• Log in
Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
ADVOCATEOUTPrideOut TravelerADVOCATE CHANNEL
Subscribe
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
HIVPlusMag.comHIVPlusMag.com
Scroll To Top

By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Accept

Meet the 2023 Class of Pedro Zamora Scholars

Plus Editors

Editor

Read Full Bio
Plus Editors
| 01/03/23
Plus Editors

Meet the 2023 Class of Pedro Zamora Scholars

Pedro Zamora Scholars: Class of 2023

photo of Pedro Zamora by Ken Probst
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

The National AIDS Memorial announced its largest and most diverse class ever of its Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship on World AIDS Day (December 1), with 17 students from across the country attending 16 different academic institutions. 

November marked 28 years since Pedro Zamora, a Cuban-American AIDS educator and activist, died of HIV-related complications. He’d come to the national stage at the tender age of 22, when he spoke openly and bravely about his sexuality, his HIV status, and his activism on MTV’s reality show, The Real World.

Sadly, Zamora died the day after the last episode aired in November 1994. In response, the National AIDS Memorial created the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship not only to honor his work, but to help future leaders carry the torch of his legacy forward.

“This scholarship supports young people who demonstrate a passion for health and social justice and who are using their voices for advocacy and change,” said National AIDS Memorial CEO John Cunningham. “These students are carrying Pedro’s torch forward, pursuing careers and work that will have a positive impact. Their optimism, action and commitment provide so much hope for the future.”

The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship is an annual award given out since its inception in 2009, and its major support is provided by Gilead Sciences as well as individual donors. Nearly $500,000 has supported 129 students.

“This is a truly amazing class of Pedro scholars, each making an impact on their campuses and in the community for a better, more equitable future,” said Alex Kalomparis, senior vice president, Gilead Sciences. “Gilead is proud to support this important program that is developing the next generation of leaders in Pedro’s honor in the fight to end HIV through action and advocacy.” 

Photos of scholarship recipients are courtesy of the National AIDS Memorial.

Salihah (Sasa) Aakil Bey, Howard University

web_salihah-sasa-aakil-bey-headshot.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"I aspire for my art to be the kind of safe space that [HIV/AIDS] activists made. A place that teaches words to discuss our lives, love to remind us we matter, and beauty to remind us to smile…. I want to tell the stories of my people, Black, Muslim, American people, and in doing so make us known…show all that we’ve overcome, the music we’ve made, the love we’ve brought, and show that our story is America."

Lesly Chávez-Valencia, University of Texas at Austin

web_lesly-chavez-valencia-headshot.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"In the end, my hope is to give back to the body of social science research and assist in the effort to increase the amount of research on undocumented and migrant communities. I tell my undocumented story in hopes of helping my brothers and sisters, and with the hope that others will do the same, and the undocumented will be documented in history books."

Trending stories

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

FTC hosts anti-trans workshop LGBTQ+ advocates call ‘government-sponsored disinformation’

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

'King of Drag's Buck Wylde reveals their master plan for kings to reign over the scene (exclusive)

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Out and About with Christian Cooper

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Queer runner Caster Semenya wins again in court against athletic body that sidelined her

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Gays went feral at an iconic Pride celebration in Pensacola, Florida

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Trump admin lawsuit against California seeks end to trans-inclusive sports policy

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Ethel Cain (and her fans) say she is the victim of a 'transphobic hate campaign.' Here's why

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Christen Press and Tobin Heath celebrate dog adoption in new PETA campaign (exclusive)

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Checking out: nhow London, the city’s coolest hotel

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Wilderness, woods, and Wigstock: Drag icons light up the Catskills

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Electric Forest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

'King of Drag’s Pressure K says drag is the 'cheat code' for defeating their trauma (exclusive)

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

David Archuleta on loving sexy crop tops & the skin he's in

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Hayley Kiyoko proposes to fiancée Becca Tilley: 'My dream girl'

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Every 'Drag Race All Stars' winner who has entered the Hall of Fame

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

'King of Drag's Alexander the Great turned heartbreak & horror into drag excellence (exclusive)

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

OpenAI’s Sam Altman bashes Democrats. Here’s why he says he’s 'politically homeless'

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Bobby Berk's next gig after 'Queer Eye'? A new show with John Cena

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Yes, Superman is an immigrant. He's also a gay icon.

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Health experts warn Trump’s new policies for HHS teen pregnancy program could reverse decades of progress

Thuan-Huong Doan, University of California Los Angeles

web_thuan-hoang-doan-headshot.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"I believe that bringing stark social justice issues to the forefront of people’s minds — whether through the news cycle, word-of-mouth or grassroots efforts — is key to achieving health equity. It should be written in our legislation that equitable healthcare is a right, not a privilege."

