A Positive Women’s Network – USA (PWN-USA) State Lead is a key conduit to the HIV community in their state. PWN-USA State Leads serve as a primary point of contact for the national office in their state; agree to make themselves available and accessible to community members living with HIV in their state who want to get involved in advocacy; and mobilize their communities to take action on advocacy issues and campaigns prioritized by PWN-USA.
State Leads are volunteers. If funding becomes available, we may be able to provide stipends and/or support direct expenses related to State Lead responsibilities.

What do PWN-USA State Leads do?

PWN-USA State Leads are a touchpoint for two-way communication: from communities living
with/affected by HIV in their state to the national PWN office; and vice versa.
State Leads agree to:
  • be listed on the PWN-USA website and other relevant materials as a key contact for women and people of trans experience living with HIV in their state;
  • participate in monthly PWN-USA State Lead and Policy workgroup calls;
  • Participate in a 4-hour orientation training;
  • Participate in up to four training and skills-building webinars per year (dates and content TBD by the PWN Organizing Department);
  • seek to stay up to date on important HIV policy issues, by reading PWN Action Alerts, Policy Updates, and other relevant materials;
  • disseminate information about important HIV issues to key stakeholders in their states;
  • mobilize people living with and affected by HIV to take action;
  • build and update a database of key contacts in their state (database to be provided by PWN-USA);
  • participate in media interviews upon request;
  • provide quarterly reports to the PWN Organizing Department.

Who can be a PWN-USA State Lead?

If you are a woman, nonbinary person, or person of trans experience living with HIV; are interested in playing a key role in HIV advocacy and grassroots organizing; and have at least six hours monthly to commit to this work, we encourage you to consider becoming a PWN State Lead!
Requirements:
  • Commit to adhere to PWN-USA’s mission, vision, and values;
  • Demonstrated commitment to HIV advocacy and to supporting leadership by people living with HIV;
  • Track record of collaborative relationships with HIV groups in their community;
  • Ability to use email, Google docs, and Microsoft Office suite;
  • Track record of following through on commitments.

Meet the PWN-USA State Leads

Alicia Diggs, North Carolina

Alicia is a native of Philadelphia PA and has lived in North Carolina since 1997. Alicia received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2009 from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master’s degree in Public Health in 2014 from Capella University and is currently working on her PhD in Public Health also at Capella University. Alicia was diagnosed with HIV in 2001 and made a decision in 2004 to become an HIV/AIDS Activist, Educator, and Speaker. Alicia has spoken for organizations, area universities, public schools, community health events, conferences and churches. She sits on several boards and has made an array of media appearances. Alicia is also the CEO and Founder of I Will Live which is a foundation whose goal is to help the community understand the importance of STD and STI prevention, advocating against stigma and discrimination, knowing your HIV/AIDS status by getting tested as well as living healthy and productive lives through empowerment and education.

Brandi Velasquez, Oregon

Brandi tested positive for HIV at the age of 15. Today, Brandi is a committed and driven advocate, leader, and source of support for women and people living with HIV in Portland, OR and surrounding areas. She is also a mother and a wife. She understands first-hand how devastating it can be to receive an HIV diagnosis without the information and understanding that is so important in coping well with this life-changing news. Brandi also serves on the Multnomah County Client Advisory Council and OHSU Russell Street Dental Clinic Client Advisory. Brandi is a graduate of the Training of Consumers Quality Plus Program. Brandi is a graduate of PWN- USA Policy Fellowship Inaugural Class. Brandi sees the power of community, unity, meeting and sharing experiences together. She wants to make sure that no woman living with HIV (or anyone, for that matter) is left isolated and alone. ~ NO WOMAN LEFT ALONE ~

Deirdre Johnson, Virginia

Dierdre is a native of Richmond, Virginia by way of Northern Virginia. She has had an interest in HIV/AIDS education since 2000, when the disease hit too close to home. Deirdre began her journey in health education in Northern Virginia where she was a peer health educator and then moved to Richmond to take up a position as a Prevention Case Manager. Currently, she promotes healthy life choices using life experiences as an educational tool for all ages and walks of life via Deirdre Speaks. She is candid, honest and open about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, sex education, women’s rights, relationships, safer sex practices and healthier decision making. She currently resides in the Central Virginia Area and is mostly remembered as “the woman that talks openly about HIV/AIDS”, healthy relationships and everyday issues that affect us all. Many may know her, but few ever forget her name after hearing her story, laughing at her jokes, and sampling one of the prevention products that she designs.

Cecilia Dennis, Virginia

Cecilia is

Harmony Shearer, Nevada

Harmony is