Susan Rodriguez

In large part due to Susan’s perseverance … Programs for HIV-positive women have grown in NYC in the last decade. After surviving her husband’s death to AIDS, breast cancer, and two HIV diagnoses – her own and her daughter’s – Susan is a symbol of courage for HIV-positive women and for anyone facing adversity. City Council Member

Community Health Leaders
2010

Area(s) of Expertise:
Women living with HIV-AIDS

Leader's Biography 2010:
Susan Rodriguez found out that she and her toddler daughter had contracted HIV after her husband tested positive for the virus in 1995. Rodriguez co-founded Sisterhood Mobilized for AIDS/HIV Research & Treatment (SMART University) in 1998.  SMART University and its adjunct programs continue to conduct classes for women on how to survive and thrive in the face of HIV and AIDS.  SMART, a project of the Fund for the City of New York, addresses disparities for women in health care, empowers low-income HIV-positive women of color to make informed health care decisions and to advocate for quality HIV care.

Where this leader can be reached today:
President and Founding Director
Sisterhood Mobilized or AIDS/HIV Research and Treatment (SMART), New York
306-308 W. 38th Street
Suite 601
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 564-3282
Fax: (212) 564-4365
Email: suerodrig@aol.com
Website: www.smartuniversity.org