Brenice Duroseau, PhD(c), MSN, FNP-C, RNC-OB, AAHIVS (she/her)

PhD Candidate, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing & Infectious Diseases

Addiction Nurse Practicioner, Behavorial Health Leadership Institute

Years as an ANAC member: 7

Local ANAC chapter: Cheseapeake Bay

What does National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day mean to you?

National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a crucial reminder of the work yet to be done in addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in the HIV epidemic. It underscores the necessity of tailored prevention and treatment strategies that consider the intersectional factors affecting women, especially in marginalized communities. This day restores my commitment to advocating for inclusive health policies and interventions that empower women and girls to lead healthier lives free from stigma, oppression, and discrimination.

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

I was introduced to the fight to end HIV/AIDS during graduate school by my mentor at that time, Dr. Deanne Walsh, who was leading the fight in an underserved community in Bridgeport, Connecticut. As a clinician I was further driven by the stark disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among marginalized populations, particularly Black women who remain disproportionally impacted. My career in infectious diseases and addiction medicine exposed me to the front lines of this battle, where I saw firsthand the impact of structural inequities on health. This ignited a passion to use my skills and voice to challenge these injustices as an outsider within and contribute to building a world where everyone has the tools and knowledge to protect and optimize their health.

What does ANAC mean to you?

ANAC is more than a professional organization; it is a community of passionate individuals united by a common goal to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. ANAC always has a family vibe to it, which I appreciate and value as an emerging nurse scientist. ANAC, to me, represents the power of nurses as change agents.

What is something you learned in the last month?

In the last month, I've learned that my views on community and sisterhood are not just desires but essential elements of life. Recent shifts have underscored the critical importance of building and sustaining community and true team-based science approaches, especially for combating HIV/AIDS and addressing systemic failures. This has reinforced my belief that together, through collective effort and shared knowledge, we can overcome challenges more effectively and create sustainable health outcomes for those most at risk.