This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the San Francisco AIDS Foundation Tribute Gala at the Four Seasons San Francisco as part of my journey as Miss World America. It was an unforgettable evening filled with glamour, community, and of course advocacy.
The San Francisco AIDS Foundation has been a cornerstone of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS for decades. Their work in providing prevention, care, education, and support services, has transformed countless lives in the Bay Area and beyond. But while progress has been made, there is still more to do to ensure that every person has access to care and the chance to live a healthy, dignified life.
The Stigma That Remains on AIDS
One of the most important aspects of this mission is breaking down the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS. Even today, millions of people across the globe live not only with the medical challenges of the virus, but also with the social barriers that stigma creates. Raising awareness, sharing stories, and getting involved with organizations like the San Francisco AIDS Foundation helps to replace that fear with knowledge.
As I attended this gala, I couldn’t help but think of Princess Diana. At a time when fear and misinformation about HIV/AIDS were at their peak, she changed the global conversation by sitting beside patients, holding their hands, and showing the world that their judgments were wrong. Her courage and humility continue to inspire me in my own advocacy work, and I hope to carry forward that same spirit of empathy and service.
The Royal Gala Treatment
Speaking of royalty, I felt deeply honored to sit at a VIP table alongside the Founder and CEO, sharing in their vision and hearing firsthand about the continued impact of their mission. The leadership and dedication of the SFAF team inspires me to keep using my platform to spotlight causes that affect my community, and more importantly, that save lives!
Lucky for me, the SFAF colors are yellow and black (yellow being my favorite color!) For the occasion, I wore a bright yellow Jasz Couture gown, which I will say perfectly matched the step-and-repeat. My friend Corrina joined me for the evening, and together we witnessed the organization’s work in action! We were proud to see tens of thousands of dollars raised through the live auction and donations.
As Miss World America, I strive to stand with organizations that embody compassion and justice. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation is doing life-changing work, and I’m grateful to have been part of a night that celebrated resilience and raised critical support for the future.
