Melissa "Mel" Mwembo is an HIV advocate, educator, speaker, and community leader based in Maryland. Born with HIV, she uses her lived experience as a Lifetime Survivor to advance HIV education, reduce stigma, and foster honest conversations about health and wellness. Mel has contributed to local and national advocacy efforts focused on HIV, youth engagement, and health equity, and is a member of the ViiV Healthcare Black Women's Working Group. She is the founder of Honeybee, an organization dedicated to creating stigma-free spaces for education, empowerment, and community connection. Through public speaking, storytelling, and community engagement, Mel works to amplify the voices of people living with HIV and inspire meaningful dialogue that leads to lasting change.
