Elder Antionettea “Dreadie” Etienne (she/her/ella), Co-Chair
Elder Antionettea “Dreadie” Etienne is a warrior woman, faith leader, educator, and advocate who has dedicated more than 30 years to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Affectionately known as Dreadie, she brings spiritual conviction and an unwavering commitment to women’s rights, community empowerment, and justice to her work.
Her experience includes serving as a Health Educator for several programs at Iris House, Inc., and as a co-educator for its Leading Ladies faith-based program. As a consultant to agencies, houses of worship, and cultural communities, she provides education on HIV/AIDS and HIV/STI criminalization. She has also helped develop and implement HIV/AIDS and prison ministries, connecting faith, education, and compassionate support.
Dreadie’s advocacy for women’s rights extends from correctional settings to local, national, and international communities. She proudly represents lesbian, incarcerated, faith-based, and Afro-Caribe Latina communities, grounding her service in faith and a deep respect for the dignity of every person.
Her extensive service includes roles as chair, co-chair, board member, member, and advocate with organizations and community groups such as the Rikers Island Advisory Board, Rikers Island Consortium, and New York State and New York City HIV/AIDS prevention planning groups. She has chaired the New York City Prevention Planning Council and the Former Inmates with AIDS program at the Latino Commission on AIDS.
For more than 20 years, Dreadie has participated in the AIDS Institute’s Faith-Based Initiative, serving as chair or co-chair of numerous faith-based networks.
Her church affiliations include the Unity Fellowship Church of Christ Movement, Convent Avenue Baptist Church, New Testament Church, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Bethel AME Church, and Love Alive International Sanctuary of Praise Center.
Through education, advocacy, and ministry, Elder Etienne continues to build bridges between public health and faith communities, championing dignity, inclusion, and justice for those she serves.
