Ingrid Walters is a national champion runner, breast cancer survivor, and working actor based in Los
Angeles. She was also a member of the UCLA swim team and a former Los Angeles County Ocean
Lifeguard. In 2019, just one month before being diagnosed with breast cancer, she placed first in the open
women’s division of the LA Marathon—a career-defining moment that became even more meaningful as it
preceded the fight of her life. Throughout her treatment—including surgery, chemotherapy, and
radiation—she continued to train and compete, becoming a source of inspiration to fellow athletes,
survivors, and medical professionals alike. Her resilience and determination showed others what was
possible, even in the face of profound challenges. In addition to her athletic achievements, Ingrid’s acting
credits include numerous television, film, and commercial work. She brings the same discipline, heart,
and strength to her performances as she does to her training. Her passion lies in telling stories that reflect
perseverance and authenticity, and she is especially committed to representing survivors and athletes on
screen. She is honored to serve as an ambassador for Teen Cancer America, and continues to
encourage others to fight for their health, their voice, and their dreams.
Viral gymnastics sensation, “NiaNation” aspires to inspire. Her debut on The Met Gala red carpet was a cultural moment! Flanked by the 30-person Brooklyn United marching band, while wearing a patriotic Stella McCartney for Adidas bodycon jumpsuit that highlighted her athletic silhouette, Nia easily went from gymnastics routine to red carpet glamour with the addition of a blue rhinestone net layer gown, that transformed the recent UCLA grad into an even bigger Internet sensation!
Her collegiate viral floor routines celebrating Black Excellence paid homage to black culture and caught the eyes of everyone from Gabrielle Union and Alicia Keys, to Steve Harvey, Beyonce, Missy Elliot and many more. The talented athlete, who once dreamed of being an Olympian, almost reached her ultimate goal when in 2016, a torn Achilles, changed her path and taught her invaluable lessons about overcoming obstacles, perseverance and creating new dreams.
A member of the U.S. National Team from 2012-2016, Nia was a 2018 NCAA Gymnastics Champion and a leading contender on the UCLA Women’s Gymnastics team. “The Culture” was a recurring theme in the fun-filled floor routines of her college career, as she treated the gymnastics floor as her stage and the perfect place to showcase black excellence to the world. In February 2020, just prior to the global pandemic, Nia tumbled and hip-hop danced to a Beyonce inspired “Homecoming” floor performance at the UCLA vs. Utah meet, that highlighted majorette-style dancing typical of historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) which resulted in millions of online views, becoming the #1 trending topic online, and landing Nia a guest spot on The Ellen Degeneres Show. In February 2021, another one of Nia’s socially-justice filled floor routines from the UCLA vs. ASU meet, which came with a message of power and hope towards the push for equality, also wowed the internet and went viral at a time when the world needed to hear it the most, catching the attention of Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris and Janet Jackson, just to name a few.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Nia Dennis grew up with Midwest values and a supportive family who encouraged her illustrious Junior Olympic and Elite gymnastics career. In 2015 at the Ohio State Football championship, as a huge fan of Buckeye Nation, Nia adopted the “Nation” for herself and picked up the nickname she prefers to go by today. During that time, she sacrificed a traditional classroom experience and trained more than 30 hours per week in order to reach Elite status and compete internationally with the ultimate goal being the 2016 Olympic Games. But, with a ruptured Achilles months before the games, Nia almost gave up gymnastics.
Becoming a UCLA student-athlete helped Nia reestablish her love for the sport of gymnastics under the leadership of legendary head coach Valorie Kondos Field, and along with the sisterhood of her incredible team. Graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a host of real life experience behind her, Nia has her sights set on the worlds of fashion, modeling, beauty, dancing and acting, in addition to continuing to support the sport of gymnastics with an emphasis on social justice and equality.
