Congratulations to PWN’s July 2022 Shero of the Month: Melanie Reese of Baltimore, Maryland!

Melanie Reese, Executive Director of Older Women Embracing Life (OWEL) Melanie embodies the vision and mission of OWEL which seeks to relate a community of women who are living full, productive and happy lives despite the challenge of HIV/AIDS. With passion, purpose and spirit-led joy, she participates in the design and implementation of projects, programs that revitalize the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health of the women in the communities where OWEL provides services. Melanie was recently appointed to the Board of International Community of Women Living With HIV/AIDS of North America (ICWNA) representing Older Women Living with HIV/AIDS.. She is an active member of MDH HPG, BCHD HPG and Commission, the U=U Coalition, BCHD EHE Work Group, The Johns Hopkins Institute of Clinical and Translational Research Community Research Advisory Council, and The Maryland Coalition on HIV Aging and Long Term Care. She is a 50+ Stronger and Healthy Scholar 2021-2022. Also a member of National HIV Aging Advocacy Network (NHAAN) Women of Color Special Interest Group. She is also a member of PWN-USA and participates in many of their advocacy initiatives. US PLHIV Federal Action Committee member who helped write the policy agenda for AIDSWATCH 2022.