By Ashley Brown
Patricia Braboy (she, her, hers) is a Project Assistant at The Center of HIV Elimination and Community Engagement Coordinator at Third Coast Center for AIDS Research. She is a proud graduate of Jackson State University and is currently enrolled in the University of Michigan’s Sexual Health Educator Certification program. She has been educating youth about sexual health for four years and believes that providing an open and safe space to talk about sex and sexuality will eliminate the taboo around STIs and sex. A lifelong South Side resident, one of her life goals is to make South Shore an area where generations of her family can live, thrive and grow. She enjoys extreme couponing for her friends and family and parenting twin boys.
Mara Goldman (she, her, human) is a lifestyle and parts model. She always brings a sense of humor and dedication to her craft. Though she joined AFC’s Associate Board in 2020, Mara has been involved with AFC for almost two decades, as a volunteer, participant and ambassador. Each year, she makes fundraising for AFC a top priority through her involvement with AIDS Run & Walk Chicago and just finished her 11th Run & Walk in 2020. Beyond her tenacious annual fundraising, Mara works tirelessly and passionately in whatever capacity AFC needs her. In addition to her work with AFC, she volunteers her time fighting for justice and equality at numerous events. She serves as a volunteer leader for adults with developmental disabilities and is a passionate advocate for people living with epilepsy, brain injuries and mental health conditions. If you ever see a blur of purple run past you at an event, just know Mara is working hard to make it memorable and successful.
Jade Greear (she, her, hers) is the Manager of Outreach and Testing at Heartland Alliance Health’s shelter-based care project. She received her Master’s in Health and Risk Communication from Michigan State University. She is also a certified HIV prevention specialist and test counselor. She previously worked with the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health, where she coordinated their HIV Education Review Panel and planned programs and projects to promote adolescent sexual health. Her vision for public health is to advance health equity by empowering and engaging communities with the health information and education they need, in ways that work best for them. She is passionate about sexual health and wellness and is excited to contribute her time to AFC through the Associate Board. Through her work, she plans to engage more minorities and adolescents in sexual health services, education and advocacy, a critical piece of the work that is often missing.
Tamesha Morris (she, her, hers) is a Lead Project Coordinator for Sinai Health Systems and Infectious Disease Center. She received her Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences and is also a proud alumnus of Eastern Illinois University where she received her Bachelors in Biological Sciences and Minor in Health Studies. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Tamesha is passionate about helping others affected by various heath conditions, including HIV/AIDS, especially after seeing patients without adequate health care, housing or family support. She is excited to help reach the goal of ending new HIV transmissions in Illinois by 2030 through the Getting to Zero Illinois initiative and encourages others to donate their time and financial resources to make a difference in the lives of clients and their families. Beyond her work with AFC, Tamesha volunteers with the Lupus Foundation and is a member of the First Ladies Health Initiative, which strives to educate communities across Chicago about health care. She loves home décor, spending time with her family and traveling.
Rashad Reed (he, him, his) is a Certified Pharmacy Technician in the Inpatient Pharmacy at Rush University Medical Center. He has worked in both retail and hospital pharmacies for the past 8 years and is currently completing his Bachelor’s in Health Science Administration at Roosevelt University. In addition to his work with AFC, Rashad volunteers at CommunityHealth, an organization that serves low-income uninsured and underserved communities in Chicago through comprehensive, high quality health care at low or no cost. Rashad hopes to pursue his passion for public health through a PharmD/MPH program with the goal of providing quality care to individuals with diverse conditions.
Lauryn Scott (she, her, hers) is the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications at the Discovery Partners Institute – University of Illinois Systems. Originally from Michigan, Lauryn is a proud two-time alumna of Michigan State University, where she received a Bachelor’s in Advertising and Master’s in Public Relations. After relocating to Chicago 6 years ago, she began volunteering with AFC to honor her father’s legacy, who died of complications of AIDS in 1993. As a community advocate and AIDS Run & Walk Ambassador, Lauryn shares her story of dealing with the loss of a loved one and encourages others in her situation to know that they are not alone and can use their story to inspire others. Beyond her involvement with AFC, Lauryn is also the Co-chair of Programming for ColorComm Chicago, an organization supporting women of color in communications careers, owner of The Hubris Life, L.L.C. and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She enjoys crafting, traveling and being a dog mom to an adorable three-year-old Maltese-Yorkie mix named Duchess.
Jacina (Juh-see-nuh) Sims (she, her, hers) is a Program Manager for Sinai Infectious Disease Center. She previously worked at Sinai as a Ryan White Medical Case Manager after receiving her Master’s of Public Heath-Community Health from DePaul University. Jacina first became involved with AFC while completing her practicum with AFC’s Prevention Team and greatly enjoyed working with their Youth Expert Advisory Board, comprised of young cisgender and transgender women of color. She has continued her relationship with AFC as a volunteer and attendee at various events and is an active member of the Women’s Connection, which works to improve access to care for cisgender and transgender women of color. Her interest in health equity started in adolescence with an interest in sex education, which turned into a love for public health. Her passion for women’s health includes HIV prevention and care, reproductive, maternal and mental health. She is excited to continue this passion as a new member of the Associate Board. A Leo through and through, Jacina enjoys music, dancing, working out, bingeing her favorite shows, cooking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.
Terrance Weeden (he, him, his) is a first-year medical fellow in adolescent medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Originally from Alabama, he recently moved to Chicago and is excited to join AFC’s Associate Board. As a pediatrician, he is excited to work with like-mind professionals who are also interested in serving underrepresented and marginalized communities, especially those who are in the LGBTQ community or individuals of color. His goal is to make a profound impact on youth from ethnic, racial and sexual minority backgrounds.
