Since 2000, Deirdre has lived, learned and experienced HIV on her own terms. She utilizes her sense of humor and lively personality to openly share her medicine and medical adherence journey with the world using #MedsWillMakeMeDance. Deirdre is transparent about how she is not allowing HIV to have control of her, but fearlessly taking control of HIV. Deirdre is native of Virginia, and has worked as an educator, case manager, and speaker, however, she is most passionate about eradicating stigma, ending criminalization of people living with HIV, combating racial injustice, health disparities, and being an active Partner in Change s the co founder of Ending Criminalization of HIV and Overincarceration in Virginia (ECHO VA).
While performing outreach she heard of a training that would bring more education to the African – American woman on HIV/AIDS prevention, self esteem, gender pride, relationship issues, healthy decision making and other women related topics through a five session series of discussion. In less than 2 years, Miss Johnson has had the opportunity to facilitate the SISTA Project (Sistas Informing Sistas on the Topic of AIDS) for over 350 African-American Women between the ages of 18 – 34. She has also been interviewed by local ABC, NBC and has graced the front page of the Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond.com and features in HIVPLUS.ORG and Positively Aware Magazine. Click here to continue.