Meet the Founders
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Antoinette N. Jones, She/Her (co-founder)
Antoinette Jones (she/her) embarked on her advocacy journey in her early twenties, serving as a Peer Specialist dedicated to facilitating access to preventive care and treatment for individuals living with or at risk of HIV. Antoinette proudly identifies as a Dandelion Woman Living with HIV, signifying her lifelong journey with the virus since birth.
As the co-executive director and co-founder of "The Dandelions Movement," Antoinette has established a groundbreaking platform centered on addressing the unique needs of individuals born with HIV. Through mentorship, healing practices, and peer-to-peer interventions, she fosters a supportive community.
Antoinette's expertise spans reproductive healthcare, holistic wellness, human rights, and the preservation of dignity for Black and Indigenous women. Collaborating closely with organizations and healthcare providers, she actively contributes to enhancing treatments and services for Black Women. Notably, her advocacy efforts have played a significant role in advancing federal guidelines related to breast/chest feeding for women living with HIV.
Antoinette leverages her Activist mindset, vocal advocacy, and empowerment to connect diverse communities and amplify the vital intersection of art and Black health in our modern era.
Email: itsantoinettejones@gmail.com
Follow Antoinette on Social Media:
FB: @Antoinette Jones
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Derinthia Williams, She/Her (co-founder)
Derinthia Williams (she/her) is a multifaceted creative, an advocate for HIV awareness, and a passionate voice in her community. Born HIV positive, “A True Grady Baby” in Atlanta, GA, Derinthia has dedicated herself to challenging the oppressive systems that have affected her family, particularly her mother's journey. She is the Co-Executive Director and visionary founder of Dandelions Inc, a platform where she leverages various forms of media to foster conversations about sexual health and harm reduction.
While her most cherished role is being a mother, she also embraces the responsibility of supporting women as a significant part of her legacy. As an Ambassador for the Black AIDS Institute, Clinical Researcher & Interviewer at Emory University, and the face of ViiV's Risk to Reasons campaign, Derinthia actively advocates for the inclusion of individuals born with HIV in all aspects of society.
In all her endeavors, Derinthia lives by her empowering mantra, "HIV doesn't define me; I've defined it. I am born for this!" This mantra guides her work within the community and is beautifully reflected in her 2018 book, "Process to the Promise."
As she continues on her journey, Derinthia remains a beacon of light for those in need of enlightenment and support
Email: Tunique327@gmail.com
Follow Derinthia on Social Media:
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Tiffany Marrero October 14, 1991 – May 7, 2023
Tiffany Marrero was a sex-positive advocate using her lived experience as a black, queer, cisgender millennial woman living with HIV to work with, and on behalf of, other people in her community. Tiffany has earned her bachelor's degree in social work (B.S.W.) from Florida Gulf Coast University and native to Broward County, Florida (Miccosukee and Seminole land).
She was a front line soldier in the fight against injustices of young black and brown people and was fearlessly unapologetic about calling out/ in anyone who tried to cause harm to the people she loved.
Tiffany was crucial in the development of the Dandelions Movement and we will be remiss if we did not honor her for her contribution.
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Tiffany was all over Gran Varones writing about her experiences. She opened up about what it was like being a kid with HIV, sex positivity for folks living with it, and why Pride celebrations go to be more radical for those folks too. But that's not all! If you want to get a deeper understanding of what she was fighting for, you should definitely check out her other amazing writings! Her voice was powerful, and her words can teach you a lot.
Read Some of Tiffany’s Most Memorable Moments:
The Visionary
“A dandelion in the midst of rose bushes would stick out like a sore thumb to ignorant souls; But I know the road this dandelion endured. This weed that all gardeners want to destroy is more appreciated by God than any seemingly beautiful bush of roses. Though that misunderstood dandelion wont for long last; Let it be known that God gave it the role of the outcast for divine importance.”
Mary was 30 years old. Born with HIV, she lived out her experiences of growing up and living with HIV (and losing a mother to AIDS) through her art. As a young, out woman of color, she was a dynamic, vital voice for the next generation of individuals living with HIV — proud, willing to speak of her own challenges with not just her own health needs (mental health, social support) — but also a fierce advocate for other young people with HIV for whom a voice was lacking.
For Mary, the arts gave her the platform and voice to channel her creative energy, her passion, her truth.
May 16th 2019 (Sunset)