Roots of Resilience: HIV Prevention/Management Strategies for Black Women
This episode focuses on the empowerment of Black women concerning effective HIV prevention and management strategies. It highlights innovative approaches, community-based solutions, and personal experiences that address the unique challenges faced by Black women in the realm of HIV. Listeners will learn about effective strategies and programs designed to meet Black women where they are, promoting better health outcomes and empowering them with the knowledge and resources necessary for HIV prevention Learning Objectives: Explain the unique challenges faced by Black women in HIV prevention, including societal factors, cultural barriers, and access to healthcare resources. Identify successful community based initiatives that integrate syndemic approaches. Explore personal experiences and stories shared by Black women who have navigated the complexities of HIV prevention and management. Co-Host: Leisha McKinley-Beach Leisha McKinley-Beach author, thought leader, inspirational strategist, trainer, and community organizer. Mrs. McKinley-Beach is the founder and CEO of The Black Public Health Academy. Leisha also serves as a consultant who provides training on Black health issues including HIV, medical mistrust, racism in public health, cultural humility, and community engagement. She has been fortunate to participate in nationally recognized projects such as PrEP in Black America, Gilead Sciences Champions of Change: A Celebration of Black Women Changemakers in HIV, Viiv Risk to Reasons-national movement to retire the word “risk” associated with sexual health for women, the Florida Department of Health Sistas Organizing to Survive (SOS), a first-ever statewide campaign to address HIV among Black women, and initiatives to engage faith-based communities in the HIV response across the South. McKinley-Beach received her bachelor’s degree(Community health) from the University of Florida and her master’s degree in health science (Psycho-social health) from the University of West Florida. Leisha is a 2023 inductee into the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Hall of Fame. Guest Speaker: Shawnte’ Spriggs Shawntee Spriggs is a proud native of Washington D.C. who has returned to her roots in the DMV after spending several years in North Carolina. "D.C. raised me, but Carolina made me," speaks to her deep appreciation for both places. With over 18 years of experience in banking, Shawnte' recently earned her M.A. in Executive Leadership from Liberty University, where she also obtained her A.A. and B.A. in Psychology. Currently, she is pursuing her second Master's degree in Marketing, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing learning and professional development. Shawnte' is an active member of the community, serving in various roles for local and national organizations. In December 2020, on World AIDS Day, she published her first book, Undetected More Than a Status, in which she shares her personal journey of living with HIV .Impel Coaching & Consulting LLC, founded by Shawnte', provides leadership development, strategic planning, and capacity-building services to businesses and organizations. Shawnte' also helps coaches and consultants launch their programs, services, and digital courses, enabling them to achieve scalable income and impact. Shawnte's core values are her faith, her family and her future. Shawnte' finds joy in her children, grandbabies, and shopping. Her dedication to transformational leadership and empowering women is admirable, and her transparency around her personal journey with HIV is both courageous and inspiring. She is truly an inspiration, using her passion and path to make a positive impact in the world.