Maria Mejia is an accomplished author, co-authoring the book titled "From a Warrior's Passion and Pain," which provides a personal account of her enduring 35-year battle with HIV. In addition to her literary achievements, she currently serves as the co-chair of the Women and Minorities Outreach for the esteemed Dab the AIDS Bear Project.
Furthermore, Maria holds the prestigious role of Ambassador for the Centers for Disease Control's campaign, "Let's Stop HIV Together," and also serves as an Ambassador for the ongoing Greater than AIDS campaign, which focuses on women, HIV, trauma, and intimate partner violence. She actively supports The Stigma Project and holds the esteemed position of Global Ambassador and CAB member for the renowned women's organization, The Well Project.
Having been diagnosed with HIV in 1991 after acquiring HIV in 1988 at the young age of 15, Maria embarked on a challenging journey, finding hope, pride, and passion in a society ill-prepared to address the growing epidemic of HIV and AIDS. After enduring ten years without treatment, Maria found herself at a pivotal crossroads, where she had to choose between succumbing to death or embarking on a path of medical treatment. Fortunately, Maria made the valiant decision to fight for her health and embrace life.
With an unwavering dedication to creating awareness and education surrounding HIV/AIDS, Maria has become a formidable activist for education, treatment, testing, prevention, LGBTQAI+ rights, and human rights. Her work has been recognized and featured in prominent magazines, billboards, television programs, as well as national and international conventions. Maria has also contributed to four impactful documentaries aimed at raising HIV awareness. She is a volunteer for the Red Cross, an HIV educator for Jackson Memorial Hospital, and a motivational speaker. She is an HIV consultant and a member of numerous committees and boards:
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals Digital Advisory Board
- Community Advisory Board, The Good Project
- Board of Directors, CANN
- U equals U National and International Steering Committee (also one of the first ambassadors for Prevention Access Campaign)
- Board , Positive People Network , Miami, Florida
- Co-founder of the first Latin x positive people’s network in the United States
- SAG member with the SUSTAIN team representing the state of Florida
- Supported legislation for the LGBTQAI+ community and HIV community for equality in Florida
- Commissioner for lAPAC HIV Lancet representing the community in the United States
- Board of directors , Arianna’s Center
- Assisted with research for MIPHA Legacy Project and interviewing human subjects
Maria's book, From a Warrior's Passion and Pain, has made her message very clear: she is far more than a condition; her journey through life is a moving account of survival. HIV has been only one of her many challenges. Today, Maria lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She continues to build support, educate, and encourage testing and health care in a city with one of the highest new HIV case rates in the country. Maria is the recipient of many awards, including:
ADAP Association award (Social Media Campaign of the Year), 2012
Leaders, Lovelies and Legends award, 2013
Dennis de Leon (Voz de compromiso award), 2014
41 List honoree for the LGBTQIA+ community as one of the 41 Latino leaders , 2014
Sister Love 20/20 Leading Women's Society, 2016
POZ 100 Long-Term Survivors
Top 20 Activist List, HIV Plus Magazine
Iris House Award, 2022
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