This is part 4 of a special series focusing on the community of Honoring Our Experience, and their work with longterm survivors of the HIV/AIDS virus.

It started like a nightmare. Pregnant, in a toxic relationship and far away from the family she loved, Deirdre Johnson learned she’d been infected with the HIV virus. It was December 5th, a day Deirdre now celebrates. The day her life changed forever.

On a Christmas Day hike to the top of a nearby mountain, Deirdre asked for guidance. “I was about 5 months pregnant…, and when I got to the top of the mountain I prayed. Wherever you want to send me,” she promised, “I’ll go.” No longer afraid, she took matters into her own hands and the rest, as she says, is history.

She turned her focus to making a difference, not just for herself and her children but for those who would come after. Now, a celebrated public speaker and advocate, she is the co-founder of Ending Criminalization of HIV and Over-incarceration in Virginia (ECHO VA). You can learn more about her work here.

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• In those moments of great challenge, where do you seek answers?

• What have you learned through those darkest moments?

• Where are the opportunities for you to share that wisdom so that others may benefit from your journey?

Listen to Deirdre’s episode here.

You can learn more about the work of Honoring Our Experience here.