And the award of 2025 Emerging Advocate goes to… Jules Lemonds, of SC’s 5th Congressional District!

Jules started her advocacy journey at the age of 17, inspired by the memory of her beloved Mimi, who bravely battled Alzheimer’s disease.

"I will never forget the moment when the woman who helped raise me, who lived just across the street, who celebrated every milestone of my life with me — looked at me and asked, 'What’s your name?' That moment changed me forever," Jules shared.



Jules has grown from our chapter's youngest advocate to one of core advocates and valued volunteers. She played a crucial role in organizing and participating in the SC State House Advocacy Day in both 2024 and 2025. In addition to meeting with her state Representative and Senator on multiple occasions, she utilizes social media to highlight her advocacy efforts and encourage others to join the cause. She also visits schools to gently educate children about Alzheimer’s, honoring her grandmother, who passed away from the disease.

"At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help create a future without Alzheimer’s, so no other
child has to experience the heartbreak of their favorite person forgetting their name," Jules said in her acceptance speech. "This award is not just mine — it belongs to every person fighting for that same future."

In addition to her advocacy work, Jule volunteers at event tables for the Alzheimer’s Association and dedicates several hours each week to support advocacy, program delivery, and Walk to End Alzheimer's activities at the Alzheimer’s Association office in Columbia, SC. Her generous nature, dedication and warm personality are truly commendable.



"Balancing school, work, and advocacy has not always been easy—but every moment has been worth it," Jules said. "Whether as a Business student at the University of South Carolina or working as a hairstylist, I have made it my purpose to use every platform available to shine a light on Alzheimer’s awareness and advocacy."

In 2024, Jules held the title of Ms. Camden South Carolina, and she currently holds the title of Ms. Hartsville South Carolina 2025, with Alzheimer’s as her platform. She achieved 4th place in the Ms. South Carolina 2024 competition and will compete in the 2025 competition later this month.

For now, the sash she's wearing is purple. On Tuesday, June 10, Jules will be on Capitol Hill along with 20 advocates from South Carolina — and over 1,100 from across the nation — asking their members of Congress to increase Alzheimer’s and dementia research funding, improve access to biomarker testing, and enhance training for health care providers.



But Jules is not stopping there. She's working to inspire the next generation of advocates.

"To every young person who feels they are “too young” to make a difference — please hear this: Your voice matters. You are never too young to be the spark for change," she said. "Start now. Start where you are. The world needs you."

Congratulations to Jules on this well-deserved award! We'd also like to share sincere thanks to ALL of our amazing SC volunteer advocates for sharing your time, your stories and your passion as we fight together to #ENDALZ.



Thanks also to our wonderful policy team, DeeAnn Jones and Taylor Wilson. To learn more about volunteering with advocacy, contact DeeAnn at dmjones@alz.org or visit alzimpact.org/volunteer.