With home bases in Georgia, and Florida, H.Y.P.E. to Empower provides vital services for young people living with HIV and their families. Our mission is to create opportunities for youth to thrive, both personally and as leaders in their communities. Through education, advocacy, and support programs, we work to transform the lives of children, young adults, families, and communities that are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS
OUR Staff
LaMar Yarborough
Founder/Executive Director
On his eighteenth birthday, March 28, 2010, LaMar Yarborough was diagnosed with AIDS, with only five T-cells. Later that same year, in December, he was also diagnosed with cancer.
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Despite these life-altering challenges, LaMar prevailed. Through prayer, resilience, and unwavering determination, he overcame cancer and achieved an undetectable HIV status.
Determined to make a difference, LaMar immersed himself in HIV/AIDS advocacy, volunteering with organizations such as Ponce Center (IDP), Camp High Five, Emory Pipeline, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and other infectious disease-focused initiatives. He also served as the Program Coordinator for the Atlanta-based LOVE Coalition (Lifting Our Voices to Equality, Inc.) and became a certified HIV tester with The Empowerment Resource Center.
Recognizing the lack of resources tailored to the unique experiences of young individuals living with HIV particularly those from Black, Latinx, Indigenous, low-income, and LGBTQIA communities LaMar took action. After living with HIV for two years, he founded HIV Positive Youth That Pledge to Empower Themselves and Others (H.Y.P.E.), an organization committed to dismantling stigma, addressing systemic barriers, and creating culturally responsive support for young people affected by HIV.
On October 1, 2013, H.Y.P.E. to Empower, Inc. officially received its nonprofit status, and by February 2017, the organization was granted tax-exempt status by the IRS. Since its inception, H.Y.P.E. has evolved into an HIV health education service provider, youth development organization, and advocacy network based in Atlanta, Georgia. The organization serves communities disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS, including young people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and families affected by the epidemic.
H.Y.P.E. has established comprehensive programs designed to address health literacy, counseling, supportive services, and professional development training. These initiatives bridge gaps in access to care while equipping individuals with leadership skills to create lasting change. H.Y.P.E.'s models have empowered participants to become advocates, mentors, and community leaders, ensuring that others do not face their diagnoses alone.
LaMar’s vision for H.Y.P.E. was inspired by his personal experience. When diagnosed with AIDS and cancer at 19, he found that insufficient services existed to support young people like himself particularly Black youth and those from marginalized communities. He saw a lack of resources for families to understand and provide support and was determined to create an organization rooted in love, inspiration, and compassion. His goal was to shift the narrative, ensuring that no one else would have to view their diagnosis negatively.
Beyond his work with H.Y.P.E., LaMar has remained deeply engaged in community leadership. He served as Co-Chair of the Comprehensive Plan in the Ryan White Planning Council, working alongside Katherine Lovell. He is also a founding member of the Community Liaison Council with CFAR-Emory University and now serves as the Chair of that council. Additionally, he was selected as one of the inaugural Georgia Equality Policy Youth Advisors. His leadership and advocacy efforts continue to shape HIV policy, enhance community engagement, and drive empowerment initiatives for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
OUR BOARD
Latrisha Wright, ACCT – Board Chair
As a seasoned analyst with the Georgia Department of Community Health, Latrisha Wright brings a wealth of expertise in health policy analysis, program evaluation, and community engagement. In her role as Board Chair, she ensures that H.Y.P.E. maintains a strategic vision that aligns with public health priorities while advancing equity and access to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Her leadership emphasizes fiscal oversight, governance, and strategic planning, allowing the organization to grow sustainably while continuing to serve those most affected by HIV. Latrisha is dedicated to creating pathways for marginalized communities to receive essential healthcare services and resources.
Lakia Goodman, CPA, MAFM – Board Treasurer
With over a decade of experience in financial management and nonprofit accounting, Lakia Goodman is committed to ensuring the financial sustainability of H.Y.P.E. As the Managing Owner of Lakia S. Goodman CPA, PC, she specializes in budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal accountability, ensuring the organization's funds are allocated effectively to maximize impact. Lakia's leadership in financial stewardship allows H.Y.P.E. to expand its programming, secure additional funding, and enhance organizational capacity to better serve individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
Sean McIntosh, MPH, CPH – Board Member
A public health researcher and advocate, Sean McIntosh is deeply invested in HIV prevention, health equity, and data-driven policymaking. As a Research Coordinator at The AIDS Institute, he brings critical insight into epidemiology, health policy, and best practices in HIV care. His role on the board ensures that H.Y.P.E.’s programs remain evidence-based, effective, and responsive to emerging trends in HIV prevention and treatment. Sean is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between research and community-based interventions to drive sustainable improvements in public health outcomes
Bobby E. Hill Jr. – Board Member
As an attorney specializing in Arts & Entertainment and Immigration Law, Bobby E. Hill Jr. brings a legal advocacy lens to H.Y.P.E.’s mission. His experience in civil rights, policy development, and legal support for marginalized communities enables the organization to navigate complex legal landscapes that impact access to HIV/AIDS services. Bobby is dedicated to advocating for the rights of individuals affected by HIV, ensuring that legal protections, access to healthcare, and anti-discrimination policies are at the forefront of H.Y.P.E.’s initiatives. His contributions help safeguard the organization’s integrity while fostering legal empowerment for vulnerable populations.
Deasia Gaston – Board Member
As a Youth HIV Policy Advisor at Georgia Equality, Deasia Gaston serves as a powerful voice for young people affected by HIV/AIDS. Her work in policy advocacy, community engagement, and public health education ensures that H.Y.P.E.’s programs reflect the lived experiences and needs of youth. With a passion for empowering young people to become self-advocates, Deasia helps shape inclusive policies and initiatives that drive lasting change. Her leadership amplifies the perspectives of young individuals navigating HIV prevention and care, ensuring they have access to the tools and support they need to live healthy and empowered lives.
A Collective Vision for Change
Together, the Board of Directors at H.Y.P.E. to Empower, Inc. represents a dynamic team of leaders, advocates, and professionals dedicated to equity, empowerment, and the eradication of HIV-related stigma. Their collective expertise in public health, financial sustainability, legal advocacy, and community engagement ensures that H.Y.P.E. continues to be a trailblazing force for systemic change. Under their guidance, the organization remains committed to supporting, educating, and advocating for individuals disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
Our Vision Statement
We will see a community of empowered youth, young adults, and families who live sustainable lifestyles.
Our Mission
H.Y.P.E.’s mission is to empower leadership in youth, young adults, and families to transform lives and communities through education, health literacy, counseling, supportive services, and ongoing- professional development training.
