AIDS United to Host Inaugural Legacy Tribute Honoring Jesse Milan Jr. and Welcoming New President/CEO Carl Baloney Jr.
At a time of historic funding cuts, AIDS United invites the community to come together and recommit to the fight against HIV.
June 23, 2025, WASHINGTON, D.C. — AIDS United is honored to announce its inaugural Legacy Tribute: An Evening of Hope and Resilience, taking place Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 7–10 PM ET at the stunning, newly reimagined National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. This powerful evening will celebrate the enduring impact of Jesse Milan, Jr., JD, and usher in the bold leadership of Carl Baloney, Jr., AIDS United’s new President & CEO.
Tickets and sponsorships are now available at: https://aidsunited.org/legacy/
The Legacy Tribute is more than a celebration. It’s a call to action as federal and state funding for HIV/AIDS programs face devastating cuts, this is a crucial opportunity to rally support, raise critical funds, and reaffirm our collective commitment to ending the HIV epidemic once and for all.
Why This Moment Matters:
For more than four decades, Jesse Milan, Jr. has led with vision, courage, and authenticity as a long-term HIV survivor, nationally recognized advocate, and transformational CEO. His work has not only shaped the mission and legacy of AIDS United but has also changed the lives of countless people living with and affected by HIV.
After a decade of leading the Policy and Advocacy work at AIDS United, we welcome the leadership of Carl Baloney, Jr., whose deep roots in public policy, advocacy, and HIV prevention bring new momentum to the movement. Carl’s leadership signals a renewed focus on equity, innovation, and community-driven solutions.
Event Highlights:
• Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC
• Reception: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
• Dinner & Program: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
• Attire: Elevated cocktail attire
Honorary Co-Chairs:
The Honorable Barbara Lee, Former U.S. Congresswoman & 52nd Mayor of Oakland
The Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Former U.S. Congresswoman
Co-Chairs:
Sandra Thurman, Former director of the Office of National AIDS Policy for the Clinton Administration
Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, Vice Chair of AIDS United’s Board of Trustees, AIDS United
Associate Research Scientist at Yale University
“This evening honors two trailblazing leaders while calling our community to rise to the challenge of this moment. The fight to end HIV is far from over—and it needs all of us,” said Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, Board Trustee and Legacy Tribute Co-Chair.
This is your moment to stand with leaders, changemakers, and community advocates. Whether you become a sponsor, attend as an individual, or make a gift in honor of Jesse Milan, Jr., you are fueling the next chapter of HIV advocacy, equity, and impact.
About AIDS United: AIDS United is committed to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States (U.S.) through strategic grantmaking, advocacy, and capacity building. Through our pillars of strategic grantmaking, capacity building, technical assistance, policy, and advocacy, AIDS United has delivered more than $160 million in direct funding and leveraged an additional $184 million to increase the capacity of communities and organizations responding to the HIV epidemic across the U.S. Our grantees and members touch communities representing more than 96 percent of today’s HIV epidemic. We have proudly supported the work of over 600 organizations across 43 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit www.aidsunited.org to learn more about our work.
