Dear Colleagues,
It’s my pleasure to announce that Pablo Torres Aguilera has joined HIV Young Leaders Fund as our incoming Director this week. Pablo has already demonstrated exceptional leadership in the HIV response for young people affected by HIV through his work at the community, regional and international level. Please click here for Pablo’s bio, and click here to watch a short introduction video. Among other accomplishments, Pablo has served as HIV Programs Director at Espolea, is a member of the Communities Delegation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, is a co-founder of the new Latin American network of young people living with HIV and a leader within GNP+’s Y+ program.
The past three years have been an exciting and humbling time for HYLF, as we have grown from an idea to an organization which by December 2012 will have mobilized $690,000 to youth-led organizing for young people most affected by HIV. It has been a privilege to lead HYLF during this period, working with our exceptional team of Steering Committee members and Advisors. I encourage you to read our recent 2010-2011 Annual Report, which demonstrates our unique model and impact.
HYLF exists due to the dedication of young people around the world – this has always been one of HYLF’s key strengths, that we are not dependent on any one individual, but driven by diverse communities committed to creating a more effective HIV response for all. HYLF is one of the only international youth-led organizations which has meaningfully involved young people living with HIV and young people from key affected groups across all levels of our decision-making – ensuring our accountability and relevance. We have demonstrated that through resources and support, youth activism can be strengthened and evidence-based advocacy efforts begun.
In the midst of numerous discussions around the future of the HIV response & the post-MDG agenda, young people affected by HIV do not need to be reminded about integration or mainstreaming; they are the ones who experience the negative effects of development aid silos which do not address their full needs. As we look towards the future, HYLF’s model will be critical to ensuring resources go where they are needed most, and that a new generation of activists can demand their right to health.
Pablo’s experience, vision and commitment to our founding principles ensure HYLF will grow stronger over the next few years. He will be based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and will work closely with our Program Officer, Himakshi Piplani, who is based in New Delhi, India. They can be reached anytime at pablo@hivyoungleadersfund.org and himakshi@hivyoungleadersfund.org.
Please join me in welcoming Pablo!
Caitlin Chandler
Outgoing HYLF Director
