The Well Project interviews Justine Davenport, community advisory board member and A Girl Like Me blogger, for our "Spotlight: Women Making a Difference" series.
How did you learn about The Well Project?
I learned about The Well Project from one of the community advisory board (CAB) members at the time. She thought I would be a great fit for A Girl Like Me blog. I was hesitant at first because I am no writer. She continued to give me updates on what The Well Project was working on and I finally decided to join the blog the following year.
How did you get your start in HIV advocacy? Are you particularly passionate about a specific topic or demographic?
I got started with HIV advocacy after changing my career from retail to healthcare in 2021. Working in my role at the time I didn’t realize so many patients were misinformed and were not living their life due to stigma. That just didn’t sit well with me. I started to share my story that I didn’t think was that great. Pretty boring to me but I saw it gave light to some people that they can live a better life than they were currently living. My passion is Black cisgender women, prenatal [care], mothers, and adolescents. I have experienced all of these phases personally in my lifetime.
At what age were you diagnosed?
My mother received my diagnosis when I was five years old. I was told at the age of 15 that I was born with HIV.
Do you think women living with HIV face unique challenges?
Women in general face challenges in everyday life being mothers, caregivers, not being seen by our counterparts, always having to fight for our rights and not having support from our community. Adding HIV to all of that just makes women feel even smaller. They feel unwanted and think they deserve to live under a rock. Knowing you are living with HIV can change your mindset if you are not ready to accept your diagnosis.
What impact has The Well Project had on you?
The Well Project has helped me find my voice and share the things I love with great women around the world though A Girl Like Me blog. It brings me joy to see women fellowshipping and showing support for one another. The Well Project has also been a great toolbox of information that I am able to share in my work.
What resources from The Well Project do you find to be most beneficial, and how have they supported your advocacy efforts?
The mini fact booklets on women and HIV and breast/chestfeeding have been quick and easy tools that help support the information I relay to patients. A few of my patients have been able to breastfeed due to the work The Well Project has done to support mothers.
If you could meet any famous person, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Chris Brown because he is already my husband in my mind. He is an amazing performer and artist. I respect his work ethic and creativity.
What are you currently doing to unwind?
Right now I am giving myself facials when I feel overwhelmed. I take pride in my skin but am taking extra time to give it some love on a budget.
If you could go to any music concert (past or future), who would it be?
I missed the Missy Elliot concert when she came to Atlanta. I have always wanted to see her live, but I had to be a responsible adult at the time. She is so creative with her visuals and I have always been a fan.
If you could cook your favorite meal, what would it be?
A seafood boil with king crab legs, shrimp, black mussels, sausage, boiled egg, and lobster tail.
Where is the next place you’d like to travel to?
Grenada has such beautiful beaches and sand.
