Image
AGLM logo

Standing in Truth: Sharing My Story on the Biggest Stage Yet

Submitted on May 6, 2025 by  Marig2016
Image
Marissa Gonzalez on a stage with screens behind her showing her.

 

This past week, I had the incredible honor of standing on the largest stage I've ever graced with more than 4,000 people in attendance. As I stepped into the spotlight under the bright lights of the L.I.T. (Legends in Training) segment, I wasn't just speaking to a crowd, I was standing in my truth.

I was invited by my company to be a part of a special series highlighting individuals they see as Legends in Training. But this wasn't about business accolades or sales figures. I was given just four minutes to speak, not about the company I represent, but about my life.

Image
Marissa Gonzalez standing on stage at a podium.

Four minutes to testify.
Four minutes to be vulnerable.
Four minutes to share the story behind the smile and success they all have come to know over my 18 months with the company.

I spoke about my trials. The real, raw battles I've faced. The pain, the setbacks, and the moments that could have broken me but didn't. I opened up about the journey that has shaped me, strengthened me, and pushed me to evolve into the woman standing on that stage. Not perfect, but resilient. Not finished, but faithful.

To share your story publicly, especially with strangers, is not easy. But it's powerful. Because you never know who's listening, who's waiting for confirmation that they're not alone, that healing is possible, and that greatness can still rise from broken places.

Let this be your reminder: Your voice matters. Your story matters.

Every time you choose to stand in your truth, you give someone else permission to do the same. You may not always see the impact. You may not always hear the feedback. But someone, somewhere, is being moved, strengthened, or healed because you chose to speak up.

So speak boldly. Share honestly. And know that even in moments of doubt, you are making a difference just by being you.

Image
Marissa Gonzalez on a stage with screens behind her showing her - and an audience in front.

Image

Members of The Well Project community at USCHA 2022.

Become a Member

Join our community and become a member to find support and connect to other women living with HIV.

Join now >

Marig2016's recent blog posts

banner

Do you get our newsletter?

¿Recibe nuestro boletín?

Sign up for our monthly Newsletter and get the latest info in your inbox.

Suscríbase a nuestro boletín mensual y reciba la información más reciente en su bandeja de entrada.

CAPTCHA
12 + 0 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Browse Blogs by Theme

Recent Blog Posts

Our Bloggers