Why do you love pursuing your passion?
I love pursuing my passion because it gives me a sense of purpose as a PrEP Educator/Public Health Social Worker for the Onondaga County Health Department-Center for Disease Control. I am mainly passionate about helping in general but to be able to prevent AIDS/HIV or assist someone living with these diseases is something that brings me joy. Everyone wants their works and actions to have a positive impact, and my passion gives me the opportunity to do that. In addition, I lost both parents to the AIDS/HIV Epidemic and eliminating the effects of the virus allows me to settle the score. Ensure the outcome is different for another family.

When did you realize that this was your passion?

In 2010, I lost my mother to the complication of HIV. Despite living with the virus for over 2 decades, she never revealed her status until 7 days before her passing. By then, the damage was done and it was too late for my mother. In 2005, we lost my father to the complications of AIDS. I honestly felt robbed. Bitter and confused is an understatement. When I began employment with ACR Health in 2011, I discovered I could do more than lose from this situation. I could win by helping others. Helping gave me a reason to return to "living" and gave me something to fight for. Now, I am apart of Governor Cuomo's 3 Point Plan to End AIDS in New York State by 2020. I am running a program that will protect a person's HIV negative status with a daily pill and sexual health support called PrEP which stands for Pre-exposure prophylaxis.

What gives you the strength to pursue your passion?

My interaction with the community I serve is my strength. I enjoy sharing knowledge and resources that will improve their overall health and quality of life. It is powerful when you can help someone value their sexual health and your role in them getting there. There are others but the bottom line is I enjoy the people, they are my strength. I often think of my parents and what they would say about the role I play in my community and I believe they would be proud, another source of strength from me.

Describe one of your proudest moments. Describe a hardship and how it was overcome.

I would say I am proud I did not give up on life because I was very close. I am glad I am no longer in a ball on the ground wondering how I would survive such traumatic loss (after the death of my mom). I was ready to give up. Her death reminded me how fragile life is. My mother was such a huge part of my life I had to find a new normal after her passing. I am proud that I found passion purpose in the midst of loss. Trust me, 6 years ago this did not seem possible and I am proud that has changed!

What advice do you have for people who are too afraid to follow their dreams?

I would say following your dream becomes easy and fearless when you find your lane. Find what is it that you’re good at and mold that to your dreams. Once you do that, find people who are living your dream and build relationships with them. Lastly, always hope for the better and do not be afraid to work at it!

Who do you hope to impact through your work?

HIV/AIDS has no respect of person, meaning it is a disease that no one person or group of people can avoid. It is true that the risk are high in the LGBTQ community, as well as heterosexual black women, but I hope to impact all those that need me. No matter what population they fit. What my passion allows me to offer and share is something everyone can benefit from. I know it is bold to say that I want to impact everyone but that is my plan. I am a part of a plan to end AIDS by 2020 in New York State and that will impact everyone in the end.

Lada: I met Lanika at Le Moyne College. She has been supportive as an Alumna and an amazing community leader in Syracuse. I really appreciate her work and was so excited when she agreed to do the interview. She is an amazing example of hard work and dedication.