By Bailey Williams  

Each year, several people living with HIV volunteer to serve on AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC)’s Ryan White Community Advisory Board. Having received services and case management under the Ryan White Care Act, the Board members bring firsthand experience to their advocacy on the Board. Their feedback and insights on new AFC initiatives, programs and case management help better services for those served under the Ryan White Care Act. There are several dedicated members on the Board, and we’d like to introduce you to a few. 

Carmen Earsery
She/Her/Hers
50 Years Old 

How long have you served on the Board?
7 years. 

What’s your favorite part of serving on the Board?
“Well, my favorite parts are always learning about policy procedures and meeting people from different walks of life with the same goal in common. That’s how we can help people like us with education and information. I also like the fact that I can be a voice for my peers.” 

What’s one thing you’d like the community to know about you?
“I would like for them to know that I’m just as passionate today about what I do as the day I started. God has kept me alive, so I haven’t burnt out that love to see people have an understanding of HIV and that people living with HIV get the best quality care I received when I tested positive.” 

Curtis Montgomery
He/Him/His 
62 Years Old 

How long have you served on the board?
Over 6 years. 

What’s your favorite part of serving on the board?
“My favorite parts of serving on the Board include site visits to funded agencies, having the opportunity to give recommendations on various issues, and being a voice for my peers!” 

What’s one thing you’d like the community to know about you?
“I would like the community to know that I’m a representative for all people affected by and living with HIV/AIDS.” 

Lee Dewey
They, Them, Theirs
38 Years Old 

How long have you served on the Board:
5 years 

What’s your favorite part of serving on the Board?
“Sharing my own experiences, as a person at a few intersections of marginalization, and signal boosting the needs of my often-underrepresented communities.” 

What’s one thing you’d like the community to know about you?
“These feet were made for queer dancefloors AND the streets.”                                                  

This story is a part of our ongoing series commemorating World AIDS Day 2020, a time to remember those lost to AIDS-related complications, celebrate how far we’ve come, look to the future, and celebrate those living with HIV. Learn more about another member of AFC’s community here.