Our theme for this year’s celebration was “Putting People First: East Bay Communities on the Rise“. We highlighted legacy personnel and their work in addition to those who may be new to the field here in the East Bay that continue to move us forward towards ending the HIV epidemic.
It was a remarkable day, brimming with friendship, delicious food, captivating performances—and even an unexpected tsunami warning to keep us on our toes! At its heart, the day was a celebration of unwavering dedication and the profound respect we hold for those who selflessly prioritize their communities, especially during these challenging and unpredictable times.
East Bay Getting to Zero and the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center extend gratitude to our valued partners, Gilead Sciences and ViiV Healthcare. Your generous support made this inspiring event possible, and we are thankful.
Keep reading to discover more about our awardees, their impactful work, and to enjoy a glimpse of the vibrant performances through some memorable photos!
East Bay World AIDS Day Award Winners
The Loren Jones Memorial Award: Gloria Crowell
Loren Jones was a fierce and courageous social justice leader in the East Bay HIV community. The Loren Jones Memorial award was created after Loren’s passing in 2021 to honor those who have similarly served the East Bay HIV community with unwavering dedication, passion, and love over the years. Each year, East Bay Getting To Zero selects a Loren Jones award recipient in honor of Loren’s spirit as “one of the most audacious advocates to ever grace our community.
Kenny Hall and Joe Hawkins presented Gloria with this prestigious award.
This year marks 35 years of Gloria Crowell’s unwavering commitment to HIV/AIDS services and advocacy at local, national, and global levels. Her career encompasses impactful roles in nonprofit organizations and the County Health Department, including her distinguished work with Allen Temple Health & Social Services. Gloria’s dedication to community service and volunteerism is reflected in her contributions to influential bodies such as the City of Oakland Redistricting Commission, the Alameda County Public Health Commission, and her current role on the Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless Commission. Her extensive professional journey has enabled her to collaborate with thought leaders, deepen her expertise, and drive innovative solutions to pressing challenges facing underserved communities. She currently has a Certified Local Small Business providing Mobile Notary and Mobile LiveScan Fingerprinting Services. As a founding partner of the Black Cultural Zone Collaborative, Gloria champions the integration of art and culture into Black spaces. Through BCZ’s focus on building power, securing land, and channeling resources toward community-driven initiatives, she is committed to creating a lasting foothold for the Black community in East Oakland.
Innovation and Resourcefulness: Anthony Sillemon
This individual is unafraid to step out of the box to create solutions. They are creative and fearless in this work, while continuing to inspire others.
Kenny Hall presented Dr. Sillemon with this award.
Dr. Tony Sillemon is the Director of Community Health for Sutter Bay Hospital and East Bay Advanced Care (EBAC), at the Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Dr. Silleman also plays a central role in the EHE initiative. He holds a doctorate in Psychology, an MBA and MSW, and received the Dr. Robert C. Scott Achievement Award for excellence in HIV/AIDS services to the African American community.
Nomination quote: “Tony Sillemon leads with empathy, innovation, and a deep commitment to the East Bay community. Tony builds partnerships that bring much-needed healthcare services to underserved populations, ensuring EBAC remains a trusted lifeline in the community. His leadership continues to inspire his team and uplift the lives of the people EBAC serves.”
Empathy and Kindness: Paul Bayard, MD
This individual consistently shows up with compassion. They are passionate about the care they provide for their patients/clients and are not afraid to help others in serving our East Bay community.
Carmen Foster presented Dr. Bayard with this award.
Dr. Paul Bayard MD MPH has worked his entire medical career at La Clinica de la Raza providing the full spectrum of family medicine care to the greater Fruitvale community, with emphasis on HIV, chronic disease, and integrated behavioral health. After earning his MPH at U.C. Berkeley, Dr. Bayard did his medical training at UCSF School of Medicine, and residency at San Francisco General Hospital, during the peak of the AIDS epidemic. Upon arriving at La Clinica, Dr. Bayard worked diligently to establish care for HIV patients, and after 31 years of work at La Clinica, helping establish this program remains his greatest source of pride. In addition to his ongoing commitment to patient care, he is currently clinical lead for pharmacy, lab, COVID, and TRUCHA.
