Kicking Off the First Shop Chat Series in the District

Last week, I had the privilege of serving as a facilitator for the very first Real Health Impact event in partnership with ViiV Healthcare. This milestone marks the beginning of a powerful series of Shop Chats across the District, designed to bring real conversations about sexual health directly into community spaces that people trust and frequent.

Our kickoff was hosted with a vibrant group of cosmetologists—community members who play a much larger role in health and wellness than they often realize. These professionals are trusted confidants, listeners, and influencers in the lives of their clients. By equipping them with accurate, culturally responsive information on sexual health, HIV prevention, and wellness, we are creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of their salons.

As a facilitator, I was struck by the openness of the dialogue. We didn’t just cover the science of prevention and care—we talked about stigma, trust, and the real barriers people face in accessing care. The energy in the room affirmed what we’ve always known: conversations about health don’t always have to happen in clinics. They can happen in everyday spaces, with everyday people, and still have a transformative impact.

This event is just the beginning. Over the coming months, we’ll continue hosting Shop Chats across the District, building a stronger foundation for community-led health education. I am proud to be part of this effort, and even more excited to see how these conversations will inspire change, one chat at a time.