Taina is a member of the Young Women of Color Leadership Council.

HELLO EVERYONE!!

I am a firm believer in the quote “KNOWLEDGE is POWER”. As women there are decisions to be made every day of our lives, and in order to make those decisions we must be fully informed, we deserve that Knowledge.

It is truly a disservice to our young women of color if they do not receive accurate information about HIV/AIDS and STIs. To think that a simple conversation, workshop or pamphlet can help to decrease the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS within our community has motivated me to become an activist.

I am an activist for the individuals who do not have a voice, and for those who do not have the resources available to them to inquire about HIV/AIDS. And most importantly I am an activist for our YOUNG WOMEN OF COLOR.

My experience comes through my organization that I started this past year called Pump Your Brakes “Changing Lives Through Changing Lifestyles”. Its sole purpose is to raise awareness and empower individuals about the risks involved with HIV/AIDS and STD’s and other issues pertinent to our health. Through this I have learned so much and realized that my true passion lies in increasing knowledge and making sure that I can at least change one person’s life through teaching them about safer sex behaviors.

The Young Women of Color Leadership council has given me the opportunity to EDUCATE, INCLUDE and EMPOWER our YOUNG WOMEN OF COLOR. Through the Council I will facilitate workshops and forums, which are essential in starting a line of dialogue. My goal is to create a supportive environment that encourages our women to ask questions, compare facts and to simply get informed. I am determined to keep this epidemic on the news agenda and encourage our leaders to take action. I will reach out in the community to ensure that every single aspect of HIV/AIDS prevention efforts are being addressed to decrease the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS amongst our Young Women of Color.

No matter what, we are NOT invincible. HIV/AIDS can be contracted by anyone, even YOU… even ME! It is our time to be empowered to take charge and make it a priority to make responsible and informed decisions. Together we WILL make a difference one community at a time.

I am Taina, a member of the distinguished Young Women of Color Leadership Council. Originally from New York, currently residing in Georgia; I am a student at Valdosta State University majoring in Mass Media with a concentration in Broadcast Journalism. In my free time I enjoy cooking and spending time with family and friends.