Ida Henson Starks was homegrown in beautiful Orlando, Florida. She graduated Jones High School and furthered her education at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama. After her diagnosis in May of 2000, Ida joined the HIV community both as a patient and as an advocate. She has held roles as an Outreach Specialist, Program Manager, Psychosocial Support Administrator, Ryan White HOPWA and Intensive Case Manager. Ida currently holds the title of the Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator at OICInspired, a nonprofit organization who was formed to enhance access to comprehensive healthcare services in Central Florida. As a key member of OICInspired, the Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator plays an essential role in advancing public health and promoting equitable access to care. Ida is responsible for leading HIV testing, health education and care navigation services for individuals at risk for or living with HIV. Ida has held seats which includes: serving as the Ryan White Community Co-Chair for the local Planning Council, the Area 6 representative for the State of Florida Consumer HIV/AIDS Group and a former State of Florida Representative for the CDC Medical Monitoring Project. Ida is an ongoing advocate and supporter not only in the local community, but she advocates on state, national and worldwide platforms as well. She leaves no one behind. She wants inclusion for all walks of life. Diagnosed 25 years ago, Ida has never dropped her head but instead shown her peers how to keep pushing a positive attitude in the midst of what is called a negative situation. She has turned what was said to be a death sentence into living a fully positive life, in every aspect. Ida is the proud mother of one son, Wyndell, who recently enlisted in the United Staes Army. She is a woman of God who stands on the word. Supporting, educating and encouraging the community to get tested and know their status is her PURPOSE. There IS life after a positive test result is her motto.