Marietta, Georgia

Positive since 1993

I am Donesha Bowers. HIV and I have been cohabiting for 24 years. I was always ashamed and felt I needed to keep this disease a secret because of the stigma that stems from it. Today, I feel different, and I want the world to see me and know that HIV/AIDS has no face. I want to help others and stop the spread of HIV. My website is ItHasNoFace.com.

What three adjectives best describe you?

Spiritual. Friendly. Driven.

What is your greatest achievement?

Other than becoming a mother, writing my book.

What is your greatest regret?

Not publishing my book and getting involved in advocacy sooner.

What keeps you up at night?

Wanting to make a change in my life and being successful.

If you could change one thing about living with HIV, what would it be?

The stigma.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Believe in yourself. If you don’t, no one else will.

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

Magic Johnson.

What drives you to do what you do?

My heavenly Father.

What is your motto?

Live life to the fullest. Tomorrow’s not promised to you.

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

My purse.

If you could be any animal, what would you be? And why?

A killer whale. They are smart, beautiful, stick together and have plenty of living space.