Making Smart Decisions
By J'Vawnna, Member, Young Women of Color Leadership Council, Advocates for Youth
 My name is J’Vawnna and I was born and raised Omaha, Nebraska. I am a graduating senior at a college in Atlanta, Georgia. At school, I am majoring in Comparative Women’s Studies/Women’s Health Pre-Medicine with a concentration in Biological Sciences.
I have a commitment to address young women’s reproductive health issues and the disparate rates of HIV infection among women of color. Through my previous experiences with working with other organizations that promote the awareness of HIV infection and advocate for reproductive health freedom, I feel I am prepared to carry out the work of the Young Women of Color Leadership Council (YWOCLC). I feel honored to be a part of the council, for it has helped to further define my commitment to activism and social change surrounding reproductive health issues.
I joined YWOCLC because I wanted to raise awareness and empower youth, specifically young women of color, about the need for HIV prevention as well as advocate for the direct involvement of young women of color in the process of employing and developing preventive HIV/AIDS programs. I am passionate about the work of the council because HIV/AIDS is affecting young women of color at disparate rates and it is time that this trend is discontinued. I feel as a woman of color it is my duty to educate and empower young women of color to make smart decisions when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health; and YWOCLC provides me with a credible voice and the support to do so.
In addition to working with the council, I work actively with my college’s Student Health Association and Peer Educators (SHAPE)- Women’s Health Committee; Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Women’s Health Initiative Committee; and the AUC Public Health Association. Within the Atlanta community I am involved with SisterLove, Inc., AIDAtlanta, and Planned Parenthood of America.
After these experiences, I plan to help in the eradication of health disparities that exist among minority women and aid in the obliteration of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS through advocacy, medical practice, and awareness.
VIEW
STORIES FROM MORE YOUTH ACTIVISTS >>
ARE YOU A YOUTH ACTIVIST? CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR STORY >>
 Send this page to a friend >>
|
