We are thrilled to introduce Charles Shazor Jr. as the new Director of Community Health Programs at the LGBT Life Center! With an impressive background that spans over a decade of dedicated work in HIV advocacy, community-centered healthcare, and program development, Charles brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to health equity and racial justice. From his transformative roles at NMAC to his grassroots work in Washington, D.C.’s underserved communities, Charles has proven himself to be a formidable force in the fight against HIV/AIDS. His passion for creating positive change and his innovative approach to leadership and prevention make him a perfect fit for steering our community health programs toward greater impact and inclusivity.
Join us in welcoming Charles to the team and learn more about his vision for empowering the LGBTQ+ community and beyond in Hampton Roads.
Name/Nickname: Charles Shazor Jr.
Pronouns: He/Him/El
Job title: Director of Community Health Programs
Where’d you come from, and what’d you do there?
Prior to coming to the LGBT Life Center, I joined the team after working with NMAC from 2016-2023. I held multiple positions there, including Director of the Center to End the Epidemics, Manager of The Center to End the Epidemics, HIV Systems Associate Manager, Program Coordinator, and Recruitment and Retention Specialist. I served as an integral member of the NMAC team to ensure a community-centered and evidence-based approach to adapting systems of care (Ryan White HIV/AIDS) within the HIV workforce and for People Living with HIV to improve health outcomes and quality of life.
While at NMAC, I assisted in the creation and managed the implementation of:
- BLOC (Building Leaders of Color) HRSA Funded
- ESCALATE (Ending Stigma through Collaboration and Lifting All to Empowerment) HRSA Funded
- ELEVATE (Engage Leadership through Employment, Validation, Advancing Transformation and Equity) HRSA Funded
- Youth Initiate ViiV Healthcare Funded
- GLOW program (Growing Leadership Opportunities for Women)
I have also been a part of the organizing teams for NMAC’s USCHA, Biomedical Conference, and National leadership trainings.
Prior to joining NMAC in 2016, I spent the previous 8 years educating and uplifting underserved communities within Wards 5,6,7, and 8 in Washington, DC. My work extended through such agencies as Us Helping Us, LAYC (Latin American Youth Center), Sasha Bruce Youthwork, and HIPS.
I have also served as the Co-Chair for the DCCP (DC Concerned Providers Coalition) of Children’s National Hospital’s Connect to Protect Initiative and I have also served on the DC Health and HIV Planning Commission as Commissioner in Washington DC.
I have earned national presence through my work advocating for the Health Equity and Racial Justice for communities of color living with and impacted by HIV. Nationally, I have led and established NMAC programs as best practices across the country through federal and pharmaceutical-funded initiatives.
I’m here to help you with…
In my role as the Director of Community Health Programs, I will oversee all prevention activities, including HIV/HCV/STI testing, Care Navigation, Linkage to Care, sexual health education programs, PrEP, PEP, and other relevant prevention programs and campaigns. I will also be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of all prevention grants & budgets and ensure the delivery of high-quality, culturally affirming program outcomes to improve the community’s access to sexual health services. I will also ensure and facilitate coordination between the prevention department, clinical care, client services, and housing for the seven cities of Hampton Roads.
How did you become interested in working at the LGBT Life Center?
I became interested in working at LGBT Life Center because of its reputation in the community around positively impacting people’s lives who are living with and at risk of HIV. In my career, I have developed an unwavering passion for health equity and racial justice. With these passions at the forefront of my work, I was compelled to bring my style of HIV leadership development and the implementation of healthy structural changes to Hampton Roads. My main goal in working at the LGBT Life Center is to help improve the overall well-being for folx within the LGBT+ community, and all communities impacted by HIV and change the narrative of what true Transformational Leadership looks like.
What’s an interesting thing about you that most people don’t know?
An interesting thing about me that most people don’t know is that I’m obsessed with interior home design and renovations!!
What excites you most about being at the LGBT Life Center?
What excites me the most about being at the LGBT Life Center is the opportunity to create and sustain community programming that truly impacts the area where I live and receive my own HIV services.
Rapid Fire…what is your favorite…
Animal: Black Stallion
Color: Royal Blue/Purple
Song/Music: Rap (Trap Music)
TV Show/Movie: Ridiculousness/Bringing Down the House (Queen Latifah)
Hobby: Beaches and nature walks with my son
Connect with us!
Tiktok.com/@lgbtlifecenter
Facebook.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Instagram.com/LGBTLifeCenter
Sign up for our monthly newsletter by clicking here.
Leave a Reply