The leading women society

Honoring the resilience, achievements, and commitment of women living fiercely with HIV.

Leading with Lived Experience

The Leading Women’s Society (LWS) is a movement of over 300 fearless women and female-identifying champions, united by their lived experiences with HIV.

Their stories pave the way for advocacy, education, and the dismantling of stigma—transforming challenges into channels of empowerment.

The Leading Women's Society | Leading Women's Society HIV Atlanta SisterLove

Living Positive

20/20
Leading Women's Society Awards Gala

Every year, the 20/20 Leading Women’s Society Awards Gala shines a spotlight on 20 extraordinary individuals who have made substantial impact in their community through public health education, entrepreneurship, faith-based outreach, healthcare, legal advocacy, and more.

This diverse sisterhood comes from varied backgrounds and age groups, but all share a common goal - to put an end to impacts of HIV.

A group of women standing next to each other | Leading Women's Society HIV Atlanta SisterLove

leading the Fight

Meet our honorees

Learn more about our HIV Sheroes

Sherkila Shaw

Phyllis Beard

Shawn Tinsley

Kamaria Laffrey

Martha Cameron

Anjettica Boatwright

Tana Pradia

Necaela Penn

Janice Linda Free

Antoinette Williams

Shellye Byers

Alesia McPhaul

Cecilia Dennis

Sharron Fickling

Sharon Stewart-DeCuir

Lovetta Smith

Reverend Joyce McDonald

Freda Jones

Chantal Mukandoli

The Pandora Singleton Ally award

Leisha McKinley-Beach is an author, thought leader, trainer, and community organizer renowned for her contributions to sexual health initiatives like the Florida Department of Health's Sistas Organizing to Survive (SOS) campaign, which addresses HIV among Black women, and faith-based HIV response efforts across the South.

Beyond health, Leisha channels her passion into music and motivational speaking, serving as COO of Platinum Level Production and hosting the 'Thought 4 The Day' podcast.

Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Health Science from the University of West Florida, culminating in her 2023 induction into the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Hall of Fame.

Absolute Love Community Award

The Absolute Love Community Partner Award is a special acknowledgment to a community partner who has given at least 20 years of dedicated support for our programs for Women Living with HIV, such as the Leading Women’s Society.

2023's awardee is the Center for Black Women’s Wellness.

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