LA Community Advisory Board

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The Los Angeles Community Advisory Board (CAB) is a group of local residents and representatives who work together to advise and collaborate on community-related issues. The LA CAB serves as a bridge between city officials and the community, ensuring that the voices of residents are heard in decision-making processes.

Shellye Jones, MSW, LCSW serves as the Clinical Supervisor for Drew CARES, at Charles R. Drew University. She received her BA from Oberlin College and graduated top of her class with an MSW from the University of CT. Shellye delivered the Commencement address at her graduation and was voted exemplary social work student by her classmates. She has dedicated her career to working with people struggling with issues of infertility, terminally ill children, and people living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. Some of the positions she has held, over the course of her career, have included case manager, therapist, program manager, interim director, clinical supervisor, and consultant. Shellye started one of the first, if not the very first, support group for women living with HIV/AIDS in LA County, and over the years has coordinated many different Community Advisory Boards (CABs). She has directed and produced 3 Public Service Announcements related to a Women and HIV testing initiative, a campaign to raise awareness about The National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and a PSA for Women and PrEP. Since coming to Charles R. Drew University, Shellye has provided mental health support to clients individually and run support groups for women, facilitates 2 CABs (for the OASIS Clinic and CFAR), supports the Rise UP! Zambia program’s Wellness Team coordinates the Women Together Collaborative Program and is the Project Empowerment Program Manager. She is an inspirational speaker, a seasoned clinician, and a dedicated ally.
Lynnea Railey is a proud, vibrant, HIV positive woman who has devoted her life to serving the HIV/AIDS community. She is currently working for University of San Diego’s iSTRIVE Research Lab. She is a Peer Navigator for the Women SHINE study, co-facilitating weekly group sessions and providing psychoeducation. She serves as the Chair of the UCLA-CDU CFAR Community Advisory Board and served as a member of the Los Angeles County Commission on HIV/AIDS (2013-2014) and an APLA Peer Consultant in 2013. Ms. Garbutt has been featured in the Los Angeles Times twice, for testifying before the Governor’s Budget Committee in 2009, and again for her participation in AIDS Walk LA in 2009. She was the recipient of the Sister Love 2020 Leading Women Society Award and the LA HIV/AIDS Women’s Task Force Peer Leadership Award, both in 2012. Ms. Garbutt is newly married and lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and daughter.

Tagline: “Because Black women in America have been silenced, disrespected, and unappreciated for too long. My voice is fueled with passion for change. Stigma, guilt, shame, and fear have caused many of us to hide our faces and swallow our words. I speak for those who can’t. I can be an inspiration to others, and I know that HIV research can result in a cure. I’ve never known a world without HIV, and because of research I hope to see it within my lifetime.”
Shawn Pleasants is an independent advocate for unhoused people in Los Angeles. A former banker and entrepreneur with an economics degree from Yale, he lived unhoused in downtown Los Angeles with his husband for 10 years. In 2020, they were able to procure housing, and Mr. Pleasants is now on numerous boards and advisory committees; co-chair of the Los Angele Homeless Services Authority Lived Experience Advisory Board; Lafayette Park A Bridge Home Advisory Council; Ktown For All; the Legal Needs Assessment for People Living with HIV-AIDS Community Advisory Committee; and the Los Angeles Center for Aids Research Community Advisory Board. Mr. Pleasants joined the UCLA-CDU Center For AIDS Research in February 2022. Mr. Pleasants has been featured in news stories on CNN, KTLA, Spectrum News, the Los Angeles Times, and interviewed on KCRW, KCCP, LAist, and many others. Mr. Pleasants has taken the things that once held him down and used them to lift him up in the areas of HIV research, homelessness, and substance use disorder.

Tagline: “My voice matters in research because I speak for those who no longer have a voice. My voice matters in research because I want the end of the epidemic to have a little bit of me in it. My voice matters in research because I matter!”
Jeronimo I. Barajas is a passionate and dedicated UCLA-CDU CFAR Community Advisory Board Member with a profound interest in research, outreach, and advocacy focused on HIV and other infectious diseases. His involvement in research studies such as the Reprieve study, Anchor study, M Study, and the CoViD-19 vaccine study demonstrates his unwavering dedication to advancing our understanding of infectious diseases and their management. Through these endeavors, he has shown not only his commitment to personal growth but also his desire to contribute to the betterment of global health. Beyond his research pursuits, Jeronimo’s passion for community support is evident through his past role as a facilitator for a Spanish support group dedicated to individuals living with HIV. Through his empathy, knowledge, and leadership, he has created a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, seek guidance, and build connections. Outside of his professional engagements, Jeronimo enjoys outdoors activities such as walking, hiking, reading, meditating, and participating in support groups recharge and find inspiration. His holistic approach to life serves as a model for others seeking to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Tagline: “My voice matters in research because: Advocacy plays a crucial role in raising awareness about HIV and promoting positive change, by fighting stigma, discrimination, and misinformation surrounding HIV. My voice can help highlight gaps in current research, healthcare, and support services. My willingness to share my experiences and engage in HIV-related discussions can inspire others to do the same.”
Patsy Lawson learned she was HIV positive in 1989 while pregnant with her son Raymond, who was born with HIV. Raymond died shortly after birth, but Ms. Lawson’s inner strength helped her to move forward with her life even while mourning her son. After entering into HIV treatment, she became an advocate for her life, and the lives of other African American HIV+ women. She went on to have another child, Lynnea, who was also born with HIV. Today Patsy and Lynnea are both activists in the prevention and treatment of HIV. Patsy served on the Los Angeles Commission on HIV in 2014 and continues to educate African American women about living with HIV.

