USCHA 2025: Connection, Inspiration, and a Call to Action

After a challenging year, attending USCHA 2025 was exactly what I needed. The conference reminded me that this work is deeply personal, and that none of us do it alone. There’s power in connection, in shared stories, and in showing up for communities that need us most.

This year, I had the privilege of:

  • Meeting Ryan White’s mom, a living legacy of advocacy whose courage and impact continue to inspire.

  • Hearing from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congresswoman Maxine Waters, whose leadership underscores the critical role of policy in advancing public health.

  • Listening to Magic Johnson share his personal journey and experiences navigating HIV, health, and resilience.

  • Moderating Still Here, Still Powerful: Black Women, HIV & Aging with Grace & Grit and participating in Legacy, Leadership, and Leverage: Power of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Beyond panels, I attended sessions that challenged and inspired me, supported colleagues and friends, and reconnected with familiar faces. The conversations were rich, the energy palpable, and the sense of community unforgettable.

USCHA is always a mix of reflection and action—it feels like both a reunion and a call to continue the fight. Ending the HIV epidemic requires commitment from all of us: advocates, providers, policymakers, and community members alike.

To all the incredible individuals working tirelessly in this space, thank you for continuing to fight the good fight. There’s a lot of work ahead, and I’m ready and eager to keep pushing forward alongside you.

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A New Semester, A New Light