“My name is Miranda Ramirez, and I am dedicated to the fight against the HIV epidemic. As someone living with HIV, I have experienced the challenges that come with this diagnosis firsthand. However, I refuse to let it control my life, and instead, I use my experiences to fuel my ambition to help others stay safe and healthy.

Over the years, I have participated in various projects aimed at combating HIV, but my work with the Alexis Project at Friends Community Center in Los Angeles stands out to me. In this role, I identified Trans patients who were living with HIV but not engaged in care and worked to ensure they received the necessary care. Despite the pervasive discrimination and stigma that still exists in society, I believe that love and compassion are our most powerful tools for building a brighter future where inequity and stigma do not impede access to healthcare.

I have been working in HIV retention and prevention for eleven years and am committed to doing my part to help the community stay safe and healthy. Currently, I am a Prep Navigator for Mens Health Foundation, and it has been an exceptional three years working for this foundation. I am excited to continue supporting more patients as they fight this virus.

In my role as a Prep Navigator, I am passionate about empowering my patients to make informed choices about their sexual health. I provide them with the most up-to-date prevention tools and promote safe and healthy sexual practices to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. By giving patients the information, they need to make informed choices about their sexual health, I aim to create a pathway to prevention, care, treatment, support, and trust.”

“I was born and raised in Pescara, Italy; a beach town close to Rome. After I finished college I moved to NYC and began a career in fashion. When I had the opportunity to move to Los Angeles and work in the healthcare system I took it right away. As a gay immigrant I was kept in good health, advocated for, and educated by an organization similar to the Men’s Health Foundation. After gaining experience as a ‘Patient and Health Coordinator’ with You + Health in Beverly Hills, I was interested in exploring opportunities in LGBTQ health. I am very proud and excited to join the Men’s Health Foundation to give back to the community that has given me so much and made such a difference in the interesting and unique times we are living in.”

“Drawing on my background in medical assisting and a bachelor's degree in public health, I proudly step into the role of a Prep Navigator. Hailing from the vibrant community of Colorado, my journey in healthcare has been enriched by diverse experiences, including valuable contributions to sexual health non-profits. Fueled by a genuine love for this community, I am committed to providing essential services and support. My passion for improving public health, coupled with a hands-on understanding of medical assistance, propels me to empower individuals with the resources they need. I am not just a navigator; I am a dedicated advocate for the well-being of those I serve, driven by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of accessible healthcare services.”

Growing up as a gay man in a third-world country, I was able to rise and overcome a system full of discrimination, hardship, and racism. Coming from humble beginnings, I started my educational studies in architecture and finished my college degree in graphic design.  

I moved to the US in 2011, where I was able to rapidly adapt  to a new multicultural system and its demands. In 2016, I  started working in  the medical field, working in a level-two trauma as a phlebotomist and lab assistant, which opened a new perspective and inspired me to finish my college degree in kinesiology and science, opening the doors to pursue a career in nursing. 

Because of my background, my identity, and my values, I decided to work as a PrEP Navigator in the queer-affirmative safe space that is MHF, where every day I feel like we are making the world a better place for everyone, especially minorities.