News

A Powerful Milestone: Highlights from the 20th Annual Women as the Face of AIDS Summit

Posted May 20, 2025

Greetings Friends of Iris House,

We’re still glowing from the energy, truth, and celebration shared at our 20th Annual Women as the Face of AIDS Summit — and we’re proud to share some unforgettable highlights from this milestone day.

The day began with a powerful vocal performance by Iris House’s own Troy Weekes, setting the tone for a celebration of Legacy, Liberation, and Leadership.

Our Executive Director, Ingrid Floyd, welcomed attendees, followed by a special 20-year retrospective video that reflected on two decades of advocacy, impact, and community strength

A significant highlight of the morning was the staged reading of “Not To Be An Alarmist, But...” written by Bridgette Picou, performed by Toni Martin and Tiffany Barrett, and directed by Bianca Jones. Developed through the Write It Out! program, founded by award-winning playwright Donja R. Love, the piece brought vulnerability, strength, and raw storytelling to the stage. The Write It Out! program empowers people living with HIV to express their stories through playwriting and community-building.

Following the performance, audience members engaged in a Q&A session with the playwright and cast, deepening the emotional impact of the piece.

We were then honored to welcome Dr. Gina Brown, a founding board member of Iris House and a representative from Gilead Sciences, who delivered a powerful update on the current state of Women, girls, and HIV.

Our Legacy, Liberation, Leadership plenary panel featured three visionary leaders—Raniyah Copeland, Maria Davis, and Debra Fraser-Howze—who shared their lived experiences and insight into the future of the HIV movement.

The program continued with a beautiful moment of recognition, as we celebrated four outstanding honorees for their dedication to health equity and HIV/AIDS advocacy:

• Dr. Uché Blackstock
• Raniyah Copeland
• Alicia Diggs
• Dr. Eishelle M. Hargrave-Tillery

The morning concluded with an original heartfelt live poem by Stacy Jennings, a member of Iris House’s Love Your Life program. Her poem captured the essence of the day with power and grace.

After lunch, attendees participated in two breakout session blocks, exploring topics ranging from HIV treatment and reproductive justice to community healing, faith, stigma, and advocacy. Each session provided vital tools, education, and empowerment.

The day wrapped with our Exhibit Hour, where attendees connected one-on-one with community partners and our generous sponsors, learning about resources available to support their health and well-being.

We are deeply grateful to our 2025 sponsors, whose partnership made this milestone possible:

New York City Council, The Honorable Adrienne Adams, Speaker

ViiV Healthcare

Merck

Gilead

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

NYC Department of Health

Mount Sinai Institute for Advanced Medicine

AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC)

AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Amida Care

Carver Bank

Ryan Health

SelectHealth/VNS Health

The Well Project

Because of your support, Iris House continues to be a force in advancing health equity, building community, and uplifting the voices of women and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. We are honored to celebrate 20 years—and excited to build what comes next.

With gratitude,

Iris House

The day captured in photos