We are thrilled to celebrate our 2024 Southern HIV Impact Fund (SHIF) Fellows: Bianka Decilia and Nizejai Anderson from Fayetteville State University’s School of Social Work!
The Southern HIV Impact Fund (SHIF) is dedicated to funding HBCUs and providing them with the resources necessary to contribute to national efforts to end the HIV epidemic. Our commitment to HBCUs has never been stronger, as we sought out HBCU students interested in working in this field after graduation to join our team this summer. During their time with us, we are committed to nurturing their skills and developing them into stronger leaders who will champion change in the future.
“As a proud double alum of Xavier University of Louisiana and Texas Southern University, I am thrilled to announce our 2024 Southern HIV Impact Fund fellows from Fayetteville State University’s School of Social Work: Bianka Decilia and Nizejai Anderson!” Clifford Castleberry, M.S., Program Manager, Southern HIV Impact Fund, says. “Bianka and Nizejai have been invaluable additions to the SHIF team, and I can’t wait for you all to see the impactful projects they have been working on over the past month, focusing on Black women and HIV.”
Bianka Decilia is a dedicated social worker and advocate for social justice, currently serving as an HBCU Fellow at AIDS United Southern HIV Impact Fund. In this role, she engages in outreach and education initiatives to promote HIV awareness and prevention, collaborates with local HBCUs to develop and implement programs aimed at reducing HIV stigma, and advocates for policy changes to improve access to healthcare and support services for people living with HIV. Bianka’s work is driven by a deep passion for community organizing and developing systems that ensure equal rights and opportunities for all members of the community.
Nizejai Anderson is on track to complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Fayetteville State University in May 2025, providing a strong academic foundation in social work principles and practices. Anderson’s commitment to advocating for racial, social, and economic justice is evident through involvement with organizations like Black Feminist Scholars. In this role, Anderson actively engages in discussions, collaborations, and activism aimed at addressing systemic inequalities and empowering marginalized communities. As a McNair Scholar, she has honed research and analytical skills, preparing to contribute effectively to SHIF’s grantmaking initiatives and policy advocacy efforts.
“As a Black woman living with HIV in the south who is also developing the leadership of others, I am thrilled to have Bianka and Nizejai join the SHIF team,” adds Venita Ray, Acting SHIF Program Officer. “My role is to connect them to people who can support their professional development during their time at AU and beyond. I am also proud that the leaders chosen to happen to be Black women because of the way HIV impacts Black women. They have been a joy to work with!”
Join the SHIF team in celebrating these incredible fellows and their dedication to ending the HIV epidemic.