Moderator:
Demario Richardson (He/Him/His) is a Retention in Care Peer Educator who is primarily in Kansas City’s most vulnerable areas such as, homeless shelters, parks, coordinated entry facilities (hospital, behavioral health institutions) rehabs, parks, libraries, you name it. As a peer, Demario meets individuals where they are at regardless of race, economic status, class or gender. If you ever need to re-engage a client into care you can rest assured Demario will find some type of innovative strategy to locate individuals and provide a safe space for emotional support, group support and/or incentives to help re-engage individuals back into care, identify barriers to care, build bridges between the individual and the multi-disciplinary team. Demario also serves as the Co-Chair of The Media and Messaging committee who is responsible for The MO HIV JUSTICE COALITION’s social media content and the coalition’ Microsite. The Coalition consists of a group of individuals who advocates and contributes in helping to end HIV stigma and HIV criminalization laws in Missouri. Demario also is apart of the BTAN- KC affiliation who’s mission is to mobilize , educate and bring people of color to the table to help and contribute to end the HIV epidemic. Aside From advocacy work, Demario aka Prodical Son, loves to write, sing and spend time with his family.
Panelists:
Tajuana Blackmon (She/Her/Hers) is a Prevention Specialist with KC Care Health Center. She specializes in Health Education and Risk Reduction surrounding HIV amongst African American women in the Kansas City area. Tajuana’s involvement in the HIV/AIDS field stemmed from her involvement in the fight against domestic violence. I realized that survivors needed sexual health education and community resources to promote resiliency from their previous experiences.
Laura Saturansky (She/Her/Hers) is originally from Uruguay, South America and have lived in Kansas City for about 3 years. Before this, She lived many years in the East Coast. Laura has been involved with public health either through work or volunteering since she was 15 years old and she is very passionate about the importance of services such as those provided by the organization she works for today. She has been at Thrive Health Connection for about 2.5 years as the Testing and Prevention Coordinator. She identifies as a proud Latinx woman who is also part of the LGBTQ+ family and she is very grateful for the opportunities that she has had to bring attention to many issues that affect the community throughout her life.
Michelle Smith is a Family Case Manager at KC Care Health Center. As a Family Case Manager, she works with women living with HIV through pre-conception, pregnancy, and parenting. She is dedicated to providing education, support and advocacy to women living with HIV. Michelle is also an organizer and housed ally with Midwest Homeless Collective, a houseless created and led movement in Kansas City. Michelle’s work is guided by the principle that “those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.”
Natasha Ria El-Scari is a writer, Cave Canem fellow, and educator for over a decade. Her poetry, academic papers, and personal essays have been published in anthologies, literary and online journals. She has opened for and introduced greats like Angela Davis, Marsha Ambrosias, Bilal and Saul Williams. She has been also featured at a host of universities and venues nationwide. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Natasha has a BA from Jackson State University and a MA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Natasha’s Black Feminist approach is reflected in her writing, poetry and performance pieces. Natasha brings the fire! She is a mother of two awesome children. Once asked in an interview what makes her unique she replied, “…most people lie to themselves, but I like to reveal myself.” For details and booking: www.natasharia.com
Ieisha Bailey is from Kansas City Missouri. She has been involved in helping people ever since she was a kid. Since her childhood, Ieisha has always wanted to help people because of her blessings in life and struggles as a young child. Right now, Iesiha is working in childcare. She has been in the profession for 4 years. Her time working this role has provided her the opportunity to help parents and families in need.