To whom this may concern,
Reflecting on my experience at the Leadership Development Retreat through AIDS United in September, I am filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. The tailored programming, specifically designed for the work that we do, made the retreat feel deeply personal and relevant. It wasn’t just about leadership lessons—it was about cultivating emotionally intelligent leadership in a way that felt authentic to who we are and the communities we serve.
One of the most impactful elements of the retreat was the direct connection I felt with the leaders in the room. We weren’t treated as mere students but as equals—people with voices that mattered.
This intentional atmosphere of respect and engagement allowed me to fully embrace the training, and the space felt safe, supportive, and empowering. The partnership with the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) took this experience to another level. Their Emotionally Intelligent Leadership training provided essential tools for incorporating emotional justice, equity, and wellness into our approach to leadership and organizational practices. This emphasis on emotional intelligence resonated with me as a transwoman of color, where often the intersection of these identities feels overlooked.
A moment that truly made me feel seen was the thoughtful gesture of celebrating my birthday. They not only acknowledged it but went out of their way to provide cake and dinner. That simple act carried so much weight, especially in a world where transwomen of color are so often marginalized or forgotten. For me, this felt like more than just a retreat; it was a space where I was valued for all that I am.
I also want to highlight the fantastic work Mark Lockwood did in preparing us for this experience. He created a WhatsApp group that kept us connected before, during, and after the retreat, fostering a strong sense of community that extended beyond the event itself. His efforts made the transition into the national conference seamless, and it was clear that his thoughtfulness played a huge role in ensuring the success of the retreat.
This experience left a lasting impact on me, not only because of the knowledge I gained but because of the sense of belonging and purpose it fostered. It wasn’t just another retreat—it was a milestone in my leadership journey.
About Ebonee: Ebonee Sims is the founder of the Ladies Room (TLR) the only BIPOC Trans and Non Binary centered community based organization in Upstate South Carolina. TLR provides engagement, resources, services, and bravery for underserved minority persons who are a part of the trans and gender expansive community.
About the Southern HIV Impact Fund: The Southern HIV Impact Fund is a pooled fund with a coordinated approach to bring a strategic focus on HIV care and prevention services, advocacy and movement-building, and leadership development efforts in the South. The fund provides tailored technical assistance, leadership development, and one-year grants to HIV service, social justice, and civil rights organizations in the South.
Through (SHIF) Leadership Development Cohort program, we aim to build the capacity of emerging leaders in the HIV movement by providing hands-on leadership training, and financial support to support project that address needs of individuals and communities affected by HIV in the South.
To whom it may concern is a series of impact stories and testimonies from grantees and members of the SHIF’s Leadership Development Cohort on the role in addressing the HIV epidemic is the South!
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