Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, I am a graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU) where I majored in Social Work. During my time at OSU, I became involved in the ballroom scene/house culture as well as several social justice organizations. The Ballroom scene and involvement with social justice orgs served as catalysts, propelling me into HIV/AIDS prevention work – first with AIDS Resource Center Ohio as an intern, then as a core group member of the Greater Columbus Mpowerment Center, and finally with the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit. After commencement from OSU, I relocated to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in social work at Long Island University Brooklyn and further delve into my study of HIV and other health disparities among individuals belonging to the Ballroom scene. I hope to utilize information obtained from USCA to further enhance my research efforts. I specifically would like to learn more about the sociocultural facets of HIV transmission, as well as coping mechanisms that folks employ to combat stigma and long term effects of HIV infection.