Nomination quote: “Dr. Bayard demonstrates an unwavering passion for HIV care, approaching each patient with compassion and respect to uphold their dignity. In addition to being an outstanding provider, Dr. Bayard is a dedicated advocate for his patients. It is common to see him after hours, still deeply engaged in discussions about patient care. His patients greatly appreciate having him as a provider and often request his continued care, valuing the strong, trusting relationship he fosters with each of them”
Joy Personified: Donte Washington
This award is presented to someone who is “our go-to optimist, it is a joy to be around them.”
Joe Hawkins and Maurice Tobin presented Donte with this award.
Donte is an Oakland native with over 18 years of dedicated service in HIV prevention and community health. Donte has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the well-being of his community. His tireless efforts focus on delivering compassionate care, empowering underserved populations, and driving impactful change. Known for his loyalty to his mission and a work ethic rooted in integrity, Donte remains a steadfast advocate for health equity, striving to create a future where everyone has access to quality care and prevention resources.
Nomination quote: “Not only is [Donte’s] spirit is joyful, but his energy and they way he takes care of his clients above and beyond. He is inspiring to work around.”
Rising Star: Rachel Lucero
This individual is new to the field but already making a major impact in the community. A person who goes above and beyond, even though they freshly entered the East Bay space not too long ago.
Rachel began her career in the HIV field in May 2024 as a HIV Case Manager at Lifelong Medical Care, West Berkeley. She is grateful to her team, who have taught her so much about what it truly means to be an advocate and take care of one’s community. Getting to know her patients and help make their lives a little bit lighter has been a meaningful experience and she is excited to continue to grow in the field of HIV. She is honored to be receiving this award from a community of heroes who inspire her every day. When she’s not working, Rachel enjoys cooking, dancing, and volunteering in the LGBTQ+ community.
Nomination quote: “Despite Rachel’s short time in this role, Rachel has shown remarkable growth and adaptability, quickly becoming an invaluable asset to our team. Her dedication to HIV treatment, prevention, and resources is evident in her proactive approach to client care and her commitment to fostering a supportive environment. Rachel’s investment in the well-being of her clients and her eagerness to learn and improve make her a standout team member, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make a significant impact in the HIV community.”
Community Collaborator: Town Bar and Lounge
This award is given to those who live their beliefs through their business. These individuals organizations go above and beyond to support our communities.
Town Bar is a QPOC-owned Art Deco bar and lounge. Inspired by the iconic I. Magnin & Co. building located in the heart of Uptown Oakland. Town Bar & Lounge is devoted to creating a supportive and inclusive space for everyone. Our design combined with gold accents and cushy velvet seating invite you to unwind and experience a touch of sophistication, elegance and most importantly, belonging.
Nomination quote: Town Bar has consistently opened up its space for the community folks and events to create meaningful improvements in community services Town Bar has donated $15K for the Oakland LGBTQ’s food pantry to ensure that community members have access to food when they need it most Town Bar was a strong advocate for the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District Town Bar regularly curates and displays works from local LGBTQ+ artists.
East Bay World AIDS Day Host and Performers
Clockwise from top left:
- Jose Perez did a magnificent job of hosting our event
- Dre Lanier seneraded us with his silky R&B vocals (drop that Christmas album!)
- Representing House and Ballroom: The legendary Ashlee Banks and Anita Thomas
- Brandon Blackman brought the house down with his Michael Jackson lip synch stylings
Thanks to our planning committee
From the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center
- Maurice Tobin
- Jose Perez
- Andy Cabrera
- Donte Washington
From East Bay Getting to Zero
- Yamini Oseguera-Bhatnagar
- Jayne Gagliano