A turning point in my life came at the age of 20 when I was diagnosed with HIV. In that moment, I decided to live my life more fully and boldly than ever before. Though I’m not entirely sure why I made that choice, I now see it as a blessing that gave me the strength to live with tenacity and purpose. Nearly 20 years later, my passion for this work is still rooted in a desire to advocate for equitable healthcare and amplify the voices that are often silenced.
Luna (bottom right) is an advocate and public health leader based in New York City.
Growing up in Camden, New Jersey, I saw firsthand the impact of violence, poverty, and systemic inequities. These challenges shaped my understanding of how social disparities fuel health crises in underserved communities. Even today, I see friends, family, and neighbors struggling to access basic human rights like housing and healthcare. This lived experience inspires my work, driving my focus on providing care and education to those most affected by HIV/AIDS.
As a key advocate and public health leader in New York City, my role as a Pharmacy Sales Representative at AHF aligns perfectly with my personal and professional ambitions. I work to engage the community through awareness initiatives, HIV prevention, and expanding access to PrEP and STI testing. I also focus on building partnerships with local organizations, hosting educational workshops, and collaborating with external providers and community-based organizations to ensure our services are culturally competent and accessible to all. This position allows me to merge my personal and professional ambitions in public health advocacy.
My commitment to this work is deeply personal. When I became HIV positive, I kept my status a secret for years. That experience solidified my commitment to ensure no one else has to face this condition alone. It drives me every day to advocate for better access to care and create spaces where people feel seen, respected, and valued.
My journey into HIV/AIDS care began with a vision of combining localized action with global impact. AHF’s approach to HIV/AIDS care perfectly aligned with this vision. I have a phrase that I always say: “For the People of the Worlt.” I intentionally spell “Worlt” with a T to highlight those who are often stigmatized or “othered,” such as people living with HIV and transgender individuals. AHF’s commitment to treating every person with dignity, no matter their circumstances, inspired me to join the organization. I saw an opportunity to expand access to care and engage in innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, and education—strategies that can save lives and transform communities. AHF celebrates all of who I am and appreciates how I bring my talents to public health work and advocacy.
Every interaction I have—whether through outreach, events, or individual counseling—brings us one step closer to normalizing conversations about sexual health and fighting the stigma around HIV. By connecting people with life-saving resources, I’m proud to contribute to AHF’s mission, which ensures no one is left behind on their journey to health and empowerment.
One of the greatest challenges in my role has been combating the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, which continues to prevent many from seeking care. Educating communities—especially those with a deep mistrust of the healthcare system—requires persistence, cultural sensitivity, and creativity. I’ve addressed these challenges by fostering partnerships with trusted community leaders and using social media as an educational tool to dismantle myths and reach a broader audience.
A particularly memorable moment in my time with AHF occurred during an outreach event when a young man approached me after receiving his first HIV test. He shared that he had been too scared even to consider testing before, but our presence in his neighborhood gave him the courage to take that step. Seeing his relief and gratitude reminded me why this work is so essential. Moments like that reaffirm the impact we can have simply by showing up and creating safe spaces for people.
Outside of work, I find joy in hosting community events, whether through social media or televised events—community storytelling is my thing. As a public health advocate, I view these creative pursuits as a way to inspire change and connect with people on a deeper level.
