Intro – Elena-Andreea Negoi

Just as one moment changed the direction of my life, I believe that sharing our stories can create the first link in a chain of understanding, compassion, and acceptance.

I am Elena-Andreea Negoi, and I live with HIV for more than 25 years, since I was 7 years old. For years, I carried the weight of stigma in silence, navigating the complexities of growing up with HIV in a society that didn't fully understand it. This experience has instilled in me a profound resilience and a commitment to challenging misconceptions. At my core, I am driven by a deep belief in the power of compassion, education, and social responsibility to create meaningful change. With a background in Social Work, where my bachelor's thesis focused on HIV in Uganda, and a master's degree in Political Science centered on social equality and communication for change, I have dedicated my career to addressing social disparities. Over the past decade, I have lived and worked in eight countries, including Uganda and Malaysia, implementing programs that empower communities and foster inclusion.

My professional journey has taken me across a variety of roles—from coordinating youth programs to managing large-scale social interventions. Whether leading workshops for young people, developing educational programs and courses, or working with refugees, my focus is always on building bridges between people, creating opportunities for those who are marginalized, and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Why Elena-Andreea wants to be part of A Girl Like Me: I want to inspire others, especially those living with HIV, to reclaim their voices, their rights, and their dignity. Just as one moment changed the direction of my life, I believe that sharing our stories can create the first link in a chain of understanding, compassion, and acceptance.

I also want to raise awareness so that future generations can live in a society that sees people for who they are beyond their diagnosis—a society where HIV is just one part of someone's story, not their whole identity.

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