SMART Turns 10 with Revitalized Leadership, Rejuvenated Spirit and New Programs for Women/Youth
(New York, NY) August 28, 2007-
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2008, Sisterhood Mobilized
for AIDS Treatment and Research, Inc. (SMART) – New York’s
only community-based treatment education, advocacy and service organization
run by- and for HIV-positive women – is returning to its roots with
new initiatives, expanded programming and a homecoming by the organization’s
founder.
“Effective this month, I have returned to SMART
in a full-time management position as Founding Director,” said Susan
Rodriguez, the long-term PWA advocate who founded the organization
in 1998. Rodriguez and outgoing Executive Director J. Maya Iwata have
worked in tandem throughout much of the summer to make Susan’s return
a virtually seamless transition.
Rodriguez, led the organization as Board President from its inception
through June 2007. In her new role as Founding Director, she will manage
programs, fundraising and development and will share leadership duties
with Administrative Director Jessica Martinez who will manage operations.
They are joined by Yolanda Diaz, Program Coordinator/Women’s Programs
and Janet Cameron, Program Manager/SMART Youth Coordinator
on this thriving organization’s full-time staff.
With solid leadership and administration in place, SMART
has a busy schedule set for the coming months, including:
· An Open House. Friends and supporters are invited
to join us for an open house at our headquarters 306-308 W. 38th St.,
6th Floor on September 5, from 3-7 PM. You’ll meet or reconnect
with SMART’s staff and members of our extremely active board of
directors, while learning more about the organization’s programming
and community partners. Many participants from all of SMART’s programs
will be attending as well.
· SMART University kicks off its 10th annual fall
semester on September 14. SMART University is our core treatment education
and support program for women living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. The
fall eight-week program runs through November 2. To learn more, call Yolanda
Diaz at (212) 564-3282 or visit www.smartuniversity.org
· SMART Youth. Created just two years ago, this
fast-growing initiative continues to offer support, independent living
skills and motivation for adolescents (ages 13-22) living with HIV/AIDS
or facing the challenge of a loved one who is. SMART Youth meets Thursdays
from 4-6 PM. For more information, call Janet Cameron at (212) 564-3282.
For more information on these programs, SMART’s staff/board and
the dynamic programming in the works for the 10th anniversary, call Susan
Rodriguez at (212) 564-3282 or visit www.smartuniversity.org.
