Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Wanda Collier aka STIGMAGODDESS. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Wanda, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
It was through lived experience. Everything I’m standing up for through Stop Our Stigma Foundation Inc. I have lived through. Coming out of prison, having mental health challenges, being hiv+, black gay woman and spiritual connected all carry stigmas of their own! I wanted to give back and make a legacy in the community I may have brought harm to. The best way I could think of was to fight for my community by telling my truth!!
Wanda, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am Stop Our Stigma Foundation Inc’s Activist. I am the face of the community we serve on all different levels of dealing with stigma. The foundation mission is committed to ceasing the alienation of human beings living with Mental Health Challenges, Hiv & Aids, and all actions associated with stigma. Accomplished by assisting individuals (to include assisting organizations with the same mission) in living productive lives not affected by stigma.
Wanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
History:
In 2010, In transition a young woman named Wanda aka StigmaGoddess, on learning 33 years ago that I had contracted hiv. I lived a very disruptive life and faced many challenges, which placed me on my journey to the present. In the midst of my transformation from drugs and coming out of prison I was given the opportunity of acceptance at St. Stephen’s Ministry; a transitional house for persons living with hiv and aids, which provided housing and other support. I decided to give back to the community to which I may have caused damage. I founded the Stop Da Stigma Foundation (which is now Stop Our Stigma Foundation Inc. aka SOS Foundation Inc.) with her co-founder to bring education, awareness, and fundraising for Mental Health, Hiv&Aids, Returning Citizens, and Lgbtq and to empower my peers from the alienation of stigma and discrimination.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
This is funny but I simply met her on a POF dating site lol and we have been hooked to the hip for almost 3 years. she is also hiv negative! I would not talk to her until she read my profile…because I had that I was hiv+ in my profile…took her 3 tries before she read it…lol…We now promote Hiv- Lovin Hiv+. She is also the manager to StigmaGoddess.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
We’re able to achieve our mission by hosting our annual “Life’s Celebration, Stop Our Stigma Red Party.” Including other fundraising events throughout the year. These projects bring awareness and education to the citizens of our community and raise funds for other noteworthy organizations assisting persons living with Hiv & Aids, Mental Health, and other stigma challenges (i.e., homelessness, returning citizens, Lgbtq Communities). Our mission is accomplished with the generous support of our supporters and sponsors. We invite you or/and your organization, company, or charitable organization to join us in our mission by becoming an event, yearly sponsor, or even both. In return, you will be recognized as a special guest at any of our extraordinary events, ad placement and 15 min interview.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stopourstigmainc.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STOPOURSTIGMA
Image Credits
wanda collier