. A proud advocate for body positivity and mental health, Onella uses her platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote individuality, through global campaigns and curated social media content. Onella’s story Onella was born in […]View storyOnella MuralidharanRicki LakeVulnerable, resilient, honestOver the years, she’s used her platform to champion self-acceptance and break down harmful beauty standards, especially through her work as the host of The Ricki Lake Show. We were incredibly fortunate to share a heartfelt conversation with Ricki during the filming of Embrace, where she opened up about her personal struggles and triumphs.  Here’s […]View storyRicki LakeAriella NyssaBODY POSITIVITY ADVOCATE | COMMUNITY BUILDER | AUTHOR | PODCAST HOSTThrough her empowering messages and authentic journey of self-acceptance, she’s built a huge, vibrant online community that encourages people to embrace their unique beauty and love themselves, exactly as they are, and her posts are so refreshingly real. Ariella’s on a mission to challenge society’s beauty standards and help others find confidence and self-worth — […]View storyAriella NyssaAlex NobleMotivational speaker, authorTragically, he suffered a severe injury on the field, breaking his neck and damaging his spinal cord, leading to life-long challenges. His devastated family was told that he would never walk again.  Despite the obstacles of his new reality, Alex has shown remarkable resilience, turning his recovery journey into a mission of inspiration. Now a […]View storyAlex NobleBettyanne ButterworthEnergetic, gracious, playfulThroughout her life, Bettyanne has maintained an active and healthy body. A delightful chat about her healthy relationship with her body left us feeling inspired … and gave us a good giggle.  Here’s what Bettyanne had to say …  What do you love most about your body? It’s fine — I’m happy with it. I […]View storyBettyanne ButterworthGeoffrey ButterworthActive, experienced, gratefulOnce a dedicated pharmaceutical sales representative, he has transitioned into retirement, a phase that offers him the chance to pause and consider the passage of time and the changes it brings. Geoffrey’s story  Geoffrey Butterworth, an active eighty-year-old, doesn’t hesitate when asked to describe his body. With a twinkle in his eye, he declares, “It’s […]View storyGeoffrey ButterworthExpertTaryn BrumfittEmpowering Passionate TrailblazerTaryn’s impactful work has reached over 200 million people worldwide, and she was named the 2023 Australian of the Year for her efforts to create meaningful change in the way we view our bodies. Through her global crusade, she inspires others to focus on how their bodies feel rather than how they look, promoting a […]View storyTaryn BrumfittJameela JamilActor, writer, activistAs a fierce advocate for appreciating our bodies just as they are, she’s built a supportive online community that celebrates all body types. Through her inspiring “I Weigh” movement, Jameela shifts the focus from weight to personal worth, encouraging everyone to celebrate what truly matters in life. She’s not afraid to call out celebrities who […]View storyJameela JamilJessica SmithPARALYMPIAN | ENTREPRENEUR | AUTHOR | MOTIVATIONAL AND KEYNOTE SPEAKERHer journey began with challenges that many might see as obstacles, but Jessica transformed these into opportunities for growth and empowerment. Jessica’s story  Born missing her left arm, Jessica faced adversity early on. At just 18 months old, she suffered third-degree burns covering 15 percent of her body, which left her with permanent scars on […]View storyJessica SmithExpertYemi PennSPEAKER | FILMMAKER | AUTHORAs a self-proclaimed ‘curious rebel’, Yemi Penn is changing the world one conversation at a time by helping businesses, communities, and individuals live their most fulfilling lives.  The dynamic entrepreneur, author and public speaker is known for her life-changing work in leadership and personal development. With a background in engineering, Yemi has founded several businesses […]View storyYemi PennSam BloomChampion · Resilient · InspirationAustralian adaptive surfing champion Sam Bloom has inspired millions by embracing life after a tragic accident.  Sam and her husband Cam Bloom are cherished friends of the Body Image Movement. Sam and Taryn have shared stages, using their voices to inspire a more inclusive world, with Sam’s story of resilience after a life-changing accident touching […]View storySam BloomExpertDr Zali YagerResearcher · Innovator · ExpertZali is a dynamic force in the realm of body image, serving as the executive director of the Embrace Collective and an adjunct associate professor at the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University. With over 18 years of experience in academia, Zali founded The Embrace Collective alongside the 2023 Australian of the Year, […]View storyDr Zali Yager