As an “Agent of Kindness” for adidas women and Stella McCartney, Nia reflects on her passion for movement, storytelling and expression, while she uses her brand ambassador role and design aesthetics in collaboration with Sylvia P leotard lines to share a message of empowerment and encouragement to all young girls to shine bright and always wear their invisible crowns. Nia performed on the Gold Over America Tour with Simone Biles and an all-star team of world-class gymnasts in the summer of 2021 with a message of joy and the goal to inspire young athletes to let their inner gold shine through, while bringing the audience closer to the action than ever before. And, when Nia got the opportunity to train Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas for their 2021 “Olympic Dreams Featuring Jonas Brothers” special, she was thrilled to provide the Jonas Brothers with her expertise and advice to help them pursue and conquer their own Olympic Dreams, while opening up the door to new and exciting adventures for Nia on a new and different stage….
These days, Nia has been talking about mental health with
Brice Johnson is a professional basketball player. He first rose to prominence while starring for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His All-American play led him to being selected in the first round of the 2016 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. Brice couldn’t be more excited to make an impact with Teen Cancer America in honor of his late mother, who lost her battle to cancer. She inspires him everyday to help in any way he can.
ChrisCheliosis an American retired professional ice hockey defenseman. He was one of the longest tenured players in the National Hockey League, and is a three-time Stanley Cup champion – one with the Montreal Canadiens and two with the Detroit Red Wings. In 2017, at a special NHL 100 Gala ceremony held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Chelios was named one of the ‘100 Greatest NHL Players’ in history. Native to Chicago, Chris is an Ambassador for the Chicago Blackhawks and has worked with his friend Eddie Vedder to host events and raise funds for Teen Cancer.
Nolan Smith is an incredibly charismatic former professional basketball player for NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. He is currently the special assistant coach for the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team. Nolan helped lead the Duke Blue Devils to win a National Championship in 2011 and returned the following season to lead the team to the Sweet Sixteen. Nolan is incredibly dedicated to Teen Cancer America, most evidently in his organization of the Hoop-A-Thon benefitting TCA – Website
Scott Dixon is an accomplished motor racing driver and four time IndyCar Champion from New Zealand. Scott is especially drawn to organizations supporting teens that have cancer because he feels that they are often overlooked as a group. Scott Dixon is a committed and valued supporter of Teen Cancer America and has hosted Meet and Greets for AYA (adolescents and young adults) patients annually at the Long Beach Grand Prix.
Matt Barnes is a professional basketball player who currently plays small forward for the Golden State Warriors. Off the court, Barnes devotes a great deal of time to philanthropic endeavors with his foundation, Athletes vs. Cancer, in honor of his mother, Ann Catherine Barnes, who passed away in 2007. Through Athletes vs. Cancer’s annual charity sporting events, fundraisers, and generous contributions, AVC has generated funds for the growth of Teen Cancer America.
Daniel Berger is a professional golfer on the PGA TOUR. One of the sport’s most exciting young stars, Daniel was named 2015 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year. He is extremely proud to represent Teen Cancer America and its commitment to providing hope and support to young people battling cancer. As part of his association, he displays the Teen Cancer America logo on his golf bag while competing in golf tournaments around the world.
Ingrid Walters is a national champion runner, breast cancer survivor, and working actor based in Los
Angeles. She was also a member of the UCLA swim team and a former Los Angeles County Ocean
Lifeguard. In 2019, just one month before being diagnosed with breast cancer, she placed first in the open
women’s division of the LA Marathon—a career-defining moment that became even more meaningful as it
preceded the fight of her life. Throughout her treatment—including surgery, chemotherapy, and
radiation—she continued to train and compete, becoming a source of inspiration to fellow athletes,
survivors, and medical professionals alike. Her resilience and determination showed others what was
possible, even in the face of profound challenges. In addition to her athletic achievements, Ingrid’s acting
credits include numerous television, film, and commercial work. She brings the same discipline, heart,
and strength to her performances as she does to her training. Her passion lies in telling stories that reflect
perseverance and authenticity, and she is especially committed to representing survivors and athletes on
screen. She is honored to serve as an ambassador for Teen Cancer America, and continues to
encourage others to fight for their health, their voice, and their dreams.