Karen Gallegos Estrada, University of California-Santa Cruz

web_karen-gallegos-estrada-headshot.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"Aside from learning about my own identity and helping me come out as queer and gender-nonconforming, providing LGBTQ youth-led trainings to educators allowed me to feel heard while expressing the needs of my community…. The opportunity to lead allowed me to grow comfortable advocating for the youth in our district, which I hope to continue doing as an educator in the future."

Jillian Gray, College of Charleston

web_jillian-gray-headshot.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"I have always had a passion for social justice issues. I will not stop until equity is achieved internationally; the war is still raging on and I am proud to be a part of that fight."

Dayana Henderson, Pennsylvania State University

web_dayana-henderson.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"For Pedro to be diagnosed at the age of 17, and rather than be angry at the world or embarrassed about his diagnosis, he used it to educate and advocate. He was not afraid to discuss his sexuality, his status or be an activist. This should be a lesson to us all. I want to eradicate the stigma, fear, exclusion, discrimination and hate surrounding HIV/AIDS, and free those that have lived in the shadows of shame."

Kathleen Hoang, Columbia University

web_kathleen-hoang.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"In [my grandfather’s] honor, I hope to return to the rural villages of Vietnam one day and help develop sustainable infrastructure for education." 

Isabella Igbanugo, American University

web_isabella-igbanugo.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"I want the torch I hold to be a beacon of love so bright that homes overflowing with healing become inevitable, and love leaves no bruises."

Kaysyn Jones, Florida State University

web_kaysyn-jones.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"Art, at its core, has always been a way to clarify and give meaning to difficult times. I intend to passionately support the arts as a tool of mental health services as I move forward in my education."

Maryann Nwude, Virginia Tech University

web_maryann-nwude.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"As decision-making software has many applications in our daily lives, existing bias perpetuates inequality in education, advertising and employment…. By mitigating harmful biases, AI technology has the potential to provide effective resources, quality services and innovative solutions to marginalized communities."

Ijeoma Okoro, University of Maryland

web_ijeoma-okoro.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"Service through volunteering, health care and advocacy is so important to me because I benefited from the volunteers helping my family after my mother’s paralysis. They showed me how to be resilient, overcome my struggles and adversity to help those around me."

Darby Porter, University of South Carolina

web_darby-porter-headshot.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"Developing a treatment for HAND is imperative for HIV+ individuals having the high quality of life they deserve. I am working on understanding the relationship between HIV proteins that infect the brain and the human proteins they interact with, the cause of the cognitive decline of HAND…. I am dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with HIV through my neuroscience research and working in outreach to my local community."

Areli Rosales, University of Texas at San Antonio

web_areli-rosales.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"I plan to dedicate my life to serving people with mental health issues like the people that helped me through my own journey…. I work to elevate a safer and more understanding community with those struggling with mental health, especially in a city with a Latino machismo culture."

Leo Sanabria, Duke University

web_leo-sanabria.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"After much reflection, I realized that abandoning my community will only encourage the very problems I’ve been trying to escape, from poverty and violence to discrimination and inequality. Instead, I must work to uplift my community."

Edwin Santos, American University

web_edwin-santos.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"After practicing law and fighting to seek justice within the civil and criminal justice systems, I hope to one day hold a position — either at the local, state, or federal level — where I can create a positive influence for individuals whose voices are underrepresented and unheard."

Elizabeth Soyemi, Brown University

web_elizabeth-soyemi.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"I have seen the disconnect in youth engagement within the political sphere which strengthens my desire to further involve youth and others in the policy aspect of creating sustainable healthcare change."

Esmeralda Yzguerra, University of Southern California

web_esmeralda-yzguerra.jpg
    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

"As we raise awareness and destigmatize in the case of HIV/AIDS, we can move toward a more accepting society that does not demonize this virus nor turn an eye on unequal access to justice." 

