We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of three new trustees to our board – Abayomi Olusunle, Carla Barrett and Asher Craig.
The appointments come at a significant time as we mark 40 years of HIV activism and work towards ending new cases of HIV by 2030. Our new trustees will play a pivotal role in ensuring that people living with HIV live a life free from stigma and discrimination and that good sexual health is a right and reality for all.
Abayomi Olusunle has a background in digital communications spanning more than six years. She is the founder of The Yommie, a thriving online community focused on empowering individuals to build authentic lives they are active participants in. In the past, her professional communications and marketing expertise has led her to work with various brands, stakeholders, outreach schemes and community organisations. These include the Global Shapers, NTU and Black Minds Matter UK, to mention a few.
Carla Barrett is Head of Research and Impact at Royal Mencap Society. She is an experienced research and evaluation specialist, and her research interests include disability, sexuality and gender. Carla previously sat on the Board for Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard. Carla brings to the Board a wealth of experience in using monitoring, evaluation and research to inform strategic planning and delivery, policy influencing, campaigning and fundraising.
Asher Craig has over 30 years’ experience as a community activist, leader, management consultant, and now politician. She is a councillor in Bristol and the city’s Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Children's Services, Education and Equalities. Alongside her trustee role at Terrence Higgins Trust, she is a trustee of ASDAN – an education charity – and The Friends of Fairfield House. Asher also hosted the HIV Commission when it went to Bristol, has spoken at Terrence Higgins Trust events to mark HIV Testing Week, and helped found – and continues to support – Bristol Fast Track Cities.
Jonathan McShane, Chair of Trustees at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: 'All of us are delighted to welcome Abayomi, Carla and Asher to Terrence Higgins Trust. Each trustee brings a wealth of experience to the board and a commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV and in tackling sexual health inequalities. This is vital as we work towards ending HIV transmissions, in tackling stigma and improving sexual health'.
Abayomi Olusunle said: 'There's a huge intersection between HIV and poor mental health due to the unbaiting stigma. The statistics are rising every day and they are even worse within racially minoritised communities. I hope to leverage my digital and communications experience to create awareness, reduce stigma, and educate younger generations and racially minoritised communities on HIV.'
Carla Barrett said: 'I am passionate about improving sexual health and supporting Terrence Higgins Trust’s work towards a world where people with HIV live healthy lives free from discrimination. As a disabled woman, I am also committed to ensuring this work is inclusive of disabled and neurodivergent people. I am looking forward to supporting the organisation to deliver our new strategy, better understand our impact, and make an even bigger difference to people’s lives.'
Asher Craig said: 'We need progress for all communities impacted by HIV, that’s why I am committed to using my experience in public health to root out HIV inequalities faced by racially minoritised communities. I hope to significantly help Terrence Higgins Trust’s mission to eradicate stigma and discrimination in these communities to ensure that nobody is left behind in work to end HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030.'
