Bronx, NY
Positive since 2010

After suspecting my boyfriend at the time of cheating, I went to get tested for STDs. I tested negative for everything except HIV. I was devastated because at the time I was breastfeeding. My son tested negative four times and after his last test, I was able to forgive the guy and move on with my life. Now I dedicate my free time to educating people about HIV and helping those who are newly diagnosed.

What three adjectives best describe you?
Goofy, smart and compassionate

What is your greatest achievement?
Becoming a mother

What is your greatest regret?
Not finishing school

What keeps you up at night?
My cats playing “tag” with each other

If you could change one thing about living with HIV, what would it be?
I would change the negative stigmas surrounding HIV

What is the best advice you ever received?
Take it one step at a time

What person in the HIV/AIDS community do you most admire?
Maria Mejia

What drives you to do what you do?
I would hate to see someone walk in my shoes

What is your motto?
Querer y amar no es lo mismo
(To want and to love are not the same)

If you had to evacuate your house immediately, what is the one thing you would grab on the way out?
My pets

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?
I would be a cheetah because they’re beautiful and they run quickly.