Rising Stars: Meet Wanda Collier (StigmaGoddess)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wanda Collier (StigmaGoddess). Them and their team share their story with us below:

When most people are off to start their lives at nineteen, Wanda Collier (StigmaGoddess) in 1988 was informed she was Hiv positive. That diagnosis began her extensive battle with drugs and a revolving door with the criminal justice system. Finally, with her determination to end her disruptive behavior, she accepted an opportunity to become a resident at St. Stephen’s Ministry, a (now shuttered) transitional house for persons living with Hiv & Aids. This life-changing opportunity afforded her the acceptance and healing she had sought for over twenty years; including housing and various other life-changing supports after leaving its protective loving hub. After becoming a St. Stephen’s success story Ms. Collier made the decision that she must rectify the harm she committed against her community. Thus, she founded the former not-for-profit organization “Stop Da Stigma” which is now officially “Stop Our Stigma (SOS) Foundation, Inc”. Stop Our Stigma Foundation provides educational events, raises awareness, assists, and advocates on behalf of newly diagnosed persons, and fundraises for underfunded Hiv & Aids and Mental Health Agencies in our communities throughout the year. 

For the past eleven years, SOS has impacted the lives of people in our communities living with Hiv & Aids, Mental Health Challenges, and other challenges (e.g., Homelessness, Returning Citizens, and LGBTQ Communities) that are associated with stigma without the benefit of state or federal aid. 

I have been hiv+ for 33 years…20 yrs. of prison, I live with ancestors of my past lives that deal with anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar, mild schizophrenic, and a recovering crack addict of 11yrs. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think if it would have been smooth, I won’t be where I am today..lol. I had a great mentor Sandra Wimberly that begin me on my path of activism. The first 10 years of funding only came from my finances and the help of the community which is challenging when I had so many great ideas and events to put together to bring awareness, education, and fundraising to the communities we serve with the foundation. My challenge now is we want to get a house like St. Stephens that gave me the life skills and motivation to have a better life, to help the communities we serve (HIV, mental health, LGBTQ, and returning citizens). The challenges and obstacles keep me pushing forward to make that happen. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For the past eleven years, SOS has impacted the lives of people in our communities living with Hiv & Aids, Mental Health Challenges, and other challenges (e.g., Homelessness, Returning Citizens, and LGBTQ Communities) that are associated with stigma without the benefit of state or federal aid. We’re able to achieve our mission by hosting our annual “Life’s Celebration, Stop Our Stigma Red Party.” Including other fundraising events throughout the year. These projects bring awareness and education to the citizens of our community and raise funds for other noteworthy organizations assisting persons living with Hiv & Aids, Mental Health, and other stigma challenges (i.e., homelessness, returning citizens, LGBTQ Communities). 

Education: 

Re-entry services program 

Mentor for returning citizens, March 2017 

Georgia mental health consumer network 

Whole health and wellness coach, may 2016 

Georgia department of behavioral health and developmental disabilities 

Certified peer specialist, June 2015 

Department of technical and adult education 

General educational development diploma November 1998 

State bar of Georgia 

World of works and business training course, April 2005 

Achievements: 

Wham facilitator (whole health action management) 

Trauma-informed care facilitator 

Certified peer specialist 

Community activist 

Board member of Georgia legal services program (8 yr term) 

Member of Georgia client council (present) 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I enjoy listening to podcasts and books that feed my spirit (spiritually). I love working with Project Impact of Augusta. Being able to go to speaking engagements as StigmaGoddess helps me learn more about myself and the communities I serve. 

Pricing:

• we have event and yearly sponsorship packages
• please get in touch with us for more details
• 706-691-1857

Contact Info:

• Email: stopourstigma1969@gmail.com
• Website: stopourstigmainc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stopdastigma1969/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STOPOURSTIGMA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE9hV-AepD6zrZ7m7rU69EQ
• Other: TikTok/ StigmaGoddess1969