Meet the Team
Sheidera Pritchard - Founder and CEO of STlGMAAside
Sheidera "Shea" Pritchard is the Founder and CEO of STlGMAAside, which was launched in February 2023. Prior to the organization's launch, she served the community as a social justice advocate, educator, and life consultant. Having lost many family members and friends to HIV/AIDS, and now herself, being a person living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), she feels it is her duty to educate and advocate for those disproportionately affected. Currently, Sheidera works collaboratively with other local organizations on planning councils to organize outreach events that educate and bridge the gap in resources available to marginalized communities. Her familial background and personal experience living with the disease has afforded her the ability to structure and implement programs that sustainably cater to these needs. In addition, she has joined the G2Z (Getting to Zero) initiative implemented by the Mecklenburg County Health Department, and as a community collaborator on the CAG (Community Action Group) for UNC Chapel Hill's RESPOND project. Sheidera's promise to the community is that she will continue to speak loudly in defense of the rights for people with HIV/AIDS, and those who are most vulnerable to have equitable access to life saving services.
Anthony "AJ" Scruggs
Board Chair and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Mr. Anthony J. Scruggs, an acclaimed advocate and activist, is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the community. Hailing from the vibrant capital city of Trenton, NJ, Anthony’s journey of advocacy took root and flourished through experiences in Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA, where he pursued his education. In 2016, Anthony’s life took a significant turn when he received a positive diagnosis for HIV. This pivotal moment sparked a deeper commitment to advocacy, particularly for marginalized communities affected by stigma. Inspired by fellow advocate Achim Howard, a black trans man, Anthony founded Visible Truth 365 in the late spring of 2018. Under Anthony’s leadership, Visible Truth 365 evolved from a social media campaign, #purple365, into a comprehensive movement providing direct services, resources, and consultancy. Today, the impact of #purple365 continues to reverberate, with Anthony’s dedication shaping its ongoing legacy. Beyond his work with Visible Truth 365, Anthony serves as the Civic Engagement Fellow for PA at TAKE Resource Center, based in Birmingham, AL. He is also an active member of Positively Trans with the Transgender Law Center, contributing his expertise to uplift and empower communities.
With a wealth of experience, Anthony has been a national trainer for NMAC’s ELEVATE program for four years, imparting essential knowledge in HIV advocacy. Additionally, he holds certification as a coach in HIV advocacy and proudly serves on the Philadelphia HIV Integrated Planning Council, focusing on strategic planning and prevention initiatives.
Anthony’s journey exemplifies resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to creating positive change. As he continues to forge ahead, his impact on advocacy and community empowerment remains profound and far-reaching.
Jamie Rockhold
Board Vice - President
Barbara Sims
Community Relations Director
Associate of Science (AS)
LPN - Infectious Disease
