Krista Heitzman Martel joined The Well Project in 2009 and became the organization's executive director in 2013. She has overseen the redesign and expansion of its online educational resources, as well as led the development of its global community, advocacy programs, and partnerships. During her time with the organization, Krista has witnessed the profound impact that access to information and an online community of support can have on the lives of women living with and vulnerable to HIV, and is working to further expand the organization's reach and network across the globe. She is also committed to building leadership to ensure women living with HIV are represented at every level of the decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Krista began working in HIV education in 1995, shortly after her sister was diagnosed with AIDS. Struck by the amount of stigma attached to the disease, as well as the lack of available resources for women living with HIV at that time, Krista was inspired to focus her career's efforts on advocacy for women living with HIV, reducing stigma, and providing accurate and easy-to-understand information to people living with HIV and their providers.
Prior to joining The Well Project, Krista helped develop and implement several peer-based treatment education training programs for women living with HIV – in partnership with WORLD – assisting in training dozens of teams of women across the US to conduct “HIV Universities” in their communities. Krista also served as vice president at Visionary Health Concepts, where she supervised the production of more than 40 topical low-literacy educational booklets/comic books in English and Spanish related to HIV and hepatitis.
Today, Krista is thrilled at continued advancements in HIV treatment, research, and care for many living with HIV. Still, unrelenting social stigma, high rates of HIV among women, and lack of universal access to treatment and other essential tools for health and well-being continue to fuel her passion for her work at The Well Project.