Tagline: “Because I believe research makes a difference and saves lives. I am a strong Black woman, and this fight against HIV and AIDS has awakened a warrior in me. I stand with many others against stigma and ignorance towards individuals living with HIV and AIDS. I know I am not alone, and I want you to know you are not alone either.”
Raul Amezquita is a 53 year old man who was born in Mexico, where he studied clothing design and was a karate instructor. Upon his arrival in Los Angeles, he attended Evans Adult School where he learned to speak English. Raul also completed high school, and has taken courses for Medical Office Assistant, Medical Billing, Dental Assistant, and Ortho Assistant, eventually working in a dental office for five years. At 40 years old, he became involved in HIV advocacy and activism, speaking up for those without a voice, including HIV+ immigrants, and those who don’t speak English. He’s spoken before the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on the housing needs of HIV# people, as well as the California Legislature about HIV decriminalization and equality. Recently, Raul spoke on a panel at the prestigious 3rd National Ending the HIV Epidemic Partnerships for Research Meeting at UCLA. Raul says “It was a challenge, I was nervous, but I got support from the team. I was happy to do this.” Raul is a proud member of the UCLA CDU CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB), and also participates in Clinical Trials and other HIV-related research.

Tagline: “Because as an immigrant, even though English is not my 1st language, and I didn’t grow up in the American culture, my participation in clinical research studies is crucial to finding a cure. I believe we need to talk more about clinical research, and if we do, you and I can make a difference.”
Maria Alicia Scott is a 70 year old cis-gender woman, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who’s been living with AIDS for almost 30 years. Maria has proudly served on the UCLA CDU CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB) since it began in 2021. She has served for 4 years as the Chairperson of the Harbor UCLA ACTG clinical research studies CAB, where she currently holds the position of Secretary and has been a dedicated CAB member on the UCLAFAN CAB for the past 8 years. Maria joined her 1st clinical research study at the University of Hawaii in 1996, just after she tested positive for HIV, learned she only had 100 t-cells, and was diagnosed with AIDS at the same time. Maria has been participating in research ever since and plans to continue participating in research by donating her body to science when she dies.

Tagline: “My voice matters in research…because I believe research saved my life. I started participating in research when I was first diagnosed.  I was part of the research, where they learned how to dose medications for women.  I expect to continue to participate in research until the day I die, and then I’m going to donate my body to science so the research can continue saving lives even after I’m gone. My voice matters in research because I KNOW my participation in research continues to make a difference.”
Syncere is native of Asbury Park, New Jersey. His early life was heavily influenced by the death of his mother after a prolonged illness when she was only 25 years old. During that time, his matriarchal grandmother introduced Syncere to the teachings of Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey and other Civil Rights luminaries. Around the age of 10 and continuing through early adulthood, Syncere began attending the “Hole In The Wall” and “Camp Bright Feather” camps: these experiences introduced him to an overwhelming support system outside of his neighborhood as well as various individuals from all levels of society. In these spaces he learned leadership and a commitment to help others, becoming the “first camper turned counselor,” and eventually working full time as YMCA Camp Staff. As a college student in 2004, Syncere was offered the opportunity to attend a Ryan White Grant Writing Workshop in Virginia. Since then, he has attended numerous HIV/AIDS related conferences, workshops, and trainings, and is involved in many other socio/political causes to advance people in need. This led to a career as an Addictions & Corrections Counselor, and eventually a Case Worker at APLA, one of Los Angeles’ largest and well known HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations.

