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Edward Myles
Myles was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. At the age of 21, he made a pivotal move to Tampa, a decision that would alter the course of his life forever. His journey began when he discovered the Metropolitan Charities LGBTQ center, which offered HIV testing and services. What started as volunteer work soon became an essential part of his life, and he was eventually offered a position as a receptionist. During this time, he received news about his own HIV status, which made his work deeply personal and intensified his commitment to supporting others. This experience laid the foundation for a path far beyond anything he could have imagined. With the support and experience gained at METRO, Myles progressed into a more extensive role working with youth aged 13-24. He provided peer mentorship, sexual health education, case management, and facilitated support groups for young people living with HIV. Simultaneously, he volunteered with organizations serving young Black and Brown men, focusing on sexual health education and prevention efforts. His dedication and leadership in these spaces led to overseeing a program that evaluated the effectiveness of community-based initiatives, which not only exceeded expectations but also demonstrated his ability to drive impactful change. Although the program was highly successful, funding limitations ultimately resulted in its closure. Undeterred, Myles continued to serve his community by providing sexual health education across diverse settings in Tampa. During this period, he also launched Let’s Feed Folks, a community initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity. This effort gained notable recognition in the local media and community, with Bay News 9 interviewing him and spotlighting his work in community development. In 2019, Myles was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award from Bay News 9, a testament to his unwavering dedication and impactful contributions to Tampa Bay’s underserved populations. Driven by a desire to create lasting, meaningful change, Myles founded We Are the Change, Inc. in 2019. The organization focuses on empowerment through community development, addressing food insecurity, financial literacy, and other critical needs among underserved populations in the Tampa Bay area. Myles exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding Community Champion through his unwavering dedication, leadership, and impactful advocacy within the HIV community. With over 16 years of experience working tirelessly to end the epidemic, he has transformed personal adversity into a powerful force for social change, educating, empowering, and inspiring others to break down stigma and access vital resources. As the Outreach and Service Integration Program Coordinator and Chair of both the Hillsborough County Planning Committee and the West Central Florida Ryan White Health Council, Myles demonstrates exceptional leadership in coordinating efforts across organizations, assessing community needs, and strategically mobilizing resources to improve health outcomes. His ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, combined with his deep lived experience, uniquely positions him to foster meaningful connections and inspire collective action toward community well-being.

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