As a 2014 recipient of the Transdiaspora Network Changemaker Award, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this remarkable recognition. It is truly an honor to be supported and recognized by such a trailblazing and dynamic organization that strives to provide culturally oriented HIV prevention and awareness services with my shared goal of reaching an AIDS-free generation.

My short journey as a public health advocate and HIV educator has been an emotionally rewarding one. Watching my family grieve the death of my uncle to a disease that was anonymous to us for so long was excruciating. Seeing him in his last grips of life still afraid to disclose to us what was robbing him of his jovial spirit was completely agonizing. Why did my uncle feel so ashamed to say that he was battling AIDS? Stigma. Shame. Judgment. Disgust. Abandonment. Those are the only thoughts that I can articulate that could’ve forced my uncle to suffer in silence in a world unbeknownst to him, is full of support and love. His passing was a defining moment in my life. I could of chosen to bask in the melancholy ambiance of bereavement and despair or I could cultivate my pain into passionate efforts to making sure no one would have to fall within the tight grasp of an preventable disease or suffer in silence. I chose the latter. I found my niche and made a promise to educate not only myself, but also my family, peers about how this disease impacts our community.

By awarding me the Changemaker Award you have further ignited my passion and reminded me that the work that I do to educate youth on the importance of making safe, sexually conscious decisions is relevant and a concerted effort with likeminded entities and devoted individuals.  Together through our varied talents and strengths, we can greatly impact the world and make our dream of having an AIDS free generation a reality—a reality that will champion the legacies of our ancestors and for those who will carry out our vision.

Thank you again, and I look forward to further embodying the spirit of the Changemaker Award.

Sincerely,