Tagline: “Because it speaks to the degree of participation that I have in making sound decisions as a consumer, HIV positive man, and as a person. It plays an intricate role in what set of values my community lives by and would like to see exist. It sets the tone for what matters in research, and where people like me think the future of research and methods should go…not a number but a priority. Not performative but personal. Research by definition is observation, and my voice, added to that, makes it the well-defined outcome.”
Susan Alvarado began her work in HIV prevention in 2010 during a two-year service in the Peace Corps. As a Peace Corps volunteer, providing HIV education to community members, health center patients, high school students and health promoters in rural Guatemala. In addition, provider trainings on HIV awareness, prevention and stigma reduction were provided to doctors, nurses and health administrators using PEPFAR (President Emergency Plan for AIDS Research) funds, a collaboration effort led by Susan. Upon her return to Los Angeles in 2012, Susan worked for two years providing HIV prevention to MSM (Men Who Have Sex with Men) in the Crystal Meth Harm Reduction Program at APLA Health. During this time, she was certified as an HIV Tester to provide HIV testing and prevention counseling to participants of the Crystal Meth Program. In 2016, Susan worked as a Research Study Coordinator at APLA Health for the first PrEP study targeting cis-gender women in L.A. County. In this role, Susan was responsible for outreaching, recruiting and counseling women who were participants of the study and taking PrEP to prevent the transmission of HIV. She worked with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the study participants were staying adherent to their PrEP medication. In addition, Susan provided training and education to both the community and providers on PrEP and women that extended to Riverside and San Bernardino County. Susan also co-presented at local and national conferences on the topic of PrEP and women, including the United States Conference on HIV/AIDS. In 2022, Susan joined the UCLA CDU CFAR CAB as a community member providing her insight and experience with PrEP.

Tagline: “Because it helps the community. My voice matters in research because it might inspire other people in similar situations. My voice matters because I am a representative of my community.”
Journey Moreno is a proud Trans-Indigenous American woman who identifies with both her European and Latinx heritage. She is one of 13 siblings, who lives her life authentically, as she has found that this is what has brought her peace & happiness. Ever since she found out about her HIV diagnosis, her overall health, and desire to maintain an undetectable viral load (for over 9 years) have been very important to her. Journey was part of a volunteer delegation, traveling to Guatemala (2015) and Thailand (2017) to teach English and ASL. In 2021, Journey was featured in one of the UCLA Family AIDS Network’s (UCLA FAN) Educational resources that focused on assisting youth who were transitioning from Adolescent to Adult Health Care Providers called: Transitioning Youth Education Series. (Which can be found at LAFAN.org under the Education tab). Journey believes that it is important for her to be “seen”, not in the shadows but in the light, with her face shown to the world. This has not always easy for her, as the challenge of being publicly vulnerable is something that has been a constant struggle, but she still does it, because she BELIEVES that representation and visibility is VERY important. She has chosen to use her voice because she also understands that the voices of Trans-Indigenous American women are worthy and deserve to be heard. Journey hopes to create a community chain of love and understanding to eliminate stigma. Being part of the UCLA CDU CFAR CAB and having had the honor and privilege of hearing stories, information, and research, has been rewarding and she is convinced that it has contributed to her overall health and wellbeing. She said, “Being in a space with, and a part of, a group of individuals who are intelligent, dedicated, and passionate about community is so inspiring.” In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, including Femme Vogue, Old Way Vogue, Shuffle Dance, and Pole & Heels, as well as taking runway classes, having always been inspired to be a dancer and runway model.

Tagline: “Because transgender voices deserve seat at every table. Participating in research allows me to share my perspective as an Indigenous American Latinx mixed trans woman. Getting the care that I need is extremely important to me. It’s scary being publicly vulnerable, but visibility and representation are vital to eliminating the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and transgender care. I hope using my voice inspires others to do the same. I believe together we can lift each other up and all be heard!”
Ke’alohilani Julianna Robinson hails from Los Angeles County, California. Although born in Hawai’i, she moved to California at 14 months old, so she’s been there as long as she can remember. She is currently in a BSN degree program with an end goal of working with the LGBTQ+ adolescent and pediatric population as a nurse practitioner. Ke’alohilani was introduced to the NCAB at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2023 and has been an advocate since her sophomore year of high school, advocating for causes such as homelessness, LGBT equality, and food insecurities for marginalized communities. Using opportunities to speak to school boards and city councils in cities around her, and with the help of the community, she successfully petitioned for all-gender bathrooms to be installed in two school districts’ middle and high schools, as well as the non-implementation of a parental notification policy regarding teens who come out as transgender at school. As a member of the CFAR LA CAB, Ke’alohilani hopes to help spread awareness about HIV prevention. In addition, she wishes to share strategies for engaging young people in HIV research and care, broaden her understanding of creative approaches to adolescent involvement in HIV treatment and prevention discussions, and refine her understanding of HIV care.