Dr. Ali (she, her) is a scholar activist who collaborates with communities and organizations to work on justice-led public impact research. She is committed to community-led solutions and strategies to build structures and systems that actually work.

Marcus A. Stanley, MPH, MCHES®, is a seasoned public health leader with over 20 years of experience, specializing in HIV and serving marginalized communities nationwide. An Emory University MPH graduate in Prevention Science, he’s a trauma-informed scholar, change agent, and dynamic speaker. He’s the Project Officer for Gilead’s COMPASS Initiative at the University of Houston and leads and manages program development as Director of Programs 2.

Masonia Burgandy Traylor (pronounced Mah-sahn-yah / Bur-gan-dee / Tray-lor) is a graduate of Georgia State University, a certified community-based participatory action researcher, scholar, and strategist who has been living with HIV since 2010. She brings over a decade of experience working at the intersections of public health, racial equity, and lived experience.

Since 2012, Masonia has led and co-created initiatives rooted in trauma-informed care, maternal and perinatal HIV/STI prevention, reproductive justice, and leadership development. Her work places a strong emphasis on supporting those impacted by HIV and systemic oppression to lead, heal, and drive change.

Dr. Keo, pronounced “gow,” (they/elle,, is a community-based participatory action researcher and justice focusedscholar-activist. Their approach to research, education, and organizational practice is centered around cross movement solidarity and justice. To know more about their work, email them at bskeo@uh.edu.

Dr. Wilson (ella/she/her) is a social worker, scholar, and activist collaborating with folx and communities most impacted by physical and mental health disparities in the Deep South. She has dedicated over two decades to the area of health disparities, health promotion, prevention efforts, mental health, substance use disorders, behavioral health, sexual health, HIV/AIDS, language justice, capacity building, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Stanton (she, her) is a participatory action researcher. She collaborates with communities and organizations to build on and share community-centered strategies to address complex structures impacting health. She is especially interested in how systems and organizations can implement programming in ways that center health equity and justice.

Katie (she/her) is a social work researcher with 8 years’ experience working with community-based organizations addressing the HIV and opioid epidemics.  She is passionate about advancing harm reduction approaches and improving work-related well-being of the community-based workforce to ultimately enhance care for communities most impacted by these epidemics.

Lladira Aguilar (She, Her, Ella) is a social worker and program director at the SUSTAIN Center with 15 years of experience working to end the HIV epidemic. Her roles have included health education, HIV testing and outreach, case management, and, most recently, capacity-building assistance with organizations across the US South.

Alejandra (she/her/ella) is a public health practitioner and social worker with eight years of experience working on HIV and sexual health programs. She is passionate about creating engaging and meaningful media content and using storytelling to lift the work of community-based HIV service organizations and staff. In addition to her communications work, Alejandra has led programming and co-facilitated trainings centered on emerging leadership and trauma-informed spaces. 

The Collective for Community Action (CCA) Advocacy Group is a diverse group of members from southern US states disproportionately affected by HIV.

Drawing from their lived expertise, community involvement, and grassroots advocacy backgrounds, they advise on our programming, processes, and evaluation based on the MIPHA (Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS) principles.

These members proudly serve as disclosed ambassadors to increase awareness and drive change.

Darnell Lewis currently serves as a full-time Paramedic for Stanly County EMS in Albemarle, NC, and remains an Advocate for those impacted and/or living with HIV/AIDS. Darnell has been living with HIV for 25+ years and continues to be a leading voice for many others diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

He has served in many different capacities in the arena of public health/service including the Jackson Coordinator for ACCELERATE! In Mississippi and STEPS Program Coordinator for Priority Health Care in the Greater New Orleans area.

Darnell continues to stay close to advocacy work on behalf of those individuals living with HIV. His focus areas include the provision of high quality, stigma-free, and patient-centered HIV care. He is particularly supportive of the programs and services that focus on underserved, under-resourced communities.

Titan Capri is a 54 y/o proud Black Gay Male and Army Veteran of 8 years who is thriving and aging with HIV celebrating 20 years.  Titan is the host and curator of a positive platform called The Titan Capri Experience.  Where every Tues and Thurs, he curates a morning show called Titan In The Morning.  Where he discusses various topics including HIV advocacy, LGBTQIA+ issues, and ways to uplift the community.

Currently Titan serves as the Project Manager for TTT (Transforming Together through Trauma Informed Care) a project with EJAF and UofH,  a member of the Ryan White Planning Council,  as a Co-Chair for the Collective for Community Action (CCA), a member of P.L.U.S United (T.R.U.T.H Project) also a part of the award winning short film “And We Rest On Giants”  where he lends his voice to service the community by eradicating stigma and Ending the HIV Epidemic. Titan has come to understand that his efforts to bring the Human aspect back to service is needed.  -

Titan’s mantra: I am the H in HIV, I AM HUMAN!!

 My name is Brandon Montanez and I was born with HIV — a fact that has shaped my perspective, but never limited my potential. Living with HIV from birth has given me firsthand insight into the challenges of stigma, access to healthcare, and the importance of education.Through it all, I’ve discovered strength, compassion, and a deep desire to help others feel seen and supported. Today, I share my journey to break down misconceptions, promote health equity, and inspire others to live boldly — no matter their status. I aim to show that living with HIV is not the end of a story — it can be the beginning of an extraordinary one      

I watched my sister, who was also born with HIV, pass away at just five years old. Losing her at such a young age left a permanent mark on my heart. In her memory, I’ve dedicated my life to providing compassionate care, raising awareness, and reminding others living with HIV that they are not alone — and that they can take control of their lives. Her story fuels my purpose, and through mine, I hope to honor her legacy.

Ja'Mel Ashely Ware is an entertainer, entrepreneur, and educator renowned for his significant contributions to HIV awareness, reproductive health for transmen, and entrepreneurship in the LGBQ and Trans community.

Born with HIV, Ja'Mel has been an inspirational figure. Since the tender age of seven, he has traveled the nation, sharing his life story and instilling hope and compassion in countless individuals. Ja'Mel attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a degree in Social Work, and is now pursuing an MBA at Emory Goizueta Business School. Propelled by his passion, he manages the IR Agency, which focuses on propelling organizations in the intersections of business and public health.