Cleft lip and palate affects 1 in 700 babies worldwide… the same incidence as down syndrome. Yet, the awareness and advocacy for the condition is underwhelming. In her inspirational talk, Ph.D. Christine Errico, accounting professor, and cleft-affected confidence coach, tells her story of bullying, isolation, and transformation. Errico illustrates how open discussion and education about cleft lip and palate builds a kinder and truly inclusive world. Christine Errico is a certified confidence and transformation coach for cleft-affected individuals and an advocate for cleft lip and palate awareness and education. Born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, Christine overcame numerous obstacles, surgeries, and bullying to get to where she is today. Drawing on her own experiences, she helps cleft-affected clients build self-confidence and acceptance. Christine has a Ph.D. in business administration with a specialization in accounting and is an accounting professor. She also owns multiple businesses and volunteers with Smile Train to help strengthen the cleft community in the United States. She recently traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to meet with cleft affected children and learn more about the work Smile Train does. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx