Terre Taylor
Terre Taylor, a graduate of Roosevelt University in Schaumburg, Illinois, with a Master of Science in Human Resources, has dedicated over three decades working in the following industries: Real Estate, Human Resources, and Education. She has honed her skills in critical thinking, planning, and evaluation. However, it’s her involvement since 2003 as a representative for individuals living with HIV and AIDS that truly showcases her commitment to community advocacy and education. Through her lived experience and volunteer work, Ms. Taylor has gained extensive knowledge about the needs and barriers faced by key populations, emphasizing the importance of basic education and culturally relevant information on HIV.
Within ACTG, Ms. Taylor’s contributions are notable. ACTG was formerly known as the AIDS Clinical Trials Group. ACTG has recently rebranded itself to Advancing Clinical Therapeutics Globally.
Serving on the Community Scientific Subcommittee (CSS) of the Global Community Advisory Board (GCAB), Terre Taylor has represented CSS on various ACTG committees and protocol teams. In her current term, Terre is representing the team on the members’ website committee; Team Women; HIV and Aging; and the Young People Committee. This showcases her unwavering commitment to furthering research efforts and championing community engagement in scientific initiatives.
The role of Community Advisory Board (CAB) members within ACTG is crucial. As a non-scientific Subject Matter Expert, she dispels myths, educates communities, and aids in study recruitment challenges. Ms. Taylor’s goals align with this ethos, aiming to empower clinical trial participants to engage with the local CAB, ensuring community voices are integral in the evaluation and implementation of research protocols. By fostering mentorship and inclusivity, Terre and her fellow GCAB members continue to play essential roles in shaping the future of HIV/AIDS research and advocacy within ACTG.
Ms. Taylor believes that encouraging all clinical trial participants to actively engage with their local CABs under the mentorship of seasoned members is imperative.
Terre Taylor, an advocate for access to healthcare, has traveled to Washington, DC, multiple times over the past 21 years to lobby for health-related legislation. Terre played a role in helping to pass the National Strategy on AIDS, eliminating insurance coverage restrictions on pre-existing conditions and supporting funding for the Ryan White program. Her life’s work is giving back to the community. An active churchgoer and social justice champion, Ms. Taylor has been vocal in antiracism and equity-building work. Ms. Taylor is currently sitting on a protocol team for a new medication.
Monica Nohlanhla Nyawo
Currently, Monica Nohlanhla Nyawo is an International Community of Women Living with HIV Southern Africa (ICWSA) chairperson, Women Steering Committee Secretary for the RS /Organization, and Lead Deputy Chair for the Enhancing Care Foundation (ECF) in Durban, South Africa.
She also serves as a Community Advocacy/Treatment Literacy Practitioner for TB and HIV with more than 10 years of experience in various organizations in South Africa. Monica is passionate about TB/HIV and hepatitis education and clinical research and helping communities access care in a timely manner. She does advocate and peer education for clinical research awareness in the communities and some of the health facilities that the site recruits from.
Monica Nyawo has been a member of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) at the Durban International Clinical Research Site (11201) for quite some time, and is the current vice chair of the CAB. She has shown excellent leadership, which was demonstrated by being unanimously voted as vice chair by all members two terms in a row.
Ms. Nyawo is at the forefront of community-based outreach activities for the CAB and has participated in all CAB activities conducted by the site.
Other activities that Ms. Nyawo is involved in include but are not limited to CAB draft protocol review, monthly meetings, planning and providing ideas for outreach, induction of new CAB members, and liaising closely with site recruiters and empowering them with skills to liaise with health facility staff and community leaders.
Terre Taylor and Monica Nyawo being appointed as Team Women co-chairs fosters teamwork with the other Network members and Team Women at large. Open communication with transparency with all members will be key.