Tiare Anelaokalani Kima Sua: She/Her/span>

Co-DIRECTOR OF PREVENTION AND REDUCTION

Aloha (Hello),

My name is Tiare Sua, and I have been working with the Maui AIDS Foundation since 2007 and currently serve as the Director of Prevention, Education, and Harm Reduction. Born and raised in Hawaiʻi on the island of Oʻahu, I began my career in HIV/AIDS research at Kulia Na Mamo, focusing on health promotion for the transgender and Native Hawaiian populations.
Moving to Maui to further my passion, I now lead efforts to prevent HIV and support individuals living with HIV. My work centers on educating the community, creating inclusive programs, and advocating for transgender and LGBTQ youth, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and awareness.

Community engagement is at the heart of my approach to HIV prevention. I believe that involving the community in educational events, outreach efforts, and workshops is key to creating a sustainable impact. My work emphasizes the importance of culturally competent messaging tailored to Maui’s unique demographics, including Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. By fostering open dialogue and trust within the community, I aim to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek out testing, prevention, and treatment services.

Throughout my career, my guiding principle has been a belief in the power of education and collaboration. By engaging with the community and spreading awareness, I have been able to make a lasting impact on those I serve. My work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. As I look ahead, I am dedicated to ensuring that our community and the world remains supported in the fight against infectious diseases and equality.