Viral gymnastics sensation, “NiaNation” aspires to inspire. Her debut on The Met Gala red carpet was a cultural moment! Flanked by the 30-person Brooklyn United marching band, while wearing a patriotic Stella McCartney for Adidas bodycon jumpsuit that highlighted her athletic silhouette, Nia easily went from gymnastics routine to red carpet glamour with the addition of a blue rhinestone net layer gown, that transformed the recent UCLA grad into an even bigger Internet sensation!
Her collegiate viral floor routines celebrating Black Excellence paid homage to black culture and caught the eyes of everyone from Gabrielle Union and Alicia Keys, to Steve Harvey, Beyonce, Missy Elliot and many more. The talented athlete, who once dreamed of being an Olympian, almost reached her ultimate goal when in 2016, a torn Achilles, changed her path and taught her invaluable lessons about overcoming obstacles, perseverance and creating new dreams.
A member of the U.S. National Team from 2012-2016, Nia was a 2018 NCAA Gymnastics Champion and a leading contender on the UCLA Women’s Gymnastics team. “The Culture” was a recurring theme in the fun-filled floor routines of her college career, as she treated the gymnastics floor as her stage and the perfect place to showcase black excellence to the world. In February 2020, just prior to the global pandemic, Nia tumbled and hip-hop danced to a Beyonce inspired “Homecoming” floor performance at the UCLA vs. Utah meet, that highlighted majorette-style dancing typical of historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) which resulted in millions of online views, becoming the #1 trending topic online, and landing Nia a guest spot on The Ellen Degeneres Show. In February 2021, another one of Nia’s socially-justice filled floor routines from the UCLA vs. ASU meet, which came with a message of power and hope towards the push for equality, also wowed the internet and went viral at a time when the world needed to hear it the most, catching the attention of Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris and Janet Jackson, just to name a few.
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Nia Dennis grew up with Midwest values and a supportive family who encouraged her illustrious Junior Olympic and Elite gymnastics career. In 2015 at the Ohio State Football championship, as a huge fan of Buckeye Nation, Nia adopted the “Nation” for herself and picked up the nickname she prefers to go by today. During that time, she sacrificed a traditional classroom experience and trained more than 30 hours per week in order to reach Elite status and compete internationally with the ultimate goal being the 2016 Olympic Games. But, with a ruptured Achilles months before the games, Nia almost gave up gymnastics.
Becoming a UCLA student-athlete helped Nia reestablish her love for the sport of gymnastics under the leadership of legendary head coach Valorie Kondos Field, and along with the sisterhood of her incredible team. Graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a host of real life experience behind her, Nia has her sights set on the worlds of fashion, modeling, beauty, dancing and acting, in addition to continuing to support the sport of gymnastics with an emphasis on social justice and equality.
As an “Agent of Kindness” for adidas women and Stella McCartney, Nia reflects on her passion for movement, storytelling and expression, while she uses her brand ambassador role and design aesthetics in collaboration with Sylvia P leotard lines to share a message of empowerment and encouragement to all young girls to shine bright and always wear their invisible crowns. Nia performed on the Gold Over America Tour with Simone Biles and an all-star team of world-class gymnasts in the summer of 2021 with a message of joy and the goal to inspire young athletes to let their inner gold shine through, while bringing the audience closer to the action than ever before. And, when Nia got the opportunity to train Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas for their 2021 “Olympic Dreams Featuring Jonas Brothers” special, she was thrilled to provide the Jonas Brothers with her expertise and advice to help them pursue and conquer their own Olympic Dreams, while opening up the door to new and exciting adventures for Nia on a new and different stage….
These days, Nia has been talking about mental health with 
