Red Ribbon Awards

The Penn CFAR CAB held the first ever Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony in the world in 2004. The ceremony is held each year in commemoration of World AIDS Day, and recognizes the tireless efforts of our local heroes in policy, research, community, faith, youth leadership and more. The Penn CFAR CAB has developed partnerships with several programs from the School District of Philadelphia showcasing the work of youth around the city and creating the space to continue the work of HIV activism and education. 

2025 Red Ribbon Awards

Nominations have been received for this year's Red Ribbon awards and winners will be announced in mid to late August.

Our awards ceremony will be held on Monday, December 1st. More details on the ceremony to come.

This year’s theme, “Our Health, Our Rights, Our Community,” reflects our shared commitment to fair access to healthcare, human rights, and collective progress. Together, we honor the legacy of this movement and those who continue to work toward a healthier and more just future.

The following awards will be distributed this year:

  • OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY LEADER: Someone who has made a significant contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDS in the role of an advocate, caregiver, and/or community activist.
  • OUTSTANDING RESEARCHER: Someone who has made significant contributions in research to improve clinical/medical practices, and/or social issues involving HIV prevention and/ or treatment efforts.
  • 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
  • OUTSTANDING PROVIDER: Someone who has made significant contributions in providing HIV/AIDS care, treatment and support.

PREVIOUS RED RIBBON AWARD WINNERS

RED RIBBON AWARDS 2024 (20th Anniversary)

Howell Strauss, DMD: Outstanding Community Leader Award

Robert Gross, MD, MSCE: Outstanding Researcher Award

Mary Evelyn Torres: Outstanding Policy Maker Award

Edward (Ted) Kreider, MD, PhD: Cure Advocacy (BEAT-HIV) Award

Bishop Ernest McNear, D. Min: Faith-Based Leader Award

Karam Mounzer, MD: Outstanding Provider Award

Susan Mull: Rick Britt Positive Award

AIDS Fund: Robert Schoenberg Pioneer Award


RED RIBBON AWARDS 2023

Roy Hayes: Outstanding Community Leader
Dr. Frederic Bushman: Outstanding Researcher
Dr. Elizabeth Lowenthal: Outstanding Researcher
Dr. William Short: Outstanding Provider

RED RIBBON 2022

Hiba Imad: Dale L. Grundy Youth Leader Award
Florence Momplaisir, MD: Researcher Award
Javontae Williams: Policy Maker Award
Lupe Diaz: Community Award 
Dining Out For Life: Robert A. Schoenberg Pioneer Award
Robert Thornton: Faith-Based Award
Click HERE to watch the 2022 Red Ribbon Awards Program.

RED RIBBON 2021

Rev. Rodger Broadley: Faith-Based Leader Award
Euraliz Lopez: Dale L. Grundy Youth Leader Award
Jose Bauermeister, PhD, MPH: Outstanding Researcher Award
Coleman Terrell: Outstanding Policy Maker Award
Tyrone Smith: Outstanding Community Leader Award 
Philly AIDS Thrift: Robert A. Schoenberg Pioneer Award
Click HERE to watch the 2021 Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony.
Click HERE for a copy of the 2021 Red Ribbon Awards Program.

RED RIBBON 2020

Faith-Based: Rev. Dr. Calenthia Dowdy
Dale L. Grundy Youth Leader: Dionte Gill
Researcher: Dr. Ellen Tedaldi
Policy Maker: Heshie Zinman
Pioneer Award: Prevention Point
Click HERE to watch the 2020 Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony.

For a list of all previous Red Ribbon Award winners see HERE.