Three HIV Activists Named AIDS Walk Wisconsin & 5K Run Honorary Co-Chairs

Posted on August 7th, 2019 8/7/19

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin announces co-chairs to honor the 30th Anniversary event on 10/5

MILWAUKEE—(August 7, 2019) — New this year, the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) is announcing that there will be not just one, but three Honorary Co-Chairs for this year’s AIDS Walk Wisconsin & 5K Run. Nationally-recognized HIV activists Naina Khanna, Mondo Guerra, and Cleve Jones will all serve as Honorary Co-Chairs to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the largest HIV fundraising event in Wisconsin. AIDS Walk Wisconsin & 5K Run will take place on Saturday, October 5th at the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee.

“Naina Khanna, Mondo Guerra, and Cleve Jones are all inspiring leaders in HIV, LGBTQ and social justice communities with personal and professional stories that are helping change the social and political climate on HIV,” said Michael Gifford, AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are honored that all three will join us in Milwaukee to celebrate 30 years of progress in Wisconsin’s response to HIV.”

Naina Khanna is a national speaker, trainer and advocate who has worked in the HIV field since 2005 following her HIV diagnosis in 2002. Khanna is currently Executive Director at Positive Women’s Network and serves on the Board of Directors for AIDS United, the National Steering Committee for the US People Living with HIV Caucus, as a member of the Women’s HIV Research Initiative, and served on President Obama’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).

Mondo Guerra is a Mexican-American fashion designer who finished as runner-up on Season 8 of Project Runway, and later won the series’ first season of Project Runway All Stars. After coming out as HIV positive on the show, Guerra has become a spokesperson for two national HIV campaigns. Guerra has designed clothing to help advance the conversation about the HIV epidemic and speaks to audiences about HIV stigma and “AIDS phobia” within the gay community.

Cleve Jones is a human rights activist, lecturer, and author of When We Rise. Mentored by pioneer LGBT activist Harvey Milk, Jones co-founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in 1983 and founded The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, one of the world’s largest community art projects. A longtime survivor of HIV, Jones continues to speak and write about the HIV epidemic today, and works as an organizer for the hospitality workers’ union, UNITE HERE.

Over the past 29 years of AIDS Walk Wisconsin & 5K Run, more than 128,000 registrants have come from all over the state to participate. AIDS Walk Wisconsin & 5K Run has collectively raised more than $13.5 million that directly benefits individuals in our state who are impacted by HIV. Funds raised will support prevention, care and treatment services offered at the ARCW HIV Medical Home, and are critical in ensuring that everyone with or at risk for HIV has access to high-quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay. Naina Khanna, Mondo Guerra, and Cleve Jones will serve as ambassadors and be present at the event to celebrate and honor the great work being done in Wisconsin. The event is free, but registrants who raise pledges will win exciting prizes, including a commemorative t-shirt designed by Mondo Guerra. The top fundraiser for the event will be treated to a two-night stay at the Grand Geneva Resort. Go to www.aidswalkwis.org to register for the event.

Past Honorary Chairs of AIDS Walk Wisconsin

Golden Globe winner Matt Bomer, 2018
Award-winning actress and singer Jane Lynch, 2017
Broadway, Television and Film Star Taye Diggs, 2016
‘NSYNC Star Lance Bass and Husband Michael Turchin, 2015
TV Fashion Guru Tim Gunn, 2014
Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Stephanie Klett, 2013
Milwaukee Brewer and National League MVP Ryan Braun, 2012
Green Bay Packer Linebacker and World Champion Clay Matthews, 2011
Wisconsin Indie Rock Sensation Bon Iver, 2009
Tony Award-winning actor BD Wong, 2006
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Kris Barrett, 2005
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle, 2003
Actor Bill Brochtrup, 2002
R&B singer/songwriter Eric Benet, 2001
Six-Time Olympic Champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 2000
Actor, film director and political activist Danny Glover, 1999
Advocate Chastity Bono, 1998
Four-Time Olympic Champion Greg Louganis, 1997
Award-winning actress, comedian, singer/songwriter Bette Midler, 1996
Vice President Al Gore and Tipper Gore, 1995
Milwaukee Brewer Outfielder Darryl Hamilton, 1994
Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Milwaukee Bucks Coach Mike Dunleavy, 1993
Milwaukee Brewer & Baseball Hall of Famer Paul and Linda Molitor, 1992
Bud and Sue Selig of the Milwaukee Brewers, 1991
Milwaukee Mayor John O. Norquist and Susan Mudd, 1990

AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin

The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) is a nationally-recognized leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The nonprofit organization is best known for its high-quality HIV patient outcomes. ARCW operates the only HIV Medical Home in America recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The HIV Medical Home model of care offers integrated health and social services including medical, dental, mental health and pharmacies, along with case management and social support provided by a team of professionals dedicated to patient care. Through its integrated approach, more than 7,000 HIV patients gain the healthcare and social services they need to live long, healthy and fulfilling lives with HIV. ARCW is also a leading provider of innovative and aggressive prevention services that help at-risk individuals remain HIV negative. The organization operates in 12 locations in Wisconsin, as well as in Denver, CO and Saint Louis, MO. To learn more, please visit www.arcw.org, and the organization’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

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