About

Cisgender women helped
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Years in Advocacy
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About foundation

LOTUS (Loving Ourselves Thru Unity and Strength)

is a non-profit organization committed to supporting women living with HIV, their families, and their communities. The organization strives to create a safe and inclusive environment for those affected, ensuring they feel valued and understood.

At the heart of LOTUS is a focus on fostering a network of care. Through its initiatives, the organization works tirelessly to address the stigma surrounding HIV, creating awareness and promoting acceptance within society.

Additionally, LOTUS advocates for those impacted by HIV by providing essential programs and resources. These efforts aim to educate, empower, and uplift individuals, helping them lead fulfilling lives while building a stronger, more compassionate community.

Stomp Out HIV Stigma
Stomp Out HIV Stigma
Co-Founder

Freda Jones: Executive Director, co-founder of LOTUS

Freda Jones is a visionary leader and passionate advocate who has dedicated her life to empowering individuals living with HIV. Diagnosed in 2002, Freda faced the challenges of her diagnosis with strength and determination. She quickly transformed her journey into a mission to combat stigma, provide support, and create safe spaces for those affected by HIV.

Recognizing a critical need for inclusive support networks, Freda, Executive Director, co-founded LOTUS, an organization that fosters community, education, and resources for individuals and families impacted by HIV. Her leadership has been instrumental in designing programs that uplift and inspire, including initiatives aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by women and families.

Freda’s advocacy extends beyond LOTUS. She is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and community leader, tirelessly working to amplify the voices of those too often unheard. Her resilience and commitment have not only changed lives but also shifted perceptions about living with HIV.

Co-Founder

Kennedi Lowman

Kennedi Lowman, a native of Columbus, GA, holds a Bachelor
of Science from Albany State University in Biology & Tuskegee
University in Clinical Laboratory Science. She has two sisters
and five brothers. She loves her family to infinity & beyond. Her
hobbies include baking, adventurous activities, reading,
writing, and hanging with family & friends. She is a very loving
person, always willing to give hugs and spread love wherever
she goes. You can see her laughing, smiling, and dancing 90%
of the time. Kennedi is constantly told that she has a bubbly
personality.

She is an avid volunteer and voice in the community for women living with HIV. She has a blog (klowinspires.com) and YouTube channel (#KLowInspires) where she talks about her experience living with HIV and issues affecting Black women. In May of 2021, she started working as a Linkage Coordinator for THRIVESupport Services, and in September promoted to LinkageSupervisor. In March 2022, she was promoted to CommunityMember Engagement Manager. Under her roles at THRIVE SS, she has helped Black and brown members of the HIV community get linked to medical and dental care, support services, mental health, and food resources. Kennedi also led THRIVE’s Mobile Clinic Community Advisory Board in partnership with Emory and Grady and THRIVE’s Speakers Guild initiative. She loves creating fun outside-the-box activities with her team so PLWH can enjoy life and remember that HIV is not the end of their journey. Freda Jones was one of my most prominent community coaches, leading and guiding me along my HIV advocacy path. I thank her for pushing and guiding me to stand out and make a difference for women living with HIV.

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