Gabby Brito, DNP, MSN, AACRN, DNS-CT (She/Her)

Director of Nursing Workforce, CAN Community Health

Years as an ANAC member: 7

What does Latinx AIDS Awareness Day mean to you? 

As a Hispanic nurse, National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day is a powerful reminder that unity changes the way we fight. Our community has always shown resilience in the face of HIV disparities, but this day calls us to go further with intentionality. Effectively sharing education, compassion, research, advocacy, and many other efforts contributes to ambitious yet attainable healthcare goals for our people. By meeting individuals where they are and walking alongside them in their journey, we can make a difference one life at a time and continue building hope for the future.               

Why did you join the fight to end HIV/AIDS?

As a nurse, I believe there is no greater calling than to serve this mission. Like many others, I have seen friends and family impacted by HIV/AIDS, but it’s the lasting effects of stigma and disparities that compel me to act. Historically, HIV/ AIDS is one of the rare areas in healthcare where advocacy doesn’t just influence lives; it literally saves them. There is no higher purpose and no more rewarding feeling that reaffirms why I chose to become a nurse in this field.

What does ANAC mean to you?

ANAC, to me, is a platform where incredibly talented nurses, united by a mission, come together to fulfill a higher purpose. We not only participate in chapters, but many of us make it our life’s mission to serve in interconnected arenas. ANAC is more than building lifelong friendships; it is joining a workforce we can be proud of, knowing that we left our mark and contributed to a positive legacy and lasting influence for our patients.

What words of wisdom might you pass on to those entering the field?

You’re stepping into a field that will change your life. If you fully invest in the mission, everything else will always fall into place. You’ll be more than a nurse; you’ll be a counselor, tech support, alarm clock, pill reminder, part-time therapist, and occasional superhero. You’ll wear so many hats that you might wonder if you signed up for five jobs, but that’s exactly what makes this field so meaningful. It’s challenging yet deeply rewarding, and I promise you’ll have stories every single week that remind you why dedicating your talents to this work was the right choice.

Michael Sanchez, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP (He/Him/His)

Dept. Chair, Graduate Nursing, Florida International University

Years as an ANAC member: 15

ANAC Committee: Research Committee

What does Latinx AIDS Awareness Day mean to you?

For me, Latinx AIDS Awareness Day both is personal and professional. It’s a reminder of the work still needed to address disparities in HIV prevention and care, especially in Hispanic communities like the ones I serve in South Florida. It connects to my own research and teaching, but also to a bigger responsibility, making sure the next generation of nurse leaders is prepared to care with cultural humility and fight for equity and access.

What’s your favorite aspect of ANAC membership?

My favorite aspect of ANAC membership is the community across generations. Longtime members bring historical perspective and dedication, reminding us of the progress made in HIV care and advocacy. On days like NLAAD, that legacy inspires me to continue pushing for access in Hispanic communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.

What words of wisdom might you pass on to those entering the field?

Stay curious, stay humble, and stay committed to equity. Listening to the lived experiences of Hispanic patients and building trust matters. Find mentors, learn from them, and be ready to mentor others, the fight against HIV is collective.

Who/what inspires you?

I’m most inspired by the resilience of minority communities who face stigma yet continue to push forward with strength and hope. I’m also motivated by colleagues and advocates who built the foundation for today’s progress. Their persistence shows me that advancing HIV care is about both science and social justice.