Amanda is a 23 year old case manager who specializes in youth, high-risk and LGBT populations in the western region of Puerto Rico. She was born in Florida on the afternoon of April 30, 1991 and moved to Puerto Rico at a young age. Amanda currently works for MHCare, Inc., having volunteered for the clinic from an early age, she was hired as an HIV prevention outreach worker for “AKN3NOS…” (An HIV/AIDS prevention project for young LGBT populations) and has since worked for other federally funded programs such as “SSIMA” and “AMA”. All of which are different components of MHCare, Inc.’s special projects division dedicated to the prevention/treatment of HIV/AIDS in the diverse Latino community. She continues to further educate herself through various trainings provided through the local health department and her university studies. A public activist for human and animal rights, she spends the majority of her time working with the surrounding populations raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and other STI’s through various public educational seminars to people from all walks of life. Amanda has also coordinated and run over 100 successful HIV/AIDS prevention and general health assessment clinics for communities at high risk of infection. Her defining quote is that of the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”, a quote that acknowledges the human ability to endure with strength and courage even in the worst of circumstances as long as they stay motivated and never lose sight of their goals.
At USCA conferences, I hope to arm myself with the most accurate, up to date information and strategies to bring back to Puerto Rico and apply them to the different Latino communities on the island.