Palm Springs, California, United States
Championing Equity in Aging and HIV: Advocate, Educator, and Change-Maker
Founded a nonprofit organization focused on advancing policy and systems integration at the intersection of aging and HIV. Leads development of frameworks integrating aging and HIV within health, behavioral health, and public service systems. Engages state and national stakeholders to strengthen inclusion of older adults living with HIV in policy, planning, and service delivery. Authors policy analysis and represents the organization in national and state advocacy forums, including AIDSWatch and cross-sector policy discussions. Focus areas include equity, visibility, and integration of aging and HIV within statewide and national policy frameworks.
Appointed to co-chair a State of California advisory body guiding equity implementation within the California Master Plan for Aging Works alongside the Director of the California Department of Aging to shape cross-sector recommendations across aging and disability systems. Advances inclusion of older adults living with HIV within statewide policy frameworks, including contributions to California’s first LGBTQIA+ Older Adults Survey and the Aging and Disability Lived Experience Advisory Board (AD-LEAB). Contributes to policy discussions addressing data equity, service delivery, and system coordination across state and local aging networks. Focus areas include equity, visibility of marginalized populations, and integration of aging and public health systems.
Leads a community-based organization supporting HIV long-term survivors through advocacy, education, and systems engagement. Positions lived experience as a driver of policy insight, informing efforts across aging, health, and social service systems. Engages local and regional partners to strengthen inclusion of people aging with HIV in community-based and public sector initiatives. Serves as a bridge between community experience and policy development addressing aging and HIV.
Advises the Riverside County Office on Aging and Board of Supervisors on local aging policy, planning, and service delivery. Promotes inclusion of LGBTQ+ older adults and people aging with HIV within county aging systems. Contributes to discussions on equity, access, and coordination of services across community-based and public sector programs.
Serves on the board of the USC Lambda LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, supporting governance, alumni engagement, and scholarship initiatives. Leads development of the Lambda History Project, an initiative to document and preserve the organization’s legacy through oral histories, archival partnerships, and digital storytelling. Advances alumni engagement by creating opportunities for intergenerational connection, storytelling, and participation in the organization’s long-term growth.