At SisterLove, diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords—they are the bedrock of who we are and what we do. Founded in 1989 by activist Dázon Dixon Diallo, SisterLove was the first women's HIV/AIDS and reproductive justice organization in the Southeast United States. For over 30 years, we have worked to eradicate the impact of HIV and other sexual and reproductive health challenges on women and their communities, with a particular focus on Black women.
We recognize that the HIV/AIDS epidemic, like so many other health and social inequities, is inextricably linked to systemic racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and transphobia. We cannot achieve our mission of improving the health and well-being of Black women and their families without actively dismantling these intersecting systems of oppression. That is why diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to every aspect of our work, from our direct services and advocacy to our internal operations and culture.
As a Black woman-led organization, we deeply value and celebrate diversity in all its forms—not just of race and gender, but also sexuality, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and life experience. We believe this diversity is our greatest strength, enabling us to better understand, connect with, and serve our communities. At the same time, we recognize the underrepresentation and unique challenges faced by Black women and other marginalized groups in the nonprofit and public health fields. We are committed to being the change we wish to see by fostering an organizational culture where all can thrive and lead, regardless of their identity or background.
Equity is not just a lofty principle to us, but an active practice embedded in how we operate. We strive to create an environment where everyone has what they need to succeed, accounting for differences in power, privilege, and access. Inclusion is about ensuring all voices are heard, valued, and empowered in shaping our work. By centering the lived experiences and leadership of those most impacted by the issues we address, we aim to disrupt top-down, one-size-fits-all approaches in favor of community-driven solutions.
As we look to the future, SisterLove reaffirms our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential to our mission of eradicating HIV/AIDS and advancing reproductive justice for Black women and communities. We invite you to hold us accountable to the values and goals outlined in this statement as we continue striving to create transformative change, from the inside out.