WRI 2025 Participants

Amaya Perez-Brumer is a Latina critical global health scholar, Assistant Professor in the Division of Social and Behavioural Health Science at the University of Toronto, and a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canada Research Chair in Global Health Intervention Justice.

Bridgette Picou, LVN, ACLPN is a passionate advocate for people living with HIV. At the intersections of being a Black woman, a woman aging with HIV, and a healthcare provider, her advocacy goal is to amplify the voices of women and people living with HIV in such a way that they feel seen and heard.

Jessica Prodger is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Western University and a Canada Research Chair in Genital Immunology and STI Prevention.

Jessica Salzwedel, MA is a Senior Program Manager of Research Engagement at AVAC, a non-governmental based in New York City.

Linda H. Scruggs, DHL, MHS, LPC, a highly respected figure in the field of HIV advocacy and education, has devoted over three decades to championing the rights and well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Eileen Scully MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University.

Jennifer Sherwood, PhD, MPH is the Director of Research at amfAR's Public Policy Office based in Washington DC. In this role, she leads amfAR's policy-related research portfolio in the areas of gender, women's health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

As a proud Black Trans Woman, I navigate life with unapologetic positivity, authenticity, and queerness. My diagnosis was a turning point that revealed my inner strength.

Laramie R. Smith, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.

Vani Vannappagari, PhD, MPH is Vice President & Global Head of Epidemiology and Real World Evidence at ViiV Healthcare.