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Penn CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB)

 

 

 

CAB MISSION: The mission of the CAB is to foster and maintain partnerships and open communication between Penn CFAR researchers and community members. The CAB also works to enhance HIV education, prevention, treatment and research activities reflecting both investigators' interests and community needs.

CAB VISION: To reach underserved populations and improve community health while ensuring fair access to resources and reducing HIV incidence. 

ABOUT US: The Penn CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB) is made up of community leaders who have knowledge in many areas: advocacy, health care, HIV treatments, prison health, youth issues, gender and sexual minority community issues, STD prevention, harm reduction, and epidemiology. Most importantly, CAB members share a deep connection to Philadelphia's communities. The mission of the CAB is to foster and maintain partnerships and open communication between Penn CFAR researchers and community members. The CAB also works to enhance HIV education, prevention, treatment, and research activities reflecting both investigators' interests and community needs.

The Penn CFAR CAB held its first meeting on January 21, 2003 and meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The Community Research and Engagement Core provides administrative and program support to the CAB in support of its mission and projects. The CAB is composed of representatives from a range of campus and community-based HIV prevention and care organizations, PLWHA, community members and activists.

 

Announcement

2025 Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony

21st Annual CFAR CAB Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony Honors Commitment to HIV Research and Community Engagement

On December 1, the CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB) hosted its 21st Annual Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony, bringing together researchers, community members, advocates, and partners to honor outstanding contributions to HIV research, care, and community engagement.

Held in recognition of World AIDS Day, the Red Ribbon Awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies collaboration between the scientific community and the people most impacted by HIV. This year’s ceremony highlighted the continued importance of community-informed research, strong partnerships, and sustained commitment to improving HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

The CFAR CAB Red Ribbon Awards are a long-standing tradition that reflect the CAB’s mission to amplify community perspectives, support responsible and inclusive research practices, and strengthen the connection between Penn researchers and community partners. Awardees were recognized for their leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and dedication to advancing HIV-related work locally and globally.

As the CFAR CAB enters its 21st year of hosting this event, the ceremony served both as a celebration of progress and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to improve outcomes for people living with and affected by HIV.

Check out our CFAR CAB Facebook page to see photos from our 2025 event.

Penn CFAR CAB 20th Annual Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony

2024 Red Ribbon Awardees

The 2024 Red Ribbon Awardees:

  • Mary Evelyn Torres: POLICY MAKER- Someone who has exhibited knowledge, commitment, and excellence in public policy and in issues surrounding HIV/AIDS as a local, state, or federal policymaker.
  • Robert Gross, MD, MSCE: RESEARCHER- Someone who has made significant contributions in research to improve clinical/medical practices, and/or social issues involving HIV prevention, treatment, and/or cure efforts.
  • Howell Strauss, DMD: COMMUNITY MEMBER- Someone who has made a significant contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the role of advocate, caregiver, and/or community activist.
  • Bishop Ernest McNear, D. Min.: FAITH BASED- An individual or organization/group whose mission has been to serve the community and has made a significant contribution in addressing HIV/AIDS through education, advocacy, and/or caregiving.
  • Ted Kreider, MD, PhD: BEAT HIV CAB CURE ADVOCACY: An individual of distinguished character who has focused their work on advancing HIV cure education, research, and or advocacy in Philadelphia communities.
  • Karam Mounzer, MD: PROVIDER- Someone who has made significant contributions in providing HIV/AIDS care, treatment and support. 

  • Susan Mull: Rick Britt Positive Award

  • AIDS Fund: Robert Schoenberg Pioneer Award

Previous Red Ribbon Awardees in attendance.

 

CFAR CAB Members

 

NEWS

  • Red Ribbon Connect- Virtual Exchange

    The CFAR Community Advisory Board (CAB) is organizing Red Ribbon Connect — a voluntary, monthly virtual exchange that pairs CFAR researchers with peer institutions around the world. With each partnership: (1) international researchers will present their current work and localized perspectives on HIV/AIDS in virtual sessions with the CFAR CAB, and (2) CFAR researchers will have the opportunity to share their own approaches in return. 

    Complete the brief survey to join the roster of potential virtual exchange participants. Invitations will be sent based on alignment with partner interests.

Upcoming CFAR CAB Events

  • Membership & Nominations Committee Meeting 4:00pm EDT

    The Membership and Nominations Committee oversee the recruitment of new CAB members as vacancies arise. Once new CAB members are approved by the full CAB, this committee will review the by-laws and all membership documents with new CAB members as a part of the orientation of new members  This committee also works with the CAB coordinator to monitor attendance and communication and oversees the election process for CAB officers. 

    This committee meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 4:00pm EDT.

    To attend the Membership & Nominations committee meeting, please email the CAB Coordinator.

  • Education & Outreach Committee Meeting 3:00 pm EDT

    The Education & Outreach committee works with the CAB Executive Committee to recommend and coordinate continuing education of CAB members in order to foster a knowledgeable and effective CAB. Additionally, the CAB focuses on outreach opportunities, collaborations and events throughout the community. 

    This committee meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 3:00 pm EDT.

    To join an Education & Outreach committee meeting, please email the CAB Coordinator.

  • CFAR CAB Monthly Meeting 12:00pm

    Topic: Penn CFAR CAB Meeting Time: Every month on the Second Tuesday at 12:00 noon EDT To request meeting access, send an email to the CAB Coordinator.