Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-19) is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of how HIV impacts transgender communities and celebrate the leaders working to uplift their communities.
At AIDS United, the Transgender Leadership Initiative (TLI) is committed to supporting and cultivating the leadership of transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals. Through TLI, we’ve had the privilege of supporting multiple cohorts of leaders at every stage of their HIV advocacy journeys.
This Transgender Awareness Week, we’re sharing reflections from TLI alumni on the importance of leadership development and what being part of the TLI community has meant to them.
Jocelyn Bula, 2024-25 TLI
When she first began the TLI cohort, Jocelyn was a Program Coordinator at New Pride Agenda. Since then, she has taken on a new leadership position. “The TLI cohort strengthened my confidence as a leader and contributed to my continued professional growth, including becoming the Trans Justice Programs Manager”. Whether it was connecting with other BIPOC trans leaders, gaining valuable leadership tools, or having opportunities to create meaningful change in their communities, she believes that programs like TLI are important for building up BIPOC trans communities and creating more HIV advocates. “You may already be a leader before recognizing it; this program [TLI] helps you discover, strengthen, and confidently use that power”.
Jade Li, 2025-26 SHOUT
Jade Li understands that the path to leadership is anything but linear. “Before the program, I sometimes questioned whether my experience and perspective were important enough to share”. Like many others, she was balancing school and work on top of being in TLI, but she was able to make the most of her leadership development journey. Her words for future TLI participants are to embrace the journey because “TLI gives you a chance to grow as a leader, build meaningful relationships, and learn how to use your voice to make a real difference in your community. You leave the program with more confidence, knowledge, and a stronger sense of purpose”.
Aubrianna Escelera, 2024-25 TLI
Aubri is no stranger to leadership, as she is the President and Co-Founder of Poder Unides; Trans+. For her, TLI was a transformative experience that deepened her understanding of what it means to build sustainable, community-centered leadership. Through TLI, she has become more intentional about sharing leadership, creating space for others to lead, and recognizing that meaningful community work should never depend on one person carrying everything. “The cohort reminded me that we do not have to build alone”. Aubri hopes to see more leadership development opportunities so more trans, Latine, immigrant, and LGBTQIA+ community members can see themselves as decision-makers and leadership whose voices, experiences, and approaches are valued.
Andy Tinoco, 2025-26 SHOUT
Andy experienced significant personal and professional growth during TLI, transitioning from graduate school to moving out-of-state for a full-time position at the University of New Mexico. They developed a stronger understanding of their leadership style and how to effectively advocate for their community in the workplace. During TLI, they further expanded their advocacy by traveling to Washington, D.C., for AIDSWatch, where they met with their elected officials to discuss the importance of continued HIV funding. So how does Andy describe TLI? “An opportunity that opens new doors while fostering a lasting sense of belonging, connection, and community”.
Doja Ade, 2024-25 TLI
Doja’s approach to leadership has always included showing up for their community in the ways the community needs the most. Whether that is educating people about voting, doing COVID-19 prevention work, or HIV education amongst trans men and trans masc communities, Doja finds a way to make it happen. They have been a longtime Youth Member Leader of Trans(Forming), a Georgia-based BIPOC trans-led organization, and become more vocal about the importance of community action. One of their most valuable takeaways from participating in TLI was investing time in developing skills like grant writing, public speaking, and program planning that can create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact down the road.
Eboni Sims, 2024-25 TLI
As the founder of The Ladies Room SC, Eboni came to TLI with a lot of wisdom and experience. However, participating in TLI showed Eboni that leadership can take many different forms and that having a different leadership style doesn’t make their approach less effective or valuable. This realization strengthened her confidence and allowed her to embrace her own leadership strengths and perspectives. Ultimately, TLI challenged her to look beyond self-doubt, trust her abilities, and acknowledge that it’s okay for leaders to experience uncertainty along the way.
Peyton Fullilove, 2025-26 SHOUT
TLI was Peyton’s first leadership opportunity in the HIV sector, and that can often be intimidating for people brand new to this work. “This cohort encouraged me to challenge my limiting beliefs, pursue new opportunities, and approach my goals with greater confidence”. Their most meaningful experience was collaborating with the TLI program manager and two other black HIV advocates to develop and present research on the experience of black trans leaders in Alabama at the 2026 AIDSWatch conference in Washington, D.C. Having a BIPOC trans mentor who provided consistent encouragement, support, and affirmation was especially impactful for Peyton’s beginning leadership journey. Post-TLI, Peyton has earned their medical assisting certification and founded Deep South Sapphic, a new social club and organization. Through TLI, they not only gained valuable skills but also the confidence and support network to turn vision into action.
