GLOW (Growing Leadership Opportunities for Women) is a community-led and community-driven program which uses a whole person health and wellness approach. GLOW aspires to facilitate behavior and systemic change that will influence how integrated HIV and STI services are provided and accessed by women across the US, especially women from marginalized communities.

Utilizing a community engagement model that curates safe space for authentic and raw conversations via storytelling around the lived narratives of women of color and taboo topics, GLOW raises awareness that leads to advocacy that further breeds empowerment.

GLOW Goal: Increase awareness that leads to positive action & equitable access to resources across the spectrum, especially HIV prevention, treatment and care.

GLOW Value-Add

• Provides an opportunity where experienced leaders can guide and support Women of Color  in their career paths
• Helps GLOW participants to gain valuable insights and perspectives from those who have already achieved success in their fields
• Offers networking opportunities for GLOW participants to connect with other professionals and build relationships to advance in their careers.

How GLOW Started

• 2019: GLOW emerged as a response to the absence of a dedicated program for women in NMAC. 
  • Initially starting as a program exclusively for cisgender women, the first cohort of GLOW was scheduled for February 2019. 
  • Due to changes in funding, the program persisted and experienced transformation to become more inclusive.
• 2022: GLOW gathered community feedback from around the country
  • We hosted 14 community engagement sessions around the U.S.
  • This served as an opportunity to actively listen and engage the thoughts, concerns, and ideas of women from various walks of life
  • The spectrum of community feedback was the foundation of refining the program to make it more accessible and universal for Women of Color
• 2023: GLOW returned to its roots of inclusivity
  • We made a significant stride towards inclusivity by re-engaging the original cohort and extending a warm invitation to transgender women.
  • This decision highlights the importance of GLOW’s commitment of creating an inclusive space that ensures that all women are provided a with a platform to thrive and succeed.

GLOW Purpose and Objectives

A. Program Objectives:

1. Provide a comprehensive sexual health and wellness training program.
2. Create a safe space for women to engage in candid and authentic discussions about taboo topics.
3. Increase women’s knowledge of HIV/STIs, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
4. Enable women to share the knowledge they acquire with their peers through our mini-grants program.

B. What to Expect During GLOW:

Through GLOW, women will gain valuable insights, develop leadership capabilities, and enhance their communication skills. With a blend of interactive educational sessions, GLOW offers a safe and supportive environment for Women of Color to thrive and flourish. 

Our carefully crafted curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Financial Health
• Sexual Health (cis and trans tracks offered)
• Reproductive Health (cis and trans tracks offered)
•  Holistic Health
• Entrepreneurship
• Advocate For Your Health
•  Resume and Interview Workshops

C. What is Possible After GLOW:

Upon completion of the program, GLOW offers participants the opportunity to apply for a mini grant. The purpose of this grant is to assist with resources to help create a project that will reach GLOW’s population of focus and build knowledge, skills, and empowerment at the local level. By providing women with the tools and resources they need to succeed, including education on sexual health, HIV/STIs, and strategies for keeping people in treatment, these programs can help close the gender gap in leadership and promote greater gender diversity in organizations, ultimately contributing to the reduction of HIV/STI rates in communities.

Who should be a part of GLOW?

1. Demographic Considerations: GLOW is designed by and for Women of Color. This program is open to cisgender and transgender women, aged 18 and older. Our priority population for 2024 is Latinx women. We will cover the flight expenses for 5 individuals from each of the 4 regions where the trainings are held (see below), while the remaining 15 participants will need to be from the state where the training is being held.
2. Interest and Commitment: Participants should demonstrate a genuine interest in enhancing their understanding of sexual health and wellness and a commitment to actively engage in the training program. The training is designed for individuals at a basic to intermediate level of HIV knowledge. It is particularly beneficial for those who are new to the topics we will cover and are looking to gain foundational understanding.
3. Willingness to Contribute: Participants should be open to participating in candid and authentic discussions about sensitive topics related to sexual health and be willing to contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants. 
4. Awareness and Learning Goals: Participants should express a desire to increase their knowledge and understanding of HIV/STIs, indicating a willingness to learn and apply this knowledge to make informed decisions about their own health and well-being.
5. Community Engagement: Preference may be given to individuals who show enthusiasm for sharing the knowledge and skills gained during the training with their communities, as demonstrated by past involvement in community initiatives or a commitment to participate in the mini-grants program to disseminate information among peers. 

2024 GLOW Training Events Format

In 2024, GLOW will host a training event in each of the U.S regions, with preference given to residents of that region. (See training events below) 

• Selection Priority: For each training session, GLOW will prioritize 15 attendees from the local area where the training is held. 
• Session Size: Each of the 4 training events is designed for a maximum of 20 participants. 
• Length: Training will run from Thursday to Sunday. Based on feedback from community engagement sessions in 2022, we learned that women preferred a weekend format. 
• Training Structure: 

• • Thursday: Half-day session for introductions, one training module, and a group dinner
  • Friday and Saturday: Full days from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with three sessions including breakout sessions tailored for cis and trans individuals on sexual and reproductive health. Attendees can choose their preferred session.
  • Sunday: A final session and a celebration to conclude the program

• Accommodation: NMAC will cover hotel accommodations for all GLOW attendees of all 4 sessions in 2024
• Food and Per Diem: Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Friday through Sunday. Participants will receive a per diem based on GSA rates for meals not covered.