Since 2012, Transdiaspora Network (TDN) celebrates the best in the field of HIV Prevention and Youth Development by presenting the Changemaker Award to an individual or organization that demonstrate excellence and outstanding achievement in their work with the community.

We are pleased to announce that the winner of our 2015 Changemaker Award is Dr. Paula Madrid. Congratulations!

Dr. Paula Madrid, a clinical psychologist, works with teens that are considered high risk for dangerous behaviors that may lead to contracting HIV in their lifetime.  Not only does Dr. Madrid spend six months providing therapy for them, but helps to locate housing and other resources they are lacking (e.g. legal consultation, immigration support, job placement).  Additionally, she works in a separate capacity with HIV positive youth as well as with children and teens who fled Central America on their own and need psychological treatment, evaluations for asylum to this country and ongoing support.  She describes these youth as “vulnerable but strong, resilient and needing a hand.”

Dr. Paula Madrid is a compassionate and visionary leader who is not hesitant to work the frontlines.  Another example of this is her work with the Children’s Health Fund following Hurricane Sandy where she opened a clinic and conducted over 40 groups in its duration of two years. In 2011, as part of a small company called Loveallt, Inc., she designed and launched a t-shirt campaign benefiting homeless gay/LBGT youth.  She has also personally donated to three organizations in New York City and one in Barranquilla, Colombia.

As you can see, Dr. Paula Madrid embodies the characteristics for TDN Changemaker Award and it is our pleasure to give her this award for the tireless work in her professional practice providing healing for homeless and at-risk teenagers.

The official presentation will be made tomorrow night, April 24th, at TDN’s Eighth Annual Benefit Cocktail