Conference Updates

The Well Project is a regular presence at conferences of all kinds: regional, national, and international HIV community convenings; research and advocacy meetings; gatherings at the intersections of health, gender, and justice; and more. Such events offer key opportunities for The Well Project to share our resources and support women in our community in expanding their leadership platforms through presenting, networking, and reporting on their experiences. View this page for highlights from conferences we have attended in recent years.

2026

Members of The Well Project team, Olivia G. Ford, Bridgette Picou, Krista Martel, and Ciarra "Ci Ci" Brown with the Words Matter poster.

Words Matter: Presenting on Stigmatizing Language in Healthcare at the 2026 International AIDS Conference

Four The Well Project staff members were at AIDS 2026 in Rio de Janeiro to present a poster based on our original research, which included the input of a multidisciplinary group of more than 10 women co-authors.

Bridgette Picou standing next to the Language Matters poster.

The Well Project at the 2026 International Workshop on Women & HIV

The Well Project team makes sure to be in places where research is presented. To that end, Bridgette Picou was in Prague in April 2026 to present a poster based on our study on stigmatizing language.

and Olivia G. Ford presenting at Collective Power Conference 2026.

Toward a Future of Abundant Support: An Overview of Collective Power 2026

"We in HIV have much to learn from our cousins in the reproductive justice movement – which was founded on centering the needs of women most likely to be ignored in mainstream feminist spaces."

Learning from HIV Controllers: A Recap from the 2nd US HIV Cure Research Academy

"Have you ever wondered how some people can contract HIV and not need medication? Did you know that there are different kinds of controllers? Wait, what's a controller?"

Learning Cure Science While Life Keeps Life-ing: A Recap from the 2nd US HIV Cure Research Academy

"Attending the US Cure Academy reminded me that even through grief, setbacks, and uncertainty, purpose still finds a way to meet you where you are."

South African Child Virtually Cured of HIV: A Case Study from the 2nd US HIV Cure Research Academy

"That's part of what makes these babies so exciting: If we could learn more about their immune systems, that knowledge could possibly lead to making better medications or even a cure."

Considerations of Sex and Gender: A Recap from the 2nd US HIV Cure Research Academy

"In summary, sex and gender both impact a variety of health outcomes. Representation will allow the identification of important differences and may point to better treatment pathways."

2025

The Well Project at the US Conference on HIV/AIDS 2025

Members of The Well Project's community were involved at USCHA 2025 on various levels, reporting on as well as presenting at the nation's largest HIV community meeting.