Recommended Stories for You

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

A Night Out in San Diego: A queer couple’s moonlit travel guide

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Advocates FYI

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Ethel Cain apologizes for resurfaced 'racist statements,' alleges 'smear campaign'

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

About Us

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

The Advocates Team

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Texas AG Ken Paxton's wife files for divorce, citing God and ‘recent discoveries’

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Two series from The Advocate Channel launch on Hulu

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

This heavenly hotel in the heart of Hell's Kitchen is the perfect oasis

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Shannon Storms Beador reveals where she stands with Katie Ginella & Tamra Judge

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Netflix's 'KPop Demon Hunters' is taking over the world with a powerful queer allegory

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

'Gay progressive hot daddy' blasts 'bozos' using his pics for right-wing memes

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

5 lesbian power couples who play for the same sports team

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Watching JD Vance's motorcade get ruthlessly roasted will recharge your soul

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

After trans people, Trump now erases bisexual people from Stonewall National Monument

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Who is Becca Tilley? All about Hayley Kiyoko's new fiancée

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Cruising the world helped this gay couple find lasting love

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

A Day Out in San Diego: A queer couple’s breathtaking travel guide

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Top 10 LGBTQ+ beach towns perfect for Pride and summer fun

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Black trans woman Dream Johnson killed in Washington, D.C.

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

No punchline, just poly, why this series lets non-monogamy be the heart, not the joke

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

'Wicked: For Good' TV special to feature Ariana and Cynthia—here's what we know

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

5 lesbian power couples who play on rival sports teams

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Signs you may be polysexual, according to experts

    • Share using fb
    • Share using tw
    • Share using pt
    • Share using tl
    • Share using em
  • Close sharing options
  • Show sharing options

Parvati Shallow's new memoir gets graphic about her strap-on sex experiences

Latest Stories

Human Rights Campaign Stages Die-In in front of the Department of Health and Human Services to Protest Trump Health Care Cuts
Politics
Badge
gallery

HRC holds 'die-in' to protest Trump health care cuts

April 28 2025 2:11 PM
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
Art
Badge
gallery

Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared

April 11 2024 3:15 PM
35 Years of World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day
Badge
gallery

35 Years of World AIDS Day

December 01 2023 8:35 AM
The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023
Print Issue
Badge
gallery

The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023

November 03 2023 12:51 PM
00-shutterstock_1008812092_0
Sex & Dating

24 Oral Sex Tips: Because Less Partners Doesn't Need to Mean Less Fun

September 02 2022 1:19 PM
00-lead_broadwaybares2022_750x422_creditsonimage
Entertainment
Badge
gallery

19 Broadway Bares Images Too Hot to Handle

July 11 2022 5:49 PM
lead_plus_nyaahd_devin-avery-lhay4wmkjsk-unsplash.jpg
Youth
Badge
gallery

How is HIV Impacting Young People in 2022?

April 10 2022 7:50 AM
Broadway's best raise over $1 million for LGBTQ+ and HIV causes
Slideshow
Badge
gallery

Broadway's best raise over $1 million for LGBTQ+ and HIV causes

April 03 2025 7:15 PM
Ricky Martin performing live at World AIDS Day concert for AIDS Healthcare Foundation
World AIDS Day
Badge
gallery

Ricky Martin delivers showstopping performance for 2024 World AIDS Day

December 05 2024 12:08 PM
Getty Museum blood exhibit
Art
Badge
gallery

Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood

March 13 2024 1:47 PM
Broadway Flea Market & Auction Raises $1.2 Million for HIV Causes
Slideshow
Badge
gallery

Broadway Flea Market & Auction Raises $1.2 Million for HIV Causes

November 17 2023 2:52 PM
David Furnish and Queer Eye castmembers
Fundraiser
Badge
gallery

The Glamorous Scene at Elton John's Oscar Party/HIV Fundraiser

March 20 2023 4:28 PM
Web_lead_plus151_amazing_people_0
Print Issue
Badge
gallery

The 10 Most Amazing People of 2022 Living With HIV

November 02 2022 3:02 AM
Rimmingslideshowmain
Sex & Dating

21 Rimming Tips Everyone Should Know

August 18 2022 4:10 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
Treatment
Badge
gallery

The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years

June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Manila Luzon Elton John Orville Peck Michaela Jae Rodriguez Academy Awards Oscars Viewing Party
Entertainment
Badge
gallery

LGBTQ+ celebrities speak up and show out at Elton John's annual Oscars party (exclusive)

March 11 2024 2:49 PM
Web_lead_amazing_hof_0
Print Issue
Badge
gallery

The Most Amazing People Living With HIV: 2022 Hall of Fame

November 10 2022 8:30 AM
Liz
News
Badge
gallery

Paris Jackson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Evan Ross Stun at AIDS Gala

September 20 2022 3:05 PM
Slide-3-outbreak_1
News
Badge
gallery

2022's Monkeypox Outbreak: Everything You Need to Know

July 12 2022 11:32 AM
Alc2022reddressday00_750x422_creditonimage_0
Photography
Badge
gallery

39 Photos from AIDS/Lifecycle Red Dress Day 2022

June 10 2022 3:22 PM