Lifetime Survivors – Stories

Antoinette Jones began her work in advocacy in her early 20s, as a Peer specialist facilitating access to preventative care and treatment for people living with and at risk for HIV. She identifies as a Dandelion Women Living with HIV; meaning she has been living with HIV since Birth.. Antoinette is the co-executive director and co-founder of “The Dandelions Movement” which centers the needs of people born with HIV through mentorship, healing, and peer to peer interventions. Antoinette specializes in reproductive healthcare, wholistic wellness, human rights, and dignity for black and indigenous womxn. She works in partnership with organizations and providers to improve treatments and services for Black Women. She has also contributed to the advancements in the federal guidelines around breast/chest feeding for women living with HIV.  Antoinette uses her Artivist mind, voice, and power to bridge unique intersections amongst the creators of our time and black health.
follow Antoinette on IG @itstheantoinette

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The Dandelions Movement is a “For Us -By Us” movement accountable for communities who identify as lifetime survivors of HIV. Our mission is to to free our community from isolation, Stigma, Violence, and Discrimination. We maintain a commitment to identifying 7,000+ Dandelions in the U.S and Globally; creating a space that encompasses safety, respect, and Love.

The Dandelions Movement  envisions an equal and equitable future for all lifetime survivors, Revolutionizing how HIV impacts our community through a lift as we climb approach to ensure community inclusion is ongoing-ly sewn into the work. We refuse to allow our siblings to believe, there is not a fellow Dandelion in the weeds.
Follow the dandelions movement on IG @Dandelions_movement

Ashley Nicole Cason is a young African American Woman, and HIV Long Term Survivor. Ashley was born with HIV, but did not receive a diagnosis until fifteen years old. She became public about her status in 2017. Since then, she has shared her testimony at conferences, schools, banquets, community events, and on webinars. Today, Ashley continues to inspire and encourage those that are also living with HIV and more. She is currently in the “HIV Stigma”, “Ending the HIV Epidemic”, and the “I Am A Work of Art” Campaign. Ashley strives to reduce stigma and bring awareness to HIV within her community and beyond.  follow Antoinette on IG @itstheantoinette

Flourishing with HIV is being confident in who you are, regardless of your status, title, or position. It is being confident in your story first, foremost, and always.

Ieshia Scott is a lifetime survivor and motivational speaker based in Broward County, Florida. Former UCF Knight, Ieshia received her Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration in May 2019 and a Master’s in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management from Nova Southeastern University in August 2022. Currently, Ms. Scott is a Finance and Operations Manager, and consultant, assisting organizations with capacity-building services in client service, program development, program implementation, and community engagement.

Ja’Mel Ashely Ware is a 33-year-old entertainer, entrepreneur, and educator, known for his work in HIV awareness and entrepreneurship. In 2022, he became a proud seahorse dad, giving birth to a beautiful child, which inspired him to use his platform to raise awareness about gender diversity and the experiences of trans men who choose or desire to give birth. Born with HIV, Ja’Mel has been traveling the nation since he was seven years old, sharing his life story and inspiring people with hope and compassion. Despite being orphaned at the age of 15, Ja’Mel continued to pursue his academic journey at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he earned a degree in Social Work. He then created his brand, Intellectual Ratchet (IR), and became an entrepreneur, public speaker, and educator. Ja’Mel is currently working on his next entrepreneurial venture, but in the meantime, he runs Project Innovate, a micro-grant program of THRIVE SS. Through a curriculum he designed himself, Ja’Mel teaches aspiring entrepreneurs between 18 and 29 how to use their brand to reduce HIV stigma. In addition, his calm-rational approach allows him to connect and engage with diverse communities to transform their experiences into tangible resources for themselves and their communities.

Ja’Mel’s community contributors and developments have awarded him several awards for his hard work, including the Hope Award from I Am Human, the Pioneer of Resilience Award from Trans Life Awards, the Transgender Advocate Award from the Men’s Engagement Network, Young Entrepreneur of the Year from the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Community Spotlight Award from the Urban Community Arts Network. Ja’Mel centers himself through his faith in God and continues to inspire and empower others through his work, promoting healing, inclusion, and compassion in diverse communities. Ware is committed to making a positive impact on the world and follows the moto, “Live Life Whole. Be your complete self, and live life fully.” He will continue his educational pursuits this fall at Emory University Goizueta Business school to obtain his MBA in the class of 2026.

“The artivist (artist +activist) uses her artistic talents to fight and struggle against injustice and oppression – by any medium necessary. The artivist merges commitment to freedom and justice with the pen, the lens, the brush, the voice, the body, and the imagination. The artivist knows that to make an observation is to have an obligation.” M.K